How to Design a Charger Wire Protector using 3D CAD Software

How to Design a Charger Wire Protector using 3D CAD Software

Charger wires are one of the most commonly used and most easily damaged accessories in our daily tech lives. Fraying near the connector is a widespread issue that can lead to exposed wires, short circuits, or complete failure. Rather than constantly replacing your cables, why not design a custom solution that extends their lifespan?

In this article, you'll learn how to design a simple yet effective charger wire protector using SelfCAD, a powerful and beginner-friendly 3D modeling tool. Whether you're new to 3D design or just looking for a quick and practical project, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process from concept to printable model.

To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/3q232ficm205awl6p4q2t1yp664818615f6a

Once you’ve launched the editor;

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 40, depth to 20, height segment to 2

Tick the checkmark finalize cube

Click to activate face selection; Click on highlighted region to select it

Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 20, z to 10

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on highlighted region to deselect it

Click on highlighted region to select it

Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 80 using highlighted gizmo

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 40.

Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion

Click delete button to delete selected objects

From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to 5.

Tick the checkmark to finalize add thickness

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 10, height to 125, depth to 15, position z to 10

Tick the checkmark finalize cube

Click on mesh 4 to select it

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 8 to subtract.

Tick the checkmark to finalize difference

From the modify category on the toolbar choose round object; Set smoothness to 2

Tick the checkmark to finalize round object

From the generators category on the toolbar choose spiral generator; Set height to 51, edges to 1, position x to 100

Tick the checkmark to finalize spiral generator

From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set y to 50, amount of copies to 3, Click copy button to create copies.

Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel

From the edit menu on the top toolbar choose merge; Click move on the toolbar; Click center object button to center object

Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 25, z to 25

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click copy button to copy selected objects; Click rotate on the toolbar; Set y to 180.

Click on spiral 1 to select it

From the edit menu on the top toolbar click group

From the drawing category on the top toolbar choose 3d sketch; From the tool panel choose circle, Click on group 1 to deselect, Click on highlighted point to draw circle

Type in 2 value in the radius measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw circle

Click ‘x’ to close 3d sketch

Click on group 1 to select

From the tools category on the toolbar choose follow path; Set mode to extrude, direction to bottom/top

Tick the checkmark to finalize follow path

Click on difference 1 to select it. Click on mesh 9, 10 to deselect

Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 198

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on mesh 10, 9 to select

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.

Tick the checkmark to finalize union

Click color picker button to change color of object; Click white

Click ok

Click on profile 1, group 1 to select. Click on union 1 to deselect

Click delete button to delete selected objects

As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.

More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace