How to Design a Beaker Holder Using 3D CAD Software

How to Design a Beaker Holder Using 3D CAD Software

In any science lab, safety and organization are key; and that’s where a beaker holder comes in. In this hands-on tutorial, you’ll learn how to design a practical and customizable beaker holder using SelfCAD, a beginner-friendly 3D modeling software ideal for classroom settings. Given you're a teacher looking to incorporate 3D design into your STEM curriculum or a student eager to create functional lab tools, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. By the end, you’ll not only have a solid grasp of digital modeling but also a useful tool ready for 3D printing or virtual lab simulations

To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/4r5d42v4c1s3ne1z6e63y5l4y62jj3w3l325

Once you’ve launched the editor;

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set height to 50, vertical segments to 128

Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder

Click copy button to copy selected objects; Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 90, z to 90

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 5

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on mesh 4 to select it

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 4(1) to subtract.

Tick the checkmark to finalize difference

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 25, height to 25, position y to 20.

Tick the checkmark finalize cube

Click copy button to copy selected objects; Click rotate on the toolbar; Set y to 90.

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on mesh 8 to select it

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

Tick the checkmark to finalize union

Click on difference 1 to select it

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose difference,

Choose union 1 to subtract.

Tick the checkmark to finalize difference

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 35, height to 5, depth to 15, position z to 54

Tick the checkmark finalize cube

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

Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 2 using highlighted gizmo

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on highlighted region to deselect it

From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set operation to pivot; 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 click select all; 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 black.

Click ok

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