How to Design a Mesh Bowl Using 3D CAD Software

How to Design a Mesh Bowl Using 3D CAD Software

Creating everyday objects using 3D design software can be a fun way to learn new skills and get creative at the same time. In this project, I used SelfCAD to design a mesh-style bowl from scratch. The process involved using some of the software’s basic tools along with a few clever techniques to get that open, net-like look. It was a great way to explore how shapes can be modified and repeated to form something both functional and visually interesting. This article walks through the steps I took to design the mesh bowl and what I learned along the way

To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/3dc5p2s44q376e3w6h2o31co2k5t2d573x4a

Once you’ve launched the editor;

From the file menu on the top toolbar click import; Click load object from tutorial button to add object

From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 6.

Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion

Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 2, z to 0

Click isolate button to isolate selected object, Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 45, height to 92, depth to 5, width segment to 20, height segment to 20

Tick the checkmark finalize cube

Click on mesh 1 to select it

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

Tick the checkmark to finalize difference

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

Click delete button to delete selected objects

From the deform category on the toolbar choose bend; Set origin layer to middle, z to 120

Set dynamic origin to true, plane to left/right, z to 360

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

From the utilities category on the toolbar, choose Geom clean; Set remove inner to true

Tick the checkmark to finalize geom clean

From the tools category on the toolbar choose fill polygons; Tick the checkmark to finalize fill polygons

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

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