Assembling a Lego Rocket Using 3D CAD Software

Assembling a Lego Rocket Using 3D CAD Software

Lego building has always been a fun way to bring creative ideas to life. With digital tools like SelfCAD, that same experience can happen on a screen instead of a tabletop. In this project, I used SelfCAD to assemble a Lego rocket using parts that were already designed. The goal was to piece everything together into a complete rocket model, just like you would with real Lego bricks, only this time in a 3D modeling environment. It’s a simple but satisfying process that shows how digital tools can make building just as enjoyable as the physical version.

To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/5lc2s323h01r5u1f1y2s2i643d536u6614m5

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

Click on mesh 234, 234(1), union 1 to deselect; Click rotate on the toolbar; Set z to -90

Click move on the toolbar; Set z to -1, x to 0

Click on mesh 234(3) to select

Click rotate on the toolbar; Click on mesh 165 to deselect, Set z to -270

Click move on the toolbar; Click center object button to center object, Set x to 0, y to 387, z to 0

Click on mesh 234(3) to select, Click on mesh 234(3) to deselect

Click rotate on the toolbar; Set z to 270

Click move on the toolbar; Click center object button to center object, Set x to 0, y to 305, z to 0

Click on mesh 234(3) to select, Click on mesh 234(3) to deselect

Click center object button to center object, Set x to 0, y to 264, z to 0 using highlighted gizmo

Click on union 1 to select it, Click on mesh 234 to deselect

Click rotate on the toolbar; Set y to 270, x to -270

Click move on the toolbar; Click center object button to center object, Set x to 0, y to 123, z to 0

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

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.