How to Design a Record Player Using 3D CAD Software
Designing a record player is a fascinating blend of engineering, creativity, and precision. As vinyl records continue to make a remarkable comeback in the digital age, creating a customized record player can be both a rewarding and functional project. Thanks to modern 3D design tools, this process has become more accessible and efficient than ever. Among these tools, SelfCAD distinguishes itself with its intuitive interface and comprehensive feature set, enabling users of all skill levels to bring their innovative ideas to life.
This article will provide a detailed guide on how to design a record player using SelfCAD, taking you through each stage of the process—from initial concept development to the creation of a polished 3D model. By exploring the capabilities of SelfCAD, you will learn how to craft a record player that combines aesthetic appeal with functional precision.
To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/2f4h3vf48446m2s5z2j5w69711e263l2l2u3
Once you’ve launched the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; set width to 162, height to 40, depth to 162
Click to finalize cube
From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet;
Click to finalize fillet
From the modify category on the toolbar choose round object; Set smoothness to 2
Click to finalize round object
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; set top radius to 65, Bottom radius to 65, height to 2, position y to 39.
Click to finalize cylinder
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; set top radius to 2, Bottom radius to 2, height to 7, position y to 37.
Click to finalize cylinder
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; set top radius to 5, Bottom radius to 5, height to 10, position x to -55, position y to 15, position z to 81, rotation y to 90, rotation z to 90
Click to finalize cylinder
Click copy button to copy selected objects; click move on the toolbar; set x to -36 using highlighted gizmo
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click copy button to copy selected objects; click rotate on the toolbar; set x to 90
Click move on the toolbar; set y to 34 using highlighted gizmo, set z to -63 using highlighted gizmo
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click scale on the toolbar; set x to 12.31, y to 12.31, z to 12.31 using highlighted gizmo
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; set width to 2, height to 50, depth to 3, position x to 55, position y to 42, position z to -47, rotation y to 90, rotation z to 90
Click to finalize cube
Click to activate face selection; click on highlighted region to select it
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; set extrusion amount to 25
Click to finalize extrusion
Click move on the toolbar; set x to 43 using highlighted gizmo
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click on highlighted region to deselect it
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; set width to 6, height to 5, depth to 11, position x to 54, position y to 40, position z to -75
Click to finalize cube
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; set width to 6, height to 4, depth to 15, position x to 49, position y to 41, position z to -10, rotation y to -24
Click to finalize cube
Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection
Click on mesh 24, 20, 16(3), 4, 16(2), 16(1), 8, 16, 12 to select, click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose union.
Click to finalize union
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.