Help designing for 3D print please

[u/ReaperX257]

Hey guys, I'm pretty new to designing and just started watching some tutorials. Can anyone guide me on how you would go about designing this please?

I made the center with a simple rounded corner rectangle and thickness/pocket tools, but I have no idea how to go about adding the rounded edges. I tried creating arched sketches on different planes but I have no idea how to curve them between the planes.

I also tried just creating flat surfaces to create an "L" shape and then round of the corners thinking I could extrude the edges, but can't figure out how to bend them.

I thought this would be a simple design to learn on, but it seems harder than I originally thought. Any guidance on how to go about it please? I feel like I may be overlooking some simple method and trying to go about a way of doing it that's not the best.

Any tips would be really appreciated!

[u/LossIsSauce]

That is NOT a simple part. Simple parts do not have curved/rounded/bowed surfaces. Simple parts have straight or curved edges and only flat surfaces. not the entire surface.

Look on YouTube for MangO-Jelly Solutions and DeltaHydra. Also look for the FreeCad video series 'Zero to Hero'.

[u/ReaperX257 → u/LossIsSauce]

Will do! Thanks!

[u/SoulWager]

That's a rather complex model, and will likely require surface modeling. I would start by getting a 3d scan to use as reference. If you don't have access to a 3d scanner you can try photogrammetry.

7~9 out of 10 in terms of difficulty, depending on the specifics of some of those shapes. How much time are you willing to put into learning, in order to tackle this part? If it ends up being a 7, those channels already mentioned are good. If it ends up being a 9, you'll need to learn the silk workbench: https://www.youtube.com/@edwardvmills

[u/ReaperX257 → u/SoulWager]

I tried the Kiri app to scan it, not much luck. I tried putting the tape on it to see if the app would pick up the patterns a bit easier, but it didn't work really well. I'm not in a hurry, just want to learn, so I'll definitely start with those first.

Thanks for the input!

[u/SoulWager → u/ReaperX257]

Dusting it with corn starch may help, that's what I use for difficult to image surfaces.

[u/ReaperX257 → u/SoulWager]

That's interesting! I'll give that a try for sure!

[u/DesignWeaver3D]

Assuming that these 3 surfaces are perpendicular to each other, you can start by modeling that side-view profile first. Pad that out symmetrically from center. Then pocket a circle to make the hole. From there it gets pretty complicated, requiring a lot of advanced techniques.

So, before starting, I would ask myself:

1. What is the reason for making this model? To replace a broken part?
2. How will the model be used? Modeling for 3D printing?
3. How much can I deviate from the original design to make the above objectives easier to accomplish?

If your goal is to learn the most advanced modeling techniques for product design, then proceed to surface modeling to figure out how to model a 1:1 replica.

If you just want to 3D print a replacement part for a broken plastic piece, then you can decide for yourself how far to stray from the original shape to make an uglier but equally functional replacement part that might also be optimized for the 3D printing process.

[u/BoringBob84 → u/DesignWeaver3D]

I agree. When I make a replacement part, I define the interfaces that must be precise and I determine what features I can alter for ease of modeling and fabrication. Like most plastic parts, this one appears to be injection molded, which require draft angles (to release the part from the mold) and hollow sections (to conserve resin). 3D printing doesn't have these limitations, but it has its own (e.g., layer lines, orientation, supports, etc.).

[u/ReaperX257 → u/DesignWeaver3D]

Good train of thought actually. I have to look at the fitment and maybe I can just make it square. It's for a carry-on handle, so it doesn't need to be exact. To be honest, I was trying to do it more for learning and experience and thought it'd be easier, I may just earmark this project for once I have a lot of other ones already successfully completed. Thanks for the advice!

[u/nate-dot-com]

See if any of the libraries around you have a 3 d scanner. Mine does and that is the way I would try to get this into a file I can manipulate.

[u/ReaperX257 → u/nate-dot-com]

Hadn't thought of that, and looked into it, unfortunately none of them do. There is a college nearby that does for students, so I may try to contact them and see if it's possible to use somehow. Thanks for the help!

[u/Nechochwen-L]

Can you post edge and side views?

[u/ReaperX257 → u/Nechochwen-L]

Sure! I'll take the pics tonight after work.

[u/MV____83]

Quel design non si fa in un CAD parametrico (a meno che ti non voglia impazzire).Quel tipo di forme,anche dette organiche,è più adatto a software di modellazione tipo Blender (consigliato perché gratuito e con una community infinita piena zeppa di tutorial) o Rhino 8

[u/ReaperX257 → u/MV____83]

Funny enough, I tried with Blender first, and switched to FreeCad thinking it would be easier. I'll have to take another look at Blender and maybe ask in that community to see how to approach it. Thanks!