How to Design a Handgun Using 3D CAD Software

Learn How to Design a Handgun Using 3D CAD Software with the help of this article

How to Design a Handgun Using 3D CAD Software

The design of a handgun requires a balance of precision, functionality, and safety. With modern 3D modeling software, such as SelfCAD, designers can create digital prototypes before manufacturing. SelfCAD offers an intuitive and versatile platform that allows users to model complex objects, including a handgun, with precision and efficiency.

This article will provide a step-by-step guide on designing a handgun using SelfCAD, covering key aspects such as shaping the frame, adding the barrel and grip, and refining details for a realistic model. By following this process, users will develop a deeper understanding of 3D modeling principles while exploring the technical aspects of firearm design

To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/3r4c1e1dv4v6h40314j5b2yx4338t03m534f

Once you’ve launched the editor;

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 20, height to 150, depth to 20, position y to 70, rotation z to 90.

Click to finalize cube

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose L Shape; Set height to 19,front width to 18, front length to 89, side width to 32, side length to 43, position x to 15, position y to 10, position z to -1, rotation y to -90, rotation z to -90.

Click to finalize L Shape

From the deform category on the toolbar choose skew; Set x to -14

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on mesh 4 to select it. Click on mesh 8 to deselect

From the deform category on the toolbar choose skew; Set x to -6

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on mesh 4 to deselect it. Click on mesh 8 to select

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

Click copy button to copy selected objects

Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 29.33, y to 42.82

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click copy button to copy selected objects

Click move on the toolbar; Set z to 9.

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose torus; Set ring radius to 8, tube radius to 7, tubular segments to 3, radial segments to 21, arc to 123, position x to 61, position y to 57, rotation x to 90, rotation y to -148

Click to finalize torus

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose torus; Set ring radius to 19, tube radius to 3, tubular segments to 3, arc to 69, position x to 12, position y to 35, rotation x to 90, rotation y to 63

Click to finalize torus

Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection

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 26.72.

Click to finalize extrusion

Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose torus; Set ring radius to 9, tube radius to 2, tubular segments to 3, arc to 87, position x to 26, position y to 42, rotation x to 90, rotation y to 42, rotation z to 3

Click to finalize torus

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 6, Bottom radius to 6, height to 20, position x to -71, position y to 73, rotation z to 100.

Click to finalize cylinder

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

From the modify category on the toolbar choose inset;

Click to finalize inset

From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to -5

Click to finalize extrusion

Click on highlighted region to deselect it

Click on mesh 20, mesh 8, mesh 12, mesh 16 to select it; 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