How to Design a Height Adjustment Tool Using 3D CAD Software

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

How to Design a Height Adjustment Tool Using 3D CAD Software

Creating a height adjustment tool in a digital modeling environment requires precision, mechanical reasoning, and familiarity with component-based design. SelfCAD, a comprehensive 3D modeling software, offers a wide array of parametric and freeform tools suited for developing functional mechanical parts. Using SelfCAD’s features such as 3D Shapes, Move and Scale, designers can simulate the structure and function of adjustable mechanisms directly in a virtual space.

This article outlines the process of designing a height adjustment tool from concept to digital prototype using SelfCAD. It explores how to model key components such as the adjustable shaft, locking mechanism, and base support, while emphasizing accuracy, dimensional planning, and assembly compatibility. Through this tutorial, users will gain insight into translating mechanical design requirements into practical 3D models ready for visualization or 3D printing.

To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/3a395t6eve1f4m6p4z551ar1l5x156l641k2

Once you’ve launched the editor;

From the generators category on the toolbar choose screw & nut generator; Set generate nut to true, radius to 30, pitch to 10, segments to 150, rotations to 10, tip scale to 5

Tick the checkmark to finalize screw & nut generator

Click on screw 1 to deselect

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 48, Bottom radius to 48, height to 20, vertical segments to 6, position y to 108, rotation y to 30

Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder

Click on screw 1 to select it

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.

Tick the checkmark to finalize union

Click on nut 1 to select it. Click on union 1 deselect it

From the right panel choose cube selection; Set top to 40

Tick the checkmark to finalize cube selection

Click on the gear icon to open the advanced selection tools; Click on highlighted region to deselect it

set loop selection to true, click on highlighted face to select loop from the object.

From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 30

Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion

Click on highlighted region to deselect it

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 5, Bottom radius to 5, height to 200, vertical segments to 6, position y to 115, rotation x to 90,, rotation y to 30

Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder

Click on union 1 to select it

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 8 to subtract and set keep subtracted object to true

Tick the checkmark to finalize difference

Click on difference 1 to deselect it

Click color picker button to change color of object; Click black.

Click ok

Click on difference 1 to select it. Click on mesh 8 to deselect

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

Click ok

Click on nut 1 to select it. Click on difference 1 to deselect

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

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