How to Design a Hyperbolic Cuboctahedron Using 3D CAD Software

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

How to Design a Hyperbolic Cuboctahedron Using 3D CAD Software

At first glance, a hyperbolic cuboctahedron might sound complicated, and, honestly, it kind of is. But with the right tools and a bit of patience, designing one in SelfCAD can actually be a fun and rewarding challenge. In this project, I set out to model this unique geometric shape using SelfCAD’s 3D design tools. Along the way, I explored symmetry, structure, and a bit of creative problem-solving to bring the shape to life. This article goes through the steps I followed to build the hyperbolic cuboctahedron and how I made sense of its complex form using simple tools inside the software.

To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/6n5f1a5b2j5w26m2h4g5b4u2c3x5e205o4f6

Once you’ve launched the editor;

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose octahedron; Set segment to 2

Tick the checkmark to finalize octahedron

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

Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 20, y to 20, z to 20

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

From the modify category choose edit details; Set part of geometry to vertex, Click on highlighted point to add vertex to the selected object

Click on highlighted point to add vertex to the selected object

Repeat the same action (Click on highlighted point to add vertex to the selected object) for all the outward faces of the octahedron, which gives you;

Tick the checkmark to finalize edit details

Click on highlighted region to select it

Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 10, y to 10, z to 10

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

From the modify category choose edit details; Set part of geometry to vertex, Click on highlighted point to add vertex to the selected object

Click on highlighted point to add vertex to the selected object (and repeat the same action for all the vertices)

Tick the checkmark to finalize edit details

Click on highlighted region to select it

Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 40, y to 40, z to 40

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel, Click on highlighted region to deselect it

Click on highlighted region to select it

Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 126.71, y to 126.71, z to 126.71 using highlighted gizmo

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on highlighted region to deselect it

From the modify category on the toolbar choose round object; Set smoothness to 3.

Tick the checkmark to finalize round object

Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection

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