How to Design a Table Tennis Bat Using 3D CAD Software

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

How to Design a Table Tennis Bat Using 3D CAD Software

Table tennis, often referred to as ping-pong, is a sport enjoyed by millions worldwide for its combination of precision, speed, and skill. A critical element of the game is the table tennis bat, whose design significantly influences performance. Creating a custom table tennis bat offers an exciting opportunity to blend personal style with functional design, and SelfCAD, an intuitive and comprehensive 3D modeling tool, provides the perfect platform for this creative endeavor.

This tutorial outlines the process of designing a table tennis bat using SelfCAD, from understanding its structural components to utilizing the software's features for precision modeling. By exploring shape creation, scaling, and material visualization, this guide will equip you with the skills needed to design a functional and visually appealing bat, whether for prototyping or 3D printing.

To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/2l2p601s1510xn63405c3r20725f5w82r514

Once you’ve launched the editor;

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set height to 10, vertical segments to 128

Click to finalize cylinder

Click to activate edge selection

Click on the gear icon to open the advanced selection tools; Set loop selection to true, Click on highlighted edge to select loop from the object

Click on highlighted edge to select loop from the object

From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet; Set intensity to 2, level to 5.

Click to finalize fillet

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 10, bottom radius to 10, height to 65, position x to 70, rotation z to 90

Click to finalize cylinder

Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection

Click on mesh 4 to select it. Click on mesh 8 to deselect; Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 5.

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on mesh 8 to select

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 4 to subtract, and set keep subtracted object to true

Click to finalize difference

Click on difference 1 to deselect

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

From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 1.

Click to finalize extrusion

From the deform category on the toolbar choose flatten; Set x to 85 using highlighted gizmo

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on highlighted region to deselect it

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

Click ok

Click on highlighted region to deselect it

Click on highlighted region to select it

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

Click ok

Click on difference 1 to select it. Click on mesh 4 to deselect

From the right panel choose materials; Set settings to textures, texture category to wood, Click wood 1 button to apply texture

Set settings to uv, Set mapping to face uv

Tick the checkmark to finalize materials

Click on mesh 4 to select it. Click on difference 1 to deselect

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

Click inverse selection button to inverse selection

From the right panel choose materials; Set settings to textures, texture category to wood, Click wood 1 button to apply texture

Set settings to uv, Set mapping to face uv

Tick the checkmark to finalize materials

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