How to Extrude Cut in Tinkercad?

Understanding Extrude Cuts in TinkerCAD

TinkerCAD is a user-friendly platform for 3D modeling that provides a variety of tools to create and modify shapes. One of the functions users often seek is the ability to perform extrude cuts, which allows for precision in shaping objects by removing material from them. This article will guide you through the steps involved in executing an extrude cut within TinkerCAD.

What is Extrude Cut?

An extrude cut is a technique used in 3D modeling to alter shapes by cutting out portions of material based on defined parameters or shapes. It offers a way to create more complex and functional designs by allowing users to carve out sections of solid models, paving the way for detailed components in a 3D design project.

Step 1: Open Your TinkerCAD Project

Begin by accessing your TinkerCAD account and either create a new project or select an existing one from your dashboard. This workspace is where you will be performing your extrude cut.

Step 2: Create Your Base Shape

Determine the base shape from which you want to extrude cut. To do this:

1. Select a basic shape from the right-hand side panel (e.g., box, cylinder).
2. Drag the chosen shape into the workplane, adjusting its size as necessary by dragging the corners or sides.

Step 3: Design the Cutting Shape

Next, design the shape that you want to use for the cut:

1. Choose another shape that will serve as your cutting object (e.g., a cylinder or a custom shape using the shape generator).
2. Adjust the size of this shape to suit your cutting design. Keep in mind that this shape will determine how much material will be removed from the base shape.

Step 4: Position the Cutting Shape

Move the cutting shape over the area of the base shape where you want to create the cut:

1. Use the alignment tool to position the cutting object precisely on the base shape.
2. If necessary, adjust the height of the cutting shape so that it extends through the base shape, ensuring it is tall enough to create a complete cut.

Step 5: Convert to a Hole

Once positioned, you need to turn the cutting shape into a "hole":

1. Select the cutting shape.
2. In the Inspector panel typically located on the right side, find and click the “Hole” option. This will change the appearance of your cutting shape to a gray, translucent object, indicating it is now a cutting form.

Step 6: Group the Objects Together

You need to group the base shape and the hole shape to execute the cut:

1. Hold down the Shift key and select both the base shape and the hole shape.
2. Click on the "Group" button in the top menu bar or use the shortcut Ctrl + G. This action will remove the material from the base shape based on the dimensions of the hole shape, creating your desired cut.

Step 7: Inspect the Result

After grouping, take a moment to examine the cut:

1. Rotate your view using the view cube in the upper left to ensure the cut appears as intended from all angles.
2. Make adjustments if necessary by ungrouping the objects (Ctrl + Shift + G), modifying either shape, and regrouping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make multiple cuts in TinkerCAD?
Yes, you can make multiple cuts by repeating the steps above with different shapes and hole dimensions. Each cut can be added sequentially to your design.

Q2: What types of shapes can I use for cutting?
Any shape available in TinkerCAD can be used for cutting, including standard shapes (like boxes and cylinders) and custom shapes created in the Shape Generators menu.

Q3: Can I recover a shape after performing an extrude cut?
Once you group and apply a hole to create a cut, you cannot recover the original material without ungrouping. However, you can always redo the operation by creating a duplicate of the original shape before cutting.