Creating a Fidget Cube on Tinkercad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Designing Your Fidget Cube
Start by logging into Tinkercad and creating a new project. Familiarize yourself with the workspace, where 3D shapes can be manipulated and combined. To begin with your fidget cube design, you first need to create the basic shape. Select a cube shape from the basic shapes menu and drag it onto the workplane. Adjust the dimensions to a compact size, typically around 30mm x 30mm x 30mm, which will be the core of your fidget cube.
Adding Functionality with Different Features
A fidget cube’s appeal lies in its various tactile surfaces. Each side should have a unique feature that allows for different fidgeting actions. Below are suggestions for each face and how to create them:
Button Press: On one of the sides, add a small dome shape to represent the button. You can achieve this by placing a half-sphere on the face of the cube. Adjust its size to ensure it protrudes enough for a satisfying press but doesn’t take up too much space.
Switch: Create a toggle switch using a thin rectangular prism. Position it parallel to one edge of the face, ensuring it extends slightly outwards. You can duplicate this piece for more realistic toggle effects.
Rolling Ball: For a rolling mechanism, you can use a smaller sphere placed in a cut-out area of the fidget cube’s face. To create the cut-out, first, select a larger cube and position it so that it intersects with the face of the main cube. Select both shapes, and use the ‘hole’ feature to cut out a section. Then place the sphere in the cavity created.
Gear: Use the gear shape found in the shape generators menu. Place it on one side of the cube and make sure it fits snugly. You can rotate it to make it functional, allowing users to spin it with their fingers.
Slider: For the slider component, use a rectangular prism and position it horizontally on the chosen face. Ensure it has some clearance on either side so that it slides smoothly.
- Textured Surface: To add a textured area, consider using small cylinders or cones to create a series of nubs. Arrange them in a grid pattern to give a tactile feel.
Assembling the Cube
Once all the surfaces have been designed and placed, group all the features with the main cube shape. Select all components and utilize the ‘Group’ function in Tinkercad to merge everything into a single object. This step is crucial, as it prevents any parts from detaching during the printing process or if modifications are needed later.
Final Adjustments and Exporting Your Design
Before you finish, take a moment to review your design for any necessary adjustments. Ensure that all elements are properly aligned and functional. You may wish to tweak the dimensions or positions of certain features for aesthetic or practical reasons.
When satisfied with the design, export your fidget cube as an STL file, which is commonly used for 3D printing. Save the file in a designated folder so you can easily find it later for printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What materials can be used to 3D print the fidget cube?
Common materials for 3D printing fidget cubes include PLA and ABS plastics. PLA is popular for its ease of use and biodegradability, while ABS is known for its sturdiness and resilience.
2. How long does it take to 3D print a fidget cube?
The printing time can vary based on the printer settings and the cube’s complexity. Generally, printing a fidget cube may take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours.
3. Can I customize the design further?
Absolutely! Tinkercad allows for extensive customization. You can add color, change dimensions, or incorporate additional elements as you desire to make a unique fidget cube that suits your style.
