TinkerCAD

How to Make a Hole in Tinkercad on iPad?

Understanding Holes in Tinkercad on iPad

Creating holes in your designs using Tinkercad on an iPad is a straightforward process that can enhance your 3D modeling skills. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to achieve this.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Hole in Tinkercad

Step 1: Open Your Tinkercad Design

Start by launching the Tinkercad application on your iPad and either create a new design or open an existing project. Familiarize yourself with the interface, especially the shapes panel where you’ll find various geometric forms you can use.

Step 2: Import or Create Your 3D Model

If you want to modify an existing model, use the import feature to bring in your STL, OBJ, or SVG files (keeping your file under 25MB). Alternatively, you can create a new shape directly within Tinkercad by selecting the basic shapes available.

Step 3: Add a Shape for Cutting

After your model is ready, it’s time to prepare the object that will help you make the hole. Drag a basic shape (like a cube or cylinder) from the shapes panel onto the workplane. This shape will act as your cutting tool.

Step 4: Resize and Position the Shape

Resize the shape according to the size of the hole you wish to create. Use the corner handles to adjust its dimensions as needed. Position the shape directly over the area where you want the hole to appear on your model. This alignment is crucial for accurate cutting.

Step 5: Convert the Shape to a Hole

Select the shape you’ve just placed on the workplane, and change its property to "hole." You can find this option in the shape’s settings. When a shape is set to "hole," it will effectively remove material from any solid shape it groups with.

Step 6: Group the Shapes

Now, select both your model and the hole shape. Look for the grouping option (often represented by a link or chain icon) in the toolbar and activate it. This action will combine the two shapes, cutting out the designated area from your model where the hole shape is positioned.

Step 7: Adjust as Needed

If you decide to make changes to your model, you can ungroup the shapes by selecting the grouped object and clicking the ungroup option. This allows you to resize, move, or delete elements as desired before regrouping again.

FAQ

1. Can I create holes in any shape?
Yes, you can create holes in various shapes as long as you follow the steps to set a shape as a hole and group it with a solid object.

2. What file formats can I import into Tinkercad?
Tinkercad supports STL, OBJ, and SVG file formats for 3D models, with a size limit of 25MB for each file.

3. Is it possible to use Tinkercad on other devices?
Yes, Tinkercad works on multiple platforms, including desktops and tablets, providing you with flexibility in your 3D modeling projects.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.