How to Design a Bolster Bogie using 3D CAD Software
Designing mechanical components like a bolster bogie requires precision, accuracy, and a clear understanding of how different parts fit together in a functional assembly. With SelfCAD, you can simplify this process using intuitive 3D modeling
tools that make it easier to create complex shapes, align components, and refine details efficiently. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to design a bolster bogie step by step in SelfCAD, building a structured model that is both accurate and ready for further customization or 3D printing
Follow along with the interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/31231b5b5tv5k134s3u4u6i3tk6f3s2z1x4i
Once you launch the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 104, height to 7, depth to 75, width segment to 2, depth segment to 3, position y to 55.
Click solid+wireframe button to set rendering mode
Click to activate face selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 26
Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion
Click to activate edge selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet; Set intensity to 12, level to 6.
Tick the checkmark to finalize fillet
From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet; Set intensity to 6, level to 4.
Tick the checkmark to finalize fillet
Click cube selection on the toolbar; Set left to 104, top to 0
Tick the checkmark to finalize cube selection
From the modify category on the toolbar choose inset; Set inset amount to 2
Tick the checkmark to finalize inset
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 4
Click apply button to apply extrusion
Click add option to add next macro step; Set operation to scale, x to 2, z to 2
Click apply button to apply extrusion
Click cube selection on the toolbar; Set right to 52
Tick the checkmark to finalize cube selection
Click delete button to delete selected objects
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true, direction to left.
Tick the checkmark to finalize mirror
Click to activate polygon selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion.
Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion
Click cube selection on the toolbar; Set bottom to 19, top to 21
Tick the checkmark to finalize cube selection
From the modify category on the toolbar choose inset; Set inset amount to 0.25.
Tick the checkmark to finalize inset
Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 154, z to 73.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to -1.
Tick the checkmark to finalize add thickness
Click solid button to set rendering mode
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
