Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Pyramid in Onshape

Creating a 3D pyramid model is a foundational task that can help you understand the basics of computer-aided design (CAD) software like Onshape. This guide will walk you through each step necessary to construct a precise and detailed pyramid. Follow along to create your very own 3D pyramid.

Getting Started with Onshape

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to set up your workspace within Onshape. Having a streamlined workflow can make this process smoother and more efficient.

Launch Onshape

1. First, log in to your Onshape account.
2. Click on the “Create” button in the top left corner to start a new document.
3. Name your document for easy identification later.

Create a New Part Studio

1. Inside your new document, click on the “Create Tab” button.
2. Select “Part Studio” from the dropdown menu.
3. Confirm by clicking the “OK” button.

Creating the Base of the Pyramid

The base of the pyramid is usually a square or rectangle. Here’s how to design it:

Sketch the Base

1. Under your “Part Studio”, click on the “Plane” dropdown.
2. Select the “Top Plane” to create your sketch on.
3. Click the “Sketch” button and then select the “Rectangle” tool from the toolbar.
4. Click on the origin point (0,0) and drag to create a rectangle. If your pyramid has a square base, ensure the dimensions are equal.

• For example: A 100 mm x 100 mm square.

5. Click the “Dimension” tool to manually enter the side lengths if necessary.
6. Once your base outline is drawn and dimensioned, click the “Green Checkmark” to finish the sketch.

Extruding the Base

Now that the base is ready, proceed to extrude it to form the pyramid’s height.

Apply Extrusion

1. Click the “Extrude” button from the toolbar.
2. Select the sketched base.
3. Enter the desired extrusion height in the dialog box. This will create the depth of your pyramid’s base.

• For instance, set the height to 50 mm.

4. Click the “Green Checkmark” to apply the extrusion.

Creating the Pyramid’s Point

To transform your base into a pyramid, you need to create a tapering effect that narrows to a point at the top.

Define the Taper Angle

1. Click on the “Loft” button from the toolbar.
2. Select the top face of your extruded base.
3. Create a new sketch on this face.
4. Use the “Point” tool to mark the center point.
5. Finish the sketch by clicking the “Green Checkmark.”

Use the Loft Tool

1. Select the “Loft” tool again.
2. Choose the base profile.
3. Then click on the point you just created on the top face of the base.

• This will create a smooth transition from the base to the point, forming the pyramid.

4. Click the “Green Checkmark” to finalize the loft.

Final Touches and Adjustments

With the basic pyramid shape complete, it’s time to ensure all dimensions and angles are precise.

Inspect and Modify Dimensions

1. Go back to the “Sketch” tool and re-select your base sketch.
2. Use the “Dimension” tool to double-check and adjust as necessary to ensure symmetry and precision.

Add Details and Features

1. Access the “Fillet” or “Chamfer” tools to add any desired bevels or edge features to your design.
2. If you want to hollow out the pyramid, you can use the “Shell” tool and specify a wall thickness.

Rendering and Exporting

After completing your pyramid design, it’s time to render and export it for presentation or fabrication.

Render the Pyramid

1. Click on the “Render Studio” plugin to apply materials and colors.
2. Adjust the lighting settings to get a realistic preview of your 3D model.
3. Save your rendering for any project presentations.

Export the Model

1. Click on the “File” menu and select “Export”>
2. Choose preferred file type (e.g., STL, STEP).
3. Click “Export” to download the file to your device.

By following these detailed steps, you’ll have a fully functional and visually appealing 3D model of a pyramid. This guide should make your design journey in Onshape both productive and enjoyable!