SolidWorks Tutorial:Pi Day Candle Holder - DIY

SOLIDWORKS DIY (TUTORIAL): PI DAY CANDLE HOLDER

Pi Day is a celebration of the mathematical constant pi, 3.14159 or symbolized simply as π.  Pi  Day occurs on March 14^th and when written in MM, DD, YY format gives 03 14 15 or Pi!

What better way to celebrate Pi Day than to model your very own Pi Day candle holder.  This Pi day candle holder is designed to project the symbol π when lit. 

Let’s start with the solid modeling.  I have created my candle holder profile using a revolve function.  The profile is arbitrary.

Next, we apply a shell command.  In this case I have applied a shell of 3mm and have presented the results as a section view.

Orient yourself to the top plane and sketch the Pi symbol as shown. This will form the outline of the light projected from the candle.

Drawing the Pi symbol is not a trivial task, therefore we can place a picture of the Pi symbol onto the sketch plane for us to trace.  Access this tool by going to Tools> Sketch Tools > Sketch Pictures

Resize and trace the image as shown.  I have sketched the Pi symbol using lines and splines.

Create a reference axis from the center of the Pi symbol to the center of the flame by selecting two points.  Create one point on the Pi sketch and another point on a separate sketch approximating the center point of the flame.

Then use the extrude cut feature and be sure to cut along that reference axis to get your profile.

Use a circular pattern to repeat your cut as frequently as you like.  You are now done modeling!

Save your file as a STEP file.  This file can be used by commercial 3D Printers to print your part for you.  Consider printing ABS plastic so your product is more resistant to heat.

Congratulations you are now celebrating Pi Day in style!

FEA-TC The Official MakerBot Distributors in Canada

FEA Training Consultants Inc. announces reseller agreement with MakerBot Canada to distribute MakerBot  printers in Canada

FEA Training Consultants Inc., a licensed engineering company and authorized SolidWorks value added reseller specializing in SolidWorks 3D CAD design, SolidWorks Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and SolidWorks Fluid Flow (CFD) Analysis, is pleased to announce its relationship with MakerBot, the global leader in desktop 3D printing.

FEA Training Consultants Inc. is now the authorized MakerBot Distributor in Canada, bringing MakerBot 3D products including MakerBot Replicator 2X, MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer, MakerBot Digitizer –  Desktop 3D Scanner, the recently released MakerBot Replicator Mini -Compact 3D Printer,  MakerBot Replicator  (Fifth Generation Model), MakerBot Replicator Z18 Desktop 3D Printer   to all the Provinces of Canada .

MakerBot traditionally sold its 3D printers and scanners through its own online MakerBot store based in USA. The new relationship with FEA Training Consultants Inc. will enable MakerBot to further distribute its products effectively  to new markets in Canada.

Under the new agreement, FEA Training Consultants Inc. will distribute MakerBot 3D printers which include , MakerBot Replicator 2X, MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer, MakerBot Digitizer –  Desktop 3D Scanner, the recently released MakerBot Replicator Mini -Compact 3D Printer,  MakerBot Replicator  (Fifth Generation Model), MakerBot Replicator Z18 Desktop 3D Printer .

Shan Peruma, CEO, FEA Training Consultants Inc.  comments, “We are pleased to add MarketBot products to our growing portfolio to out cutting-edge print and imaging solutions. Canada represents a growing market for MakerBot 3D printing and scanning products. Adopting 3D printing will be a natural progression for several industries including engineering, medicine, fine arts and more. We firmly believe that MakerBot 3D printers will be the first choice for printing and reprographic companies that wish to benefit from this exciting new technology. With our extensive experience in CAD systems, it gives us a unique advantage to capitalize on the growing demand for these technologies in the engineering, architecture, fine arts and industrial space”

The reseller agreement between FEA Training Consultants Inc. and MakerBot 3D printers comes to immediate effect. FEA Training Consultants Inc. is stocked and ready to ship MakerBot 3D printers in Canada from its warehouse locations located in all provinces in Canada.