How to Design a Chip-N-Dip Serving Plate Using 3D CAD Software
Entertaining guests often requires a stylish yet functional serving solution, and a chip-and-dip plate is a must-have for any gathering. Instead of purchasing a generic store-bought dish, why not create a customized one using SelfCAD? SelfCAD is an intuitive 3D modeling software that allows users to design and print their own creations, making it perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on designing a chip-and-dip serving plate using SelfCAD, covering the essential tools, techniques, and design principles required to bring a unique and practical serving dish to life. Whether you're new to 3D modeling or an experienced designer, this guide will help you craft a functional and aesthetically pleasing plate tailored to your needs.
To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/20m2d6gs4a626mh4k243i69239564l4g57j5

Once you’ve launched the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose torus; set tube radius to 25, tubular segments to 20

Tick the checkmark to finalize torus
From the right panel choose cube selection; Set bottom to 25

Click to finalize cube selection
Click delete button to delete selected objects
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose sphere; Set radius to 25, horizontal segments to 24

Tick the checkmark to finalize sphere
From the right panel choose cube selection; Set bottom to 25

Click to finalize cube selection and click delete button to delete selected objects
Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection; click on mesh 4 to select it
From the utilities category choose combine; Set method to merge

Click to finalize combine
From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to -2., use vertex normals to true

Tick the checkmark to finalize add thickness
Click to activate edge selection; Click selection settings button to change selection settings; set loop selection to true, click on highlighted edge to select loop from the object.

click on highlighted edge to select loop from the object.

Click ‘x’ to close selection settings panel
From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet; Set intensity to 3.4, level to 6.

Tick the checkmark to finalize fillet
Click selection settings button to change selection settings; set loop selection to true, click on highlighted edge to select loop from the object.

click on highlighted edge to select loop from the object.

Click ‘x’ to close selection settings panel
From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet; Set intensity to 1, level to 3.

Tick the checkmark to finalize fillet
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 15, Bottom radius to 15, height to 1, position x to 50, position y to 10.

Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click scale on the toolbar; Set z to 40

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the modify category on the toolbar choose resolution; Set detail level to 5

Click to finalize resolution
From the deform category on the toolbar choose bend; Set dynamic origin to true, plane to left/right, y to 100, plane to back/front, y to -50

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click rotate on the toolbar; Set x to 16

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set operation to pivot, amount of copies to 15, click copy button to create copies.

Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
From the edit menu on the top toolbar choose group; Click color picker button to change color of object; Click beige

Click ok
Click on mesh 4 to select it. Click on group 1 to select
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click red

Click ok
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