How to Create a Sphere in Onshape: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are new to 3D modeling, creating a sphere in Onshape can be intimidating at first. However, with a bit of practice, you will be able to create beautiful spherical shapes in no time. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a sphere in Onshape, step by step, using simple language that is easy to understand.

Onshape is a cloud-based 3D modeling software that is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. It is an ideal tool for beginners who are just starting to explore 3D modeling since it requires no installation or powerful hardware. Onshape is also perfect for professionals as it offers a variety of advanced tools and features. Whether you’re a student, an engineer, or simply someone who enjoys 3D modeling, creating a sphere in Onshape will be a fun and rewarding experience!

Section 2: Steps to make a sphere in Onshape

Step 1: Create a new part studio

When you open your Onshape account, you will land on the dashboard. From there, you can click on “Create” and then select “New Part Studio” from the drop-down options. This creates a blank slate for you to build your sphere.

Step 2: Select a plane

You need to select a plane to start your sketch. For a sphere, the best plane would be the top or front plane. Once selected, add a new sketch.

Step 3: Draw a circle

On the chosen plane, select the sketch tool and draw a circle of any size, relative to your desired sphere size. The circle should be the base for the sphere.

Step 4: Extrude the circle

With the circle selected, click on the Extrude button and pull it out to your desired diameter. Remember to check the “New” option to make sure you create a new body.

Step 5: Create a construction plane

A construction plane will help you create a sphere. Go to the menu and click “Tools” and then “Plane”. Select the middle option in the pop-up menu, which is “Normal to Plane and Point”. This will create a plane at the mid-point of your extruded circle.

Step 6: Sketch a new circle

With the construction plane selected, use the sketch tool to create a circle on that plane. The new circle must sit within the diameter of the extruded circle.

Step 7: Loft the two circles

On the menu, click on the Loft button and select both circles. You will notice that Onshape automatically creates a sphere.

Step 8: Adjust the sphere size

You can adjust the size of the sphere by double-clicking on it. This will bring up the transform tool, where you can scale the sphere to your preference.

Step 9: Apply fillet

To make a sphere look more realistic, you can apply a fillet around the edges. Go to the top menu, click on the Fillet button and select the edges to apply fillet.

Step 10: Save the sphere

After creating the sphere, remember to save it by going to the menu and clicking “Save”. You can choose to save it in your document or export it as a file for further use.

Congratulations! You have now created a sphere on Onshape. These steps can be modified according to your preferences and make sure to explore the different features Onshape has to offer. Happy designing!

Understanding Onshape’s Interface

If you’re looking to make a sphere in Onshape but aren’t familiar with the software’s interface, don’t fret – it’s relatively easy to get started! Onshape’s interface is designed to help you create and edit 3D models with ease, so let’s take a closer look at some of the tools you’ll need to be familiar with.

The Parts Studio

At the heart of Onshape’s interface is the Parts Studio, which is where you’ll do the majority of your 3D modeling work. Here you can create, edit, and manipulate parts using a variety of tools and techniques.

The Sketch Workspace

When creating parts in Onshape, you’ll often start by sketching out a 2D version of your design. This is where the Sketch Workspace comes in – it’s a place where you can create and edit 2D sketches that can be used as a foundation for your 3D models.

The Feature List

In Onshape, every change you make to your model is tracked in the Feature List. This list acts as a kind of history, showing you all the changes you’ve made so far and allowing you to go back and edit any previous steps.

The Toolbar

The Toolbar is where you’ll find many of the tools you’ll need to create and edit your 3D models. From here you can access various sketching tools, dimensioning tools, and more.

The View Cube

The View Cube is a handy tool that allows you to easily manipulate and rotate your model. Simply click and drag the cube to quickly change your view of the model.

The Inspector

The Inspector is where you can access detailed information about your model and its various components. You can use this tool to view and edit properties like dimensions, materials, and more.

The Assembly Workspace

If you’re creating a more complex model that includes multiple parts, you’ll need to use the Assembly Workspace. This workspace allows you to assemble your parts into a single model and adjust their relative positions.

The Drawing Workspace

Once you’ve created your 3D model, you’ll probably want to create a 2D drawing of it. This is where the Drawing Workspace comes in – it allows you to create detailed 2D drawings of your 3D model that can be used for manufacturing or assembly.

The Onshape App Store

Onshape’s App Store is a great resource for finding additional tools and add-ons that can help you create better 3D models. From simulation software to rendering tools, the App Store has something for everyone.

The Onshape Community

Finally, don’t forget to check out the Onshape Community! This is a great place to connect with other users, ask questions, and learn more about using Onshape to create great 3D models.

How to Create a Sphere in Onshape

Once you get comfortable with the basics of Onshape, you can start creating more complex parts. In this section, we’ll learn how to create a sphere.

1. Creating a Sketch

To create a sphere in Onshape, the first step is to create a sketch on a plane that will serve as a reference for the sphere. Select the plane on which you want the sphere to be formed, and then click on the “Sketch” button in the toolbar.

2. Drawing a Circle

Once you’re in the sketch mode, select the “Circle” tool from the toolbar and draw a circle. The size of the circle will determine the size of the sphere you will create.

3. Creating a Revolve Feature

Now that you have drawn a circle, it’s time to create a revolve feature that will turn your circle into a sphere. Select the “Revolve” tool from the toolbar and then select the sketch you just created.

In the “Revolve” dialog box, select the axis around which you want your sketch to be revolved. You can either select an existing axis, or you can create one by selecting two points.

After selecting the axis, choose the angle of the revolve. In most cases, you will want to revolve 360 degrees to form a complete sphere.

4. Adding Dimension and Constraints

To ensure that your sphere is created accurately, it’s important to add dimensions and constraints to your sketch. This will ensure that your sphere is created exactly as you intended it to be.

Click on the “Dimension” tool in the toolbar to add dimensions to your sketch. You can also add constraints such as symmetry, tangent, and horizontal/vertical constraints to your sketch to ensure that it is aligned properly.

5. Editing and Modifying your Sphere

Once your sphere has been created, you can edit and modify it by using various tools in Onshape. You can edit the dimensions of your sketch, modify the revolve feature, or even add additional features to your sphere.

Using Onshape’s built-in features for creating spheres, you can easily create complex objects with precision and accuracy. With a little practice, you can create a wide range of objects, including spheres, that can be used in a variety of applications.

Time to Shape the World

And there you have it, folks. Your very own sphere, created with just a few simple steps in Onshape. We hope you had as much fun creating it as we did guiding you through the process. Now, go forth and use your new skills to create all sorts of amazing 3D designs. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to come back for more cool tips and tricks in the future!