Pen Holder

thingiverse

This is a pen holder featuring an intricate shape, where the bottom section gradually increases in size as it protrudes. Measuring 60 x 60 mm at its base and standing at a height of 80 mm, users can easily scale up the FreeCAD file to suit their needs, but doing so within the program would be challenging. A simpler approach is to adjust the dimensions directly in Cura before commencing print operations. Designing this pen holder required utilizing the powerful design tools found within FreeCAD. Employing a complex process typical of designing objects with curved and angular shapes, the first step involves creating two sketches - one for the bottom surface and another for the enlarged top surface derived from the base design. The Part Design module is utilized to achieve these detailed outlines. With the basic form laid out, FreeCAD's Loft feature plays a crucial role in shaping both the outer wall of the holder and its inner chamber. By creating two distinct loft elements, one for the interior and another for the exterior surfaces, users can create complex curves that mimic real-world shapes, making this pen holder unique from more standard storage solutions. Next, after defining these contours, the user will find a "Cut" feature that allows them to extract or remove parts of their creation - in this instance, using one loft shape to define the boundary of another results in the separation of wall material from other components like the inner lining. Lastly, placing the base of the pen holder within its design framework effectively rounds out its structure and gives it substance as an independent object capable of securely supporting pens.