This FreeCAD tutorial guides beginners through designing and 3D printing a custom keyring. Starting with basic FreeCAD setup, the tutorial focuses on using the Draft workbench to create 2D text with the “Shape from Text” tool, and then switching to the Part workbench to extrude the letters into 3D shapes. Each letter is separated using the “Explode Compound” function, and extrusions are varied for visual interest. Letters are then positioned to overlap slightly, and a loop is added by creating and cutting cylinders to form a ring, which is positioned on the first letter using the transform tool.
Once the model is complete, it is exported as an STL file for 3D printing. The tutorial recommends slicing the file using Cura, offering simple print settings like a 0.2mm layer height, 20% infill, and enabling a brim for better bed adhesion. The final keychain can take between 10 minutes to an hour to print, and post-processing like sanding can improve the finish. Encouragement is given to beginners to keep experimenting and learning, even through initial failures.
🔗 LINKS:
- Download Freecad (https://www.freecad.org/downloads.php)
- Download Cura (https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/)
- Companion Article (https://bj-dehaan-solutions.com.au/articles/3d-printing/3d-print-a-keyring-like-magic-freecad-tutorial)
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Setting Up Your Workshop: FreeCAD Basics
00:29 - Creating the Keychain: Design Process in FreeCAD
04:26 - From Digital to Physical: Preparing for 3D Printing
05:40 - Finished Product: Your 3D Printed Keyring
