Want to create personalized 3D printed keychains? This tutorial walks you through designing a custom keychain using CorelDraw and preparing it for 3D printing with SketchUp. Learn how to manipulate text, create shapes, and export your design for a seamless transition to the 3D printing world.

We’ll start in CorelDraw, focusing on text manipulation techniques like adjusting spacing, font selection, and breaking apart letters to create unique interlocking designs. Then, we’ll move to SketchUp to add depth and prepare the model for printing. Follow along to unleash your creativity and bring your own 3D printed keychains to life.

This guide is perfect for CorelDraw beginners and those looking to explore the possibilities of 3D printing. By combining these two powerful programs, you’ll be able to design and print your own custom creations in no time!


Video Summary

  • The video demonstrates how to design a 3D printed keychain using CorelDraw and SketchUp.
  • The process begins in CorelDraw by typing the desired name and adjusting the font and spacing.
  • The shape tool is used to connect letters, such as the “E”, and a circle is added for the keychain ring.
  • The “Break Apart” function separates each letter into individual objects.
  • Letters are arranged to create overlapping effects, with some positioned in front and others behind.
  • The Smart Fill tool is employed to fill in the shapes of the letters.
  • An additional shape is added to connect the “I”, and Smart Fill is used on this new shape.
  • Unnecessary shapes are deleted after using Smart Fill.
  • The design is then exported as a DXF file.
  • In SketchUp, the DXF file is imported.
  • The “sUF” extension is used to generate faces for the letters.
  • Internal shapes are removed after face creation.
  • The Push/Pull tool is used to extrude the letters to the desired height.
  • The height of the “E” and “I” letters are adjusted using the Push/Pull tool.
  • The entire model is selected and exported as an STL file for 3D printing.