Instructions to create a 3D printed bowl!

Step 1: Access 3D Design Software

There are many purchasable 3D design programs, but an easy and online option is using Onshape. Creating an account is free! It's online and automatically saves your progress as you go. After creating an account you can create a new file and start working!

Step 2: Create a New File: a Blank Canvas!

Create a new file in whatever software you've chosen to use. I'll be using Onshape for this tutorial. Name your file something recognizable, like "Bowl." If you're feeling especially creative, you can give your bowl a real name. I named mine Bridget. Bridget the Bowl.

Step 3: Getting Started: Make a Line

If you're new to Onshape, I suggest playing around first with some of the tools and different options. It takes a while to get used to working with multiple planes! After you feel a little bit comfortable, you can begin creating your bowl. Start by creating a new sketch on the top plane. Then, within this sketch, we need to create a basic line. This line is going to represent the diameter of your bowl, so make it as long or short as you need.

Step 4: Add a 3 Point Arc

Now that you have your line, create a 3 point arc. Click the first and second endpoints of your previously drawn line. Determine the radius by placing the last guide point along the line.

Step 5: More Lines!!!

Now that we have a half circle, we need a quarter circle. Draw another line from the midpoint of the bottom line to the top of the arc. Next, use the trim tool to remove the curved and flat sections of one side of the arc.

Step 6: Let's Start a Revolution!

In order to create a half sphere, we need to revolve the halved 3 point arc. Start by selecting the revolve tool. Choose the inner part of your half arc to be your region to revolve. Choose the remaining half of the line you created first as the revolve axis.

Step 7: We're Having a Shell Time

Now we need to hollow out our object. Using the shell tool, you can easily select the face of revolve one and hollow it out! After choosing a face, edit the width of the shell to your desired bowl thickness. Keep in mind that a thinner bowl will be more flimsy but will print using less materials!

Step 8: These Bowls Weren't Made for Wobbling

Our bowl design is nearly complete! Unless you want a wobbly bowl, we'll need to add a flat bottom. Return to sketch one and select your line tool. Draw a line along the top of your halved arc to create what will be our flat area. Create a flat area large enough to add stability but small enough to preserve your bowl's shape. It's all up to your preference in the end! Now trim off the excess to create a flat bottom.

Step 9: Download and Print!

You're bowl should now be complete! Download the file as an STL and open it within your printing program. If you want to use your bowl for food, I recommend using food safe printing material! Depending on the shape of your bowl, you may need to add supports to allow your bowl to print. Don't worry, these can be broken off later! Press print and wait for the magic.

Also, here's a link to the file I created in this tutorial if you'd like to use or copy it!

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/2111f9c05eccfcefb4fe020f/w/8570355089302fd05c59c9c0/e/1818d1899665d3b5a6029095