# Modeling a 3d spiral spring

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [December 25, 2019, 6:08am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317 "2019-12-25T06:08:56Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 17\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Ansadek](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/ansadek/32/5091_2.png) [@Ansadek](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Ansadek)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2019, 6:08am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/1 "2019-12-25T06:08:56Z")

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Hi,  
I need to model a 3d spiral spring, or even just a 3d spiral line/path. Can you help , please?

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**Author:** ![Gelphyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/db5fbb/32.png) [@Gelphyn](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Gelphyn)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2019, 2:04pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/2 "2019-12-25T14:04:58Z")

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@Ansadek  
This is just one way to produce a ‘Spring’ there are others.  
**Sketch \> Circle** draw a Circle appropriate to the diameter Spring that you need  
**Add \> Construction Plane \> Perpendicular to curve at point** shown here on the right of the Circle

 ![IMG_0938](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/8/848f7a00c9e8720da63f7b36c3edf57012cd60f3.jpeg)

Tap on the Circle to select it’s Face it will turn brighter Blue  
Drag the upward pointing Arrow until you have the length of Spring needed [in this case 20 was selected]

 ![IMG_0935](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/b/bf23b1f6aa7f586a2c99b7a1d4d55845acae260c.jpeg)

**Add \> Construction Axis Through a Cylinder or Cone**  
Tap on the Cylinder

 ![IMG_0928](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/a/a059cf558b5f7cc330f1e447bdb0083ed2976f14.jpeg)

Tap with your Finger on the Construction Plane if necessary zoom in to be able to place your finger accurately.  
This should zoom in on the construction plane.  
Draw a Circle representing the Thickness/Diameter of the Material needed for your Spring  
Move this Cirle relative to the Construction Axis to provide the Diameter of your Spring  
**Tools \> Revolve** select the Circle just drawn **Next** select the Axis

 ![IMG_0924](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/f/fa354bd5fbb7cb7b200ffddcd2dbf0f032205770.jpeg)

Set the Height [top left] to the Length of your Spring and hit ✔  
Set the Angle to 3600 [in this case = 10 turns] choosing the your appropriate number and hit ✔

 ![IMG_0920 2](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/3/30974ef628b7e543a376e0ca8b62d7f15d01cf18.jpeg)

Delete the Cylinder Leaving your Spring.

 ![IMG_0934](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/f/f9de339206c5c47e786a429526f560e72fd01a15.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![TigerMike](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/tigermike/32/32650_2.png) [@TigerMike](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TigerMike)\
**Post date:** [December 25, 2019, 9:38pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/3 "2019-12-25T21:38:41Z")

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Greeting,

Here’s another way to create a spiral spring. Sketch a line that represents the center axis.  
Draw a circle the diameter of the rod at a distance from the line. That distance is the radius of the spring.  
Go to Tools, select Revolve.  
Tap the pencil inside the circle (now highlighted). Select Next then tap the line. At the top input box, put in your desired height and then number of turns x 360 (one turn = 360 deg). Done.

-Mike

[https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/1/162be481300755708eae497ac48cb5561e286bef.mov](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/1/162be481300755708eae497ac48cb5561e286bef.mov)

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**Author:** ![Ansadek](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/ansadek/32/5091_2.png) [@Ansadek](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Ansadek)\
**Post date:** [January 5, 2020, 9:08pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/5 "2020-01-05T21:08:24Z")

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![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/b/b24c85938735dc77ee1cfca0ec758a2ec839fc73.jpeg) Thanks a lot Gelphyn and MikTiger for your insightful replies.  
Unfortunately, what I am trying to model is not a cylindrical spiral (spring), but rather a conical one, as Ivtrued to show in the attached sketch.  
I wonder if it can be done via Shaper3d?

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**Author:** ![Gelphyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/db5fbb/32.png) [@Gelphyn](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Gelphyn)\
**Post date:** [January 5, 2020, 9:59pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/6 "2020-01-05T21:59:01Z")

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@Ansadek  
Please see:

[https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/conical-helix/4926](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/conical-helix/4926)

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**Author:** ![drkhateeb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f0a364/32.png) [@drkhateeb](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/drkhateeb)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2020, 11:34am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/7 "2020-09-05T11:34:49Z")

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Can you please help me.  
I need to draw a spring revolving around an arc.

Instead of the spring revolving around a straight axis like shown in the tutorial, I need the axis to be an arc.

How can I do that?

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**Author:** ![Gelphyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/db5fbb/32.png) [@Gelphyn](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Gelphyn)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2020, 7:24pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/9 "2020-09-05T19:24:01Z")

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@drkhateeb  
In the following use your own dimensions, this is just one way to convey the method to achieve the objective. The actual dimensions used in this example can be better viewed by tapping on an the image to expand.

Sketch the Diameter of the Material to be used to create the Spring, Sketch a Vertical Line about which to Revolve the Circle created:

 ![IMG_2748](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/1/11f5b93ccac8cab22e44c498ca98aac3f8c2b242.jpeg)

Use **Tools \> Revolve** to create the Diameter of the Coil Spring and then give it the required height by typing in the appropriate dimension:

 ![IMG_2755](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/b/b9d2cb6f8f7f9587bdcaab9e8b52d76ce87e16f7.jpeg) ![IMG_2756](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/4/402c023376e99b8da388c44f2a22208e4d0fdd54.jpeg)

Sketch a Circle that passes through the Coil Axis as shown. Use **Transform \> Move/Rotate** \> and drag the Pivot Point to the centre of the. Circle:

 ![IMG_2750](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/b/b6d0c00d8685abc5207ef57aae798391a8cbc154.jpeg) ![IMG_2751](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/8/89662bfdad3026758bbaa681c7e65557ec092983.jpeg)

Ensure that the ➕ Icon is Selected and drag to create the first Copy, then the second Copy and so on:

 ![IMG_2752](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/5/57296bf5fd8bcc25725a3a0914a09782d6fba7fc.jpeg) ![IMG_2753](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/d/d4c2fa3ef1d8b22369ab4c6b3c2796ce762619c2.jpeg)

 ![IMG_2754](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/a/ac59779e01e5deae28e811f6bfa7bf6d695bb9f7.jpeg)

Use **Tools \> Union** to finish the Spring.

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**Author:** ![drkhateeb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f0a364/32.png) [@drkhateeb](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/drkhateeb)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2020, 10:07pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/10 "2020-09-05T22:07:12Z")

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Thank you very much. Very helpful. It worked perfectly. Much appreciated

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**Author:** ![Gelphyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/db5fbb/32.png) [@Gelphyn](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Gelphyn)\
**Post date:** [September 6, 2020, 4:09am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/11 "2020-09-06T04:09:30Z")

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@drkhateeb  
Thanks for your response it is useful to hear what has worked for others.

I am using this opportunity to improve my input by adding to the overall information regarding Helix on various Paths.  
If there is a requirement to have a less pronounced Curve the Radius of Curvature can be increased. This will naturally reduce the Copying Angle as demonstrated in the following:

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/5/555c27b5377328ead8b00744f2f230d4dedeab47.jpeg)

The Angle Lines being centred on the Faces of the Helix and providing the Angle to use for Copying.

This Link aims to tie together similar Threads:

> [@A ring made of a triple helix](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/a-ring-made-of-a-triple-helix/6002/20):
>
> @Totoleheros Thanks for the update, hope we can all look forward to seeing your vision of your Design😎

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**Author:** ![welshsteve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/welshsteve/32/16111_2.png) [@welshsteve](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/welshsteve)\
**Post date:** [January 31, 2022, 10:28pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/13 "2022-01-31T22:28:19Z")

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There is no specific tool to create a conical spring.

However, there is a workaround that takes just a few steps and will produce a conical spring just like in your rough sketch.

Are you, or anyone else, still interested in kowing how to do it?

If so then I will attempt to upload a video.

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**Author:** ![TigerMike](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/tigermike/32/32650_2.png) [@TigerMike](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TigerMike)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2022, 12:58am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/14 "2022-02-01T00:58:13Z")

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Here’s a quick and dirty approach.

[https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/6/6756d69a886ca101db768adbe143d56df63d059b.mov](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/6/6756d69a886ca101db768adbe143d56df63d059b.mov)

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**Author:** ![welshsteve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/welshsteve/32/16111_2.png) [@welshsteve](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/welshsteve)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2022, 1:20am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/15 "2022-02-01T01:20:35Z")

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I appreciate the video but I was offering my own approach if anyone was interested.  
I’ve seen other approaches where you first draw a flat spiral then project it onto a cone but this involves actually drawing a spiral.  
My approach is to first create a helix starting with a long narrow rectangle so it resembles a DaVinci helicopter of sorts with the rectangle cross section.  
Then create a cone with the same height and width as the helix and shell it.  
Centre the cone inside the helix then interest the two bodies.  
This will leave a spiral with a square cross section.  
Now draw whatever profile you desire to the side of the cross section before finally sweeping your new profile to follow the spiral.  
Now delete the original spiral.

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**Author:** ![TigerMike](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/tigermike/32/32650_2.png) [@TigerMike](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TigerMike)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2022, 3:27am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/16 "2022-02-01T03:27:19Z")

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Yes, I know you were offering your’s. And yes, I used the spiral sketch projected on a cone. Again, it was rather Q&D.  
Thank you for outlining your approach. It does look (sound) familiar.  
I might be wrong but I believe @Robert did a similar if not the same version as yours. Not sure where the thread is at the moment.

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**Author:** ![Robert](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/robert/32/1329_2.png) [@Robert](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Robert)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2022, 5:39am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/17 "2022-02-01T05:39:36Z")

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God morning,

that’s right, it was in October 2020

> [@Tapered thread](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/tapered-thread/9312):
>
> I need to draw up and print a tapered thread and I see there were a couple of threads started several years ago but none seemed to go anywhere. One was requesting advice to do exactly what I need to draw up but unfortunately the advice given was so short and cryptic and doesn’t make sense and isn’t helpful. Anyone have any advice on drawing up a thread on a truncated tapered cone? thanks

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![welshsteve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/welshsteve/32/16111_2.png) [@welshsteve](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/welshsteve)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2022, 7:29am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/18 "2022-02-01T07:29:34Z")

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Thanks for the reply.

I agree with others that creating a conical spiral would be a welcome feature in Shapr3d.

You know what I love though about forums like this…?

…I love seeing other people’s creativity and novel approaches and solutions to problems just like this.

And, I actually enjoy the challenge of finding my own solutions to problems.

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**Author:** ![TigerMike](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/tigermike/32/32650_2.png) [@TigerMike](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TigerMike)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2022, 3:14pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/19 "2022-02-01T15:14:25Z")

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I totally agree with you!  
I too like a good design challenge from time to time.  
Regards, Mike

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![welshsteve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/welshsteve/32/16111_2.png) [@welshsteve](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/welshsteve)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2022, 11:55am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/modeling-a-3d-spiral-spring/6317/20 "2022-02-23T11:55:12Z")

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I created this conical spiral for a project I’m working on…

 ![ALPHANADO spiral](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/b/bbb876875d5a1c7673c880f47dcb203f26c9eb27.jpeg)  
 ![xCARD ALPHANADO](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/b/ba1fea3fdb4714fa68293aa020fe08cba999f641.png)

I exported to affinity designer to complete the design.