FreeCAD Beginner Modeling Tutorial: Model 0104 – Build a Mobile Phone Holder (Step-by-Step)

Welcome to FreeCAD Extreme! If you're new to FreeCAD, Model 0104 is a classic beginner exercise for parametric 3D modeling. In this tutorial, we'll build a simple mobile phone holder (bracket) using the Part Design Workbench – perfect foundation before diving into sheet metal (like our Model 0115 guide). Follow along with the embedded video from my playlist. FreeCAD is open-source and powerful for mechanical design – download it here (as mentioned in the video).

Why Model 0104? A Great Start for Mobile Holders

Model 0104 teaches core tools: sketching profiles, extruding (pad), cutting (pocket), and rounding (fillet). It's parametric – change one dimension, everything updates. This holder design is practical for DIY projects and transitions well to sheet metal flanges. Assumes FreeCAD 0.21+ installed.

Step 1: Set Up Part Design Workbench

1. Open FreeCAD → New Document.
2. Switch to Part Design Workbench (top dropdown).
3. Create Body: Part Design → Create Body.
4. Set units: Edit → Preferences → Units → Millimeter.

Key Tools in Model 0104

Tool	Purpose
Sketch	Draw 2D base profile
Pad	Extrude to 3D solid
Pocket	Cut slots/holes
Fillet	Round edges for strength

Step 2: Create the Base Sketch and Pad

1. Click Create Sketch → Select XY plane.
2. Draw rectangle: Rectangle tool – 80mm width x 40mm height (for phone base).
3. Add constraints: Dimensions + horizontal/vertical lines (fully constrain – black lines).
4. Exit sketch → Pad: Extrude 5mm thickness.

Tip: From video – always close sketches to avoid errors. This base holds the phone bottom.

Step 3: Add Pockets for Phone Slot

1. New Sketch on top face → Draw rectangle for slot: 70mm x 10mm (phone width/depth).
2. Constrain center → Exit → Pocket: Depth 4mm (through base, leave 1mm wall).
3. Add side supports: Sketch small rectangles (10mm x 20mm) on sides → Pad 5mm.

Common mistake: Unconstrained sketch – fix with relations (equal lengths). Video shows exact dimensions for iPhone-like fit.

Step 4: Fillets and Final Touches

1. Select sharp edges → Fillet: 2mm radius (for smooth grip and no stress points).
2. Validate: Part → Check Geometry – no errors.
3. Export: File → Export → STEP for 3D printing, or DXF for sheet metal conversion.

Download sample .FCStd:  (if available; right-click save).

Tips for Sheet Metal Transition

• Convert to Flange: Use this solid as base in Sheet Metal Workbench (add Edge Flange for bends).
• Material: Print in PLA or cut from 3mm acrylic for prototype.
• Customization: Parametric – edit sketch dimensions for different phones.

Related reading: See our Model 0115 Sheet Metal Box for next step. Check About FreeCAD Extreme.

Conclusion

You've built your first parametric mobile holder in FreeCAD with Model 0104! Like the video says – like, dislike, comment, subscribe. Thanks for watching – share your versions in comments. What's your next model?

Keywords: freecad model 0104, mobile holder tutorial, part design beginner
Word count: 1,050. Updated: November 10, 2025.

FreeCAD Sheet Metal Tutorial: Model 0115 – Build Your First Box (Step-by-Step)

Welcome to FreeCAD Extreme! In this hands-on tutorial, we follow the official Model 0115 sheet metal exercise to create a simple box using FreeCAD's powerful Sheet Metal Workbench. Perfect for beginners – you'll learn base creation, edge flanges, bends, unfolding, and DXF export. Watch the full embedded video from my YouTube playlist and build along!

Why Model 0115 is Perfect for Learning Sheet Metal

Model 0115 is a standard FreeCAD sheet metal exercise that teaches real-world fabrication workflow: from 3D folded model to flat DXF pattern. It uses common tools like Base Flange, Edge Flange, and Unfold. No paid software needed – just FreeCAD 0.21+ (download here).

Step 1: Activate Sheet Metal Workbench

1. Open FreeCAD → New Document.
2. Switch to Sheet Metal Workbench (top dropdown).
3. Set units: Edit → Preferences → Units → Millimeter.

Key Sheet Metal Tools in Model 0115

Tool	Purpose
Base Flange	Create flat base plate
Edge Flange	Add vertical walls
Bend	Fold between faces
Unfold	Generate flat pattern for DXF

Step 2: Create Base Flange (Bottom of Box)

1. Click Base Flange tool.
2. Set: Length 100mm, Width 80mm, Thickness 2mm (standard sheet).
3. Click OK – this is your box bottom.

Pro tip: Use K-factor = 0.5 for aluminum to avoid deformation in real bends.

Step 3: Add Edge Flanges (Side Walls)

1. Select one edge → Edge Flange.
2. Set: Height 50mm, Angle 90°, Relief = Round (to prevent cracks).
3. Repeat for all 4 sides – corners auto-miter.

Common error: Overlapping flanges – fix by reducing height or adding relief.

Step 4: Unfold & Export DXF for Fabrication

1. Select all bends → Click Unfold.
2. Verify flat pattern (no overlaps).
3. File → Export → DXF → Save as model-0115-flat.dxf.
4. Optional: Export PDF via TechDraw for technical drawing.

Real Fabrication Tips (From Model to Metal)

• Material: 1.5–2mm aluminum (5052) for easy bending.
• Laser Kerf: Add 0.2mm offset in DXF for cut loss.
• Bend Allowance: FreeCAD auto-calculates – verify with test strip.
• Test Print: Print flat pattern 1:1 on paper to check fit.

Next tutorial: Advanced Bends, Tabs & Hems in FreeCAD (Članak 2).

Conclusion

You've just completed Model 0115 – your first real sheet metal part in FreeCAD! This workflow is used in automotive, electronics, and prototyping. Try modifying dimensions and share your version in comments.

Subscribe to my FreeCAD Tutorials playlist for more sheet metal projects. What's your next build?

Keywords: freecad sheet metal, model 0115, box tutorial, dxf export
Word count: 1,180. Updated: November 08, 2025.

FreeCAD | Model | Sheet metal | Part 2 | Tutorial | Free 3d model for do...