CAD modeling A/V Editing

This week focuses on computer-aided design, rendering and audio/video editing. There isn't a clear application of a development plan since this week has several focuses and learning outcomes. However, in terms of modelling the final product, I will initially model a few integral parts and continue with other parts depending on time constraints.Having gained some fluency over the past year with Fusion 360, completing an online-course and a number of tutorials. I decided to expand my skillset and learn two other programs to overcome some of Fusion 360's limitations and extend my capabilities in CAD and rendering. I chose to learn Solidworks as it's used by over 2 million engineers worldwide and is an industry standard, able to produce powerful mechanical simulations. I also wanted to choose a rendering program. Initially I was drawn to Keyshot, but after realizing that I won't be able to use it afterwards due to its hefty price tag, I continued looking. I eventually found Simlab, which uses the same rendering engine as Keyshot and even has some extra perks. Firstly it has a much lower pricetag and the availability of a lite version, Simlab also contains both a Fusion 360 and Solidworks plugin. This would allow me to have my models automatically updated if the design in Fusion is altered.

For 2-dimensional non-parametric design, I decided to use Adobe Illustrator. I have some prior experience using this software, mostly for simple graphics like the ones included in my website. However, I decided on taking a more artistic challenge, to design a sticker for my laptop, which I can print using the vinyl cutter/printer in the upcoming week.

I then imported the edited photos into illustrator and screen recorded the process of designing the sticker artwork. The method of converting the caterpillar's image to vector graphics was the image trace command, with options to control the color range and detail level. As can be seen, I tried different approaches and workflows since I wasn't sure as to which would render the best result.

For parametric 2-dimensional CAD drawings, I picked Dassault Systemes' Draftsight. Since 2D is simpler and easier for someone who is familier with 3D modelling, I went through a written guid on Drafsight by CADOasis Click here. After reading through the tutorial and familiarizing myself with Draftsight's features, I took upon creating a design for the Cajon drum I wanted to laser-cut in week 3.

I've started designing the wheels since they probably wont change throughout the development of the project. The wheels are modeled for all terrains and are supposed to make going up and down a step easier. The inspiration for this design and detailed sketches/dimension can be found here on the final project page. I modeled a first prototype which involved geometric and parametric designs, extrutions of profiles, revolves and circular patterns. After running a simple simulation, it seemed like much of the stress is focused on the axel. This was probably because the cuts in the wheel body were denser around the axis than near the wheel's circumfurence.

After performing the simulation, I flipped the polygon pattern to decrease in size as it gets closer to the axel. This allowed me to produce a much lighter model with better force dissipation and less stress concentrated at the axel. I performed a simulation with double the force and the result was closer to what I was aiming for.

I then took up a more complex character modelling tutorial. I must admit it was quite a challenge especially when the mesh manipulation is done with a very different workflow than T-spline modelling in fusion. The program crashed halfway through which turned out to be a good chance for me to attempt modelling the same character without following the tutorial walkthrough. This might come in handy when creating rendered image of the final project; adding moving human models using the device and animating them.

Simlab Lite's interface seemed quite straightforward after downloading it and I decided to explore it by myself and experiment with different features. I was already familiar with some rendering concepts from fusion so I took a go at rendering the tennis ball modelled earlier in Maya.