3. Computer Aided design

This week I will:

  • Model (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, …) a possible final project, and post it on my class page.

Desired Outcomes

  • Evaluate and select 2D and 3D software
  • Demonstrate and describe processes used in modelling with 2D and 3D software

Results

  • Description: Complete assignments and produce outcomes of Week 3 Computer-Aided Design.

  • Planning: I thought about using Photoshop and Illustrator for 2D and AutoCAD and FreeCAD for 3D.

  • Materials: Using current laptop, internet connection, and prior knowledge. Purchased a 3D model of a Laser Sailboat for $35 to test in the platforms that I installed

  • Problems: I had difficulty choosing the correct format, so I tried all of the models.

  • Corrections: I installed 3dsMax, AutoCAD, FreeCAD, ImageMagick, Inkscape and Sketchup. I used the FBX, OBJ, MAX, and SKP files to see how they would load. I realized that I had previously installed Fusion 360 when I was getting ready for Fab Academy, but it had fell into disuse; I have picked up that tool again and it is probably my tool of choice

  • Workflow: Downloaded and installed 3dsMax, AutoCAD, FreeCAD, ImageMagick, Inkscape and Sketchup. Experimented in each of these applications. Learned to use ImageMagick to reduce the size of the images for web use.

  • Success: I was able to open all files and manipulate them in the applications. The Sketchup file was free, but still a good lesson. I also have an ebook on Safari, Make: Design for CNC by Gary Rohrbacher, Anna Kaziunas France, Anne Filson with models available; I was reminded when I did a search for a book for Fusion 360 and I found Make: Fusion 360 for Makers by Lydia Sloan Cline. These authors are a great help!

  • Learning: I immersed myself in Fusion 360 by following a youtube tutorial by a guy who wanted to help people model a wooden boat, titled Fusion 360: How to design a Wooden Boat - Part01. I tried to follow along, but it was difficult due to the shortcuts he knew and used without saying everything he did. Don’t get me wrong, he is awesome! But how do you tell somebody how to do something that is tacit or reflexive in your workflow; believe me, I understand. So I worked through the basic training in Autodesk’s Fusion 360 website. Much to my delight, there was a tutorial on modifying a model of a canoe. Sweet! I discovered it when I saw a canoe as an asset, so I dug through the Hands-on exercises until I found “Modifying existing features”. I successfully completed the tutorial and hope to use my newly found boat modelling skills for the final project.

  • This is Autodesk’s image

  • This is the model before editing

  • This is the model after editing in Fusion 360

  • The long awaited views of a Laser sailboat profile and deck in the 3D environment of Fusion 360. This model provided by Free 3D Models, but this one wasn’t free :)

  • This is the laser model after bringing it into Autodesk 3ds Max

  • Next Step: Take scanned raster images of boat plans and make them into vector files.