2.1 Raster and 2D CAD Tools
Following the develpment of ideas for my final project proposal, for this assignment I´ve been learning new 2D tools like Inkscape (V 0.91 for Windows.), specially the Bezier curve tracing tools. Their SVGs are compatible with Illustrator, but I´ve found them a little easier to use. Learning from tutorials from the internet, I was able to grasp some basic and intermediate drafting techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAgWhnf_p3k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uymedeE3mJE
From this knowledge I converted my hand written schematic layout of electronic devices integration for my project shown on chapter 1, which was previously post – processed in photoshop to clean it and to correct bright and contrast.
Afterwards I redraw it as a vectorized draft. This was saved as PDF and as low resolution .jpg to be shown here:
2.2 From 2D sketching to 3D modeling:
Since my workspace concept turns around the idea of connectors / nodes that can bring together physical standard wood parts, power and electronic cables, I´ve started sketching ideas on these components. From those early hand drawn sketches, I selected the most interesting ones, or the ones with potential to work efficiently as structural joints, without having to perform complicated routing operations on the wood parts.
The selection of the best ideas where scanned, cleaned and composed in Photo Shop.
As for 3D modeling tools I resorted to Autodesk / Alias Design and Rhinoceros 3D, both 3D NURBS surface CAD tools.
I´ve tried to install Kokopelli and Antimony on my HP / PC laptop but was impossible, at least for me. I´m enthusiastic about the possibilities of these softwares, but I´ll try to install them later on a Mac desktop to give them a try.
I modeled one of the joint models that could work with 1″ thick MDF or other standard boards. It´s the basic assembly volume. It still need work regarding reinforcement ribs and fastening methods, but my goal is to keep them simple to assembly with minimum table saw cuts on the wood parts. I believe they can be good candidates for FEM simulation and as 3D printed parts. I´d to integrate other common standard wood products which are easy to find in Latin America, such as round broomstick handles.
The files for this assignment can be found here: