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3. Computer-Aided Design

3.1 Research and preparation

Many CAD tools are at our hand and the type of software is to be chosen based on the capacity of the computer used as well as it’s system used. Here is the list of first ones I have come across during Fab Academy: 1. Autodesk Fusion 360 2. TinkerCAD 3. Rhino

3.1.1 Availability of CAD tools

In the past I have had some experience designing with computers using the Adobe package in macOS, however, I feel inclined to explore the different options out there before deciding which system to use. The high price tag has been the main reason behind me stopping to learn and use digital tools for designing. At the end my decision was to go back to the analog alternative.

After doing some research and asking my pears, seems that for the type of computer I am currently using (macOS Monterrey Version 12.3) the best option seem to be Fusion 360 and Rhino.

3.1.2 Installing a new program

I have gone ahead and installed not only Fusion 360 but also Rhino and Blender. At a time when each alternative is as new and daunting as the next one. Trying them all with the intention to stick to the one that works best seems to be the best option right now.

First impressions: - Tinkercad: Is known to be an easy option, not only because it has been designed for kids to use to learn CAD, but also due to its availability (free resource, no installation needed, vast array of tutorials to support the learning process).

  • Fusion 360: Available for Fab Academy students, however not free or open source. Installation required, however, much material for learning to use this tolls is available free of charge.

  • Blender: Open source option, perhaps the best fit for a Linux computer, although it works in macOS as well. Aside of being a robust alternative it is, perhaps, the most ethical and responsible option out there. It has been interesting to learn about the project behind it. Perhaps the biggest challenge is the need to learn some Python in order to be able to interact better with the tool.

-Rhino: A rather powerful alternative, it comes with the disadvantage of a high price tag. As Fab Academy student I have the privilege to get a free 3 months subscription to get the taste of it and say farewell.

3.4 The modeling of a final project

Tatting Schuttle 2 Tatting Schuttle 3

Last update: October 5, 2023