Week 02

Computer-aided design

Model (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, ...) a possible final project, compress your images and videos, and publish a description with your design files on your class page.

Objective of the Activity

The aim of this week was to develop competencies in computer-aided design (CAD) through the use of 2D and 3D modelling tools, applied to the development of a possible final project and other experimental digital models. The activity allowed to understand the complete workflow from the conceptualization of an idea to the creation of digital models ready for manufacturing processes such as 3D printing and laser cutting.

To do this, tools such as Inkscape, Tinkercad and Fusion 360 were used, exploring techniques of vector design, three-dimensional modeling, rendering and preparation of digital files.

In addition, different design software was evaluated to identify their advantages and applications within digital manufacturing, comparing tools such as Inkscape vs CorelDRAW and Tinkercad vs Fusion 360. As a result, it was possible to transform conceptual ideas into functional digital models, strengthening skills related to geometry, proportions, assembly and preparation of files for documentation and digital fabrication.

🔧 Digital Tools Used

2D Design

• Inkscape was used to:

• Create sketches
• Design Vector Shapes
• Prepare SVG files

3D Design

• Tinkercad was used to:

• Structure Modeling
• Component integration
• Internal Assembly Design

📋 Processes Performed

• 2D Modeling
• 3D Modeling
• STL Export
• Rendering
• Adjustment of measurements
• Preparing for 3D printing

My Process

1. Project Description

During this week I developed the digital modeling of an experimental object as part of the proposal of my final project, oriented to the design of MINION DOLL; The purpose of this exercise was to integrate computer-aided design (CAD) tools in 2D and 3D environments, applying criteria of functionality, proportion, and manufacturability.

The focus of the work was focused on understanding how a conceptual idea can be transformed into an accurate digital model, considering technical aspects such as dimensions, assembly and adaptability to digital manufacturing processes such as 3D printing and laser cutting.

2. Software Evaluation and Selection

For the development of the project, digital design tools were selected based on their accessibility, versatility and application in digital manufacturing:

• Inkscape, used for the development of 2D vector graphics
• Tinkercad and Fusion 360, used for three-dimensional modelling

Inkscape made it possible to generate precise vector shapes that can be used in processes such as laser cutting, while Tinkercad facilitated the initial construction of the 3D model through an intuitive interface. On the other hand, Fusion 360 is identified as a more advanced tool, oriented to parametric design.

3. Modeling Process

The modeling process began with the development of a 2D base design, in which the main geometries of the object were defined. This step was critical in establishing initial proportions and dimensions.

Subsequently, 3D modeling was developed using basic geometric shapes, applying operations such as addition, subtraction and modification of scale. During this stage, progressive adjustments were made to the design, evaluating aspects such as structural stability, volume and functionality.

Likewise, views of the model were generated from different perspectives, which allowed the design to be analyzed in a comprehensive way before its possiblemanufacture.Software 2D used

Download and use the Inkscape program to design a 2D model.

2D Design with Inkscape

For the 2D graphics I decided to use Inkscape, which is a free and open-source vector graphics editor.

First, I'll start by creating basic shapes, like a rectangle. To do this, I will focus on the following tolos

Next, select the Box/Square option and draw a rectangle.

This is a basic form, but how about we modify its properties? To do this, we select the selection option and click on the lines if we only want to create a line or inside the object, as in this case. Note that after selecting it, eight arrows will appear around the object to change its shape. This indicates that we have an object selected.

I want to edit the object's properties, so let's go to the menu barObject -> Fill and Outline. (Excuse me, in my case it's in Spanish).

A window will appear on the right side of the page with three tabs. Each one will allow us to change the fill color. I'll use the color yellow for my minion

I think this is enough to start moving forward.

Then, I started drawing my design with nothing but lines, circles, and color fill for my miniom.

Finally, I drew one of my ideas for the project: a miniom. I did the same as in the previous design, using circles, lines, and fill.

2D Design: Corel Draw

For comparison purposes between 2D design software, Corel Draw was considered, an affordable vector graphic designer, but one that can be overlooked when it comes to basic or simple jobs. Inkscape, on the other hand, is free software, open source, at no cost to be found available on the internet.

Regardless of the version, the Corel Draw interface does not present significant differences, its presentation is similar to the following screenshot:

From a procedural point of view, Corel Draw presents quite user-friendly tools that allow you to design all kinds of objects in a short time, starting from scratch or editing those in already defined ways. This is where another difference between the two software stands out: in Corel.

We start with our minion, here we start with the yellow ball and then we design his blue pants, on the front.

Now let's go with the arms, and the hand with design lines we are doing finger by finger with the node tool. From both arms we can copy it, paste it, mirror it, and put it on each side of the carácter

Later we can make her eye with the circle in the middle of the face, we give it the thick outline and the white background, and on top we will place another black circle and a smaller circle of balco color, and we add the blue headband.

Now we will place the mouth with a circle and deform with the nodes until it resembles a mouth, and we will put the rest of the overalls, a blue square and the straps will be two thin blue rectangles.

To finish we will put the black buttons.

2D Software Comparison: Inkscape vs CorelDRAW

In the development of week 01, 2D design tools focused on vector graphics, specifically Inkscape and CorelDRAW, were evaluated with the aim of determining their application in digital manufacturing processes.

Inkscape is a free software that allows the creation of vector designs in SVG format, widely used in digital manufacturing environments such as laser cutting and cutting plotter. During its use, basic shapes were elaborated and nodes, strokes and contours were worked on, which made it possible to generate files compatible with manufacturing machines.

CorelDRAW, on the other hand, is a professional vector design tool that offers greater precision and control in the handling of curves, typographies and graphic composition. Its use is common in graphic design and printing environments, although it can also be adapted to digital manufacturing processes.

Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that Inkscape efficiently meets the requirements of the week by allowing the generation of vector files ready for manufacturing, while CorelDRAW expands the design possibilities with more advanced tools.

EVIDENCE

We created a minion with Tinkercad.

We open the Tinkercad program, it is an online program, friendly and easy to understand since it is very intuitive

We're going to open up new design and then a blank artboard.

We click on basic shapes and select the cylinder shape and so on as we create our minion.

We do a 180 degree turn, change the color of the bottom of our minion.

We place it in top view and put the pieces like the arms and legs, we make the circles for the eyes of the Minion.

Creating this model required a variety of computer-aided design skills.

Autodesk Fusion360

Fusion 360 is a comprehensive computer-aided design platform that combines CAD, CAM, and electronic circuit design (PCB) tools in a single cloud-based digital environment. This integration allows users to develop products more efficiently, as they can design, simulate and prepare manufacturing without the need to change software, thus optimizing workflow and reducing production times.

One of its main advantages is the ability to edit and modify models in real-time, making it easier to iterate on the design and continuously improve the product. In addition, being cloud-based, it allows access to projects from different devices, as well as collaborative work between several users, strengthening innovation and development processes.

During the session, we proceeded to open the program with the aim of familiarizing ourselves with its graphic environment, identifying its main tools, menus and basic functions. This first approach allowed us to understand the working logic of the software, as well as to recognize the areas of modeling, navigation and editing, laying the foundations for the development of future 3D designs.

Before starting the modeling process, the system of units that would be used for the development of the parts was defined, this being a fundamental step to guarantee the precision and dimensional coherence of the design. In my case, I chose to work in millimeters, as it is the most widely used unit in industrial design and digital manufacturing, especially in processes such as 3D printing and machining.

This choice allows greater control over the dimensions of the object, facilitating the correct interpretation of measurements and avoiding errors during the production phase. In addition, establishing the units from the beginning helps to maintain the standardization of the project and ensures that all components are compatible with each other.

Once the work units were configured, the design was started on the work plane, previously selecting the appropriate plane (X, Y or Z) according to the orientation required by the part. This decision is key, as it defines the foundation on which the entire three-dimensional model will be built.

Next, the necessary tools for 2D design were activated, such as lines, geometric figures, curves and dimensions, which allow the initial geometry of the model to be precisely defined. At this stage, the four support points that will serve as the machine's fastening base were developed. To do this, he began by drawing a circle of 50 mm in diameter, thus establishing the main reference dimension.

How to make a Minion in Fusion 360.

To start, we're going to make a new drawing on the bottom work plane and click on the look button.

1. We're going to draw a circle that's 84 millimeters in diameter.
2. Click for a new drawing.

And then we can extrude this.

We press the extrude button by 72 millimeters; That's going to create a circle for the Dungarees, next steps to fill it, so we hit the fill button, the bottom border by 12 millimeters.

We can then use the extrude button, press the top surface and extrude it with a wall of 2.

Next, offset, work plane, from the top surface, we want to go to minus 5 down and then draw that. This is going to be us drawing the part for the arms, so we're going to draw a diagonal line. We press the tab button to put the angle in place.

You can do the same in this direction. Fill in the shape so we can extrude this later.

Then we want to draw a line towards the center and we're going to look at this through the center, so we're going to make this a construction line and we can hit the look button, select the three lines, the look line and look towards the center.

We can extrude this underneath. Subtract the material by 37 millimeters, so the front and the back part that we are going to do next of the dungarees.

This time we're going to make a new drawing on the top surface.

As before, we hit the tab button to put the angle in place and we're going to draw another triangle like we did earlier. I'm going to verify that it's not interrupting the first extrusion. There it is.

Let's look at this from the center. I'm going to draw a look line, turn it into a construction line. I can look at the three lines in the middle.

There it is. This time we're going to extrude these two triangles down, make sure you select all the shapes and we're going to extrude it. Subtract the material by 17 millimeters.

Great, the next part is the row, so we're going to select these borders here. I'm going to line by 5 millimeters, so it's all the borders. There it is, we have already finished the dungarees.

Next, we will select the middle of the work plan and make a new drawing. This could be for the minion's body. If we press the cut button in the drawing menu, we can see the drawing more clearly.

Okay, first step, we're going to go and project some geometry. Projecting geometry means taking the sizes, the geometry of the model and putting it into your work plan. So I'm going to select the lines that I just made and then I go to the top runner here and draw a line.

It should get closer to this point.

There we have it, up by 30 millimeters and on the right we're going to draw a line by 40.

We're going to find the center of a circle.

The circle is going to allow, we're going to draw a circle to get the curve on the top and we can draw a circle as shown. Okay, the next step, we're going to draw some lines down, so a line down in the center. When you use the revolver, you only need to draw half of the shape and rotate it around a center point.

There it is, a line down in the center. So we're going to use the cut tool, which is the circles, to cut out the parts of the circle that we don't need. Now yes, I'm going to complete my shape, so I'm going to draw a line down, like this, one at the bottom and the curve, I'm going to draw a line at the top, like this, that's going to find the center point, I'm going to draw a circle to make the curve, and I can cut out the parts of the circle that I don't need at all.

We're going to do this construction line.

Okay, so I've drawn my profilo shape, let's stir it up. Select the revolution tool.

Now, make sure to select all the parts that you need to stir. The central axis is going to be the vertical line. Make sure it says join.

We have the body of the Minion.

3. The next step, we're going to make the cap for the glasses.
4. Select the work plane once again.
5. Accept the look button.

Okay, first of all, let's project some geometry.

I'm going to project this line here and these parts.

I can then draw a line from here, and I'm going to draw a 25 line, then I want to draw a 2 millimeter line to the left, a 10 vertical line. Now we need the line shapes, I'm going to draw a horizontal line towards the Minion, then down to complete the shape. I'm going to make this line a construction line.

There we have it. So we can stir that up. Select the revolution tool.

The shape is already selected, my central axis.

I'm going to select the Y-axis in this case, and it's going to stir, make sure it says join, and we have the cap for the glasses.

The next step is to make the actual glasses, then we're going to use an offset work plane.

I'm going to select the middle work plane and I'm going to shift it by 50 millimeters, we can then draw on that work plane, I have to click on the look button.

Now I'm going to use the projection geometry once again and select the top and bottom, I can then draw a line towards the center and that allows me to draw a circle from the center point of that line up to 38 millimeters and another one from 30 millimeters. We can then extrude this shape here, along the way, by 20 millimeters, make sure you add material for the glasses. Now we're going to repeat the same thing, a new drawing on the front of the glasses this time. So let's hide the lid upside down. So I'm going to project the circle to find the center, draw a circle, and then extrude it along the way by 20 millimeters. I subtract the material and as you can see, it's covering the flag. Ok, the next part is the actual eye. I'm going to select the middle work plane this time, click on the look button and if you put the cut button here, it's going to hide the part of the model that we don't need. Using the projection geometry, we can select this line as shown and that allows us to then find the center point. It's a little triangle shape and we can draw the eye to any size you want and then use the cut tool to remove this part.

Now it's going to be revolutionized once again, so the access this time is going to be the vertical line, make sure it says join once again and there's the eye instead.

Ok, a new drawing, this one is going to be for the eye, so we'll do it in front of the glasses.

So we're going to draw a circle for the pupil, make it any size you want, we can spread it out to make an attempt, so this time I'm going to set it to that size, make sure it says cube and we have an attempt to represent the pupil.

There we have it, the next part, we're going to do the arm, so select the working medium once again, 'for the arm we're going to make a circle, so we need to draw a path and a profile, so we're going to do the path first, we're going to use the project button and select these lines here, That's going to project the geometry onto a work plane, we can then draw a line from this point down, we're going to draw down by 51, that's going to give us the center point of our circle, we're going to draw a circle to put the arc, there we have it and we don't need a whole circle, so I'm going to draw a little line here and that's going to allow us to cut this part of the circle And then I can pull back this line, we're going to do this construction, there we have it,

So we've got the path in place for the circle, so we don't need to do the profil, for that we're going to make a new work plane, again I'm going to make a point at this point here, so I can make a raised work plane, I'm going to use that work plane, but if I click that point, I'm going to put the work plane exactly against the edge, I can then draw on that work plane this circle, so the circle is going to be where that white dot is right now, the size, whatever size you want, I'm going to go for 10, there we have it, we have a prophylum and a path, So we can use the upward formula, we're going to select the prophylum and the path to make sure it says join and we have the arch in place, for the next arch we're going to make a mirror, so we're going to create and select mirror, make sure you've selected the feet, select the arch, select the middle working plane and the mirror is going to go through and we've got the two arches ready, The next step is to make the actual feet, I'm going to use Revolver one more time for this, I'm going to select the middle working plane, from the center we want to draw a 15 millimeter line, then I want to draw the middle of the leg, so we're going to draw an 8 millimeter line, a line down 10 millimeters, a horizontal line to the left of 2.5 millimeters, we complete the shape, we can then scramble that shape with the vertical line as the access and makes the legs, for the feet we're going to make a new drawing in the background of that cone shape, I'm going to use the project geometry button once again to select the little circle,

Now we're going to make the feet by making an ellipso, I'm going to draw a line from the center up, let's do 15, to make the ellipso, we want to select the ellipso button, select the center of the circle, click on the end of the long line, the edge of the circle, we can then use the trimo button to remove the part of the ellipso that we don't need anymore, I'm going to change this vertical line to a build line, we can then extend the shape, select all the parts by 6 millimeters, there we go, so, like the ellipso, we look at this through, so click on the create button, select the circle, now we want to select the functions, I'm going to select both those parts here, the work time, the center work time, I'm going to move this around a little bit so I can select it and we have the second foot in place,

Ok, almost done, the last thing you need to do to do is the mouth, so for the mouth, I need a new work lead once again, so I'm going to use a tangent working time, I'm going to select the outer edge, the reference working time, I'm going to go to the model line and select this working lead here, There we go, I can then draw in that work timeframe, I'm going to click on the look button, now to help us use the projection geometry again, I'm going to select this bottom part of the eyes, the size of the model and the drawing, I mean it's from that point, so I can draw a line from here down to 20 and then horizontally in, Now the next part is an arc, so we're going to use the center point arc tool, I want to select the center of the circle and the size is 34, so we type it in, then click and bring it up around, click a second time, so now we can use the correction function to remove the lines that we don't need anymore, now we want to fill in these points here, but sometimes you won't like it, it's not going to let me do it right now, I can fill it with that once it's a 3D shape, so now we're going to extract that another way, remember to select the subtracted material and you can do any size you want, I'm going to go in about 10, There we have it, the next step, we're going to use the arc tool, we're going to fill in this line here as well, and the same thing on this side, and there we have it, the next step, it's time to add some colors, so we're going to go to the render, click on the appearance button, we want to look for the colors that we want, remember to move over to the top space and obviously you can do that for all the colors that you need, when we get to add the colors, make sure that you've selected the face, and you can move and leave them on the faces to color the individual faces, as you can see, here we have a completed Minion.

We play around a little bit more with fusion and we have this beautiful keychain from the Fab Lab, we render it as well.

Here we put a background.

And we made the animation of the keychain, rotated it, turned it over and exported the video.

We also created here a design of a flying ship render

And here we see the animation of the flying ship of cookies.

3D Software Comparison: Tinkercad vs Fusion 360

For the 3D modeling, the Tinkercad and Fusion 360 tools were evaluated, considering their application in the development of a possible final project.

Tinkercad enabled the creation of three-dimensional models by combining basic geometric shapes, making it easier to understand space, volume, and proportions. Its use was key in the initial stage of modeling.

Fusion 360, in contrast, is an advanced tool that allows you to develop parametric designs, make precise adjustments, and work with complex assemblies. Although its learning curve is greater, it offers greater control over the final design.

In relation to the objectives of the week, Tinkercad allowed to demonstrate the modeling process in a clear and accessible way, while Fusion 360 represents a more complete tool for the development of final projects of greater complexity.

EVIDENCE

Now...

We compress

"DaVinci Resolve is the only solution in the world that combines editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, audio post-production, and now photo editing, all in one software tool! Its sleek, modern interface is quick to learn and easy for new users, yet powerful for professionals.DaVinci Resolve lets you work faster and with higher quality,because you don't have to learn multiple apps or switch between different tasks. You will be able to work with original quality images from the camera throughout the process. It's like having your own post-production studio in one app! Best of all, by learning DaVinci Resolve, you're learning how to use the same tools that Hollywood pros use!"

Simply put: DaVinci Resolve is for videos, not images.

If you use it, you can make a video lighter by changing its quality or resolution.

We started with our new project, a bit unique, a flying keychain

… thinking I will also include a flying saucer

Problems encountered and solutions

During this week's development, I encountered some difficulties while using the 2D and 3D design programs.

Problem 1: Using Tools in Inkscape

At first, I had difficulty understanding some editing tools, especially the fill and outline options.

Solution:I ran several tests with basic shapes and reviewed tutorials to understand how to modify colors, borders, and dimensions of objects.

Problem 2: Positioning Parts in Tinkercad

While building the 3D model of the Minion, some parts were misaligned or floating off the workbench.

Solution:I used the alignment, rotation, and top view tools to properly accommodate each part and improve the structure of the model.

Problem 3: File size for the web page

The images and videos were too large to be easily uploaded to the web documentation.

Solution:I learned how to compress media files to reduce their size without losing too much visual quality.

Learning achieved

The development of this activity allowed to strengthen competencies in the use of computer-aided design tools, as well as in the understanding of the workflow from conceptualization to the digital representation of an object.

The importance of designing with technical criteria oriented to manufacturing, considering parameters such as measurements, proportions and functionality, was evidenced. Likewise, knowledge was acquired on the optimization of digital files, facilitating their storage, visualization and publication.

📋 Check-off List

1. Is it shown how you did it with words/images/screenshots?

Yes. The documentation includes step-by-step explanations of the design process using screenshots and detailed descriptions. It was shown:

• Creating Basic Shapes in Inkscape
• Using Nodes, Fill, and Outline
• Building the Minion in Tinkercad
• Parametric modeling in Fusion 360
• Rendering and Animating 3D Models

2. Did you document how you compressed your image and video files?

Yes. The use of DaVinci Resolve for media file compression was documented. It was explained how to reduce the size of videos by modifying resolution and quality to optimize web documentation without losing too much visual quality.

3. Does it include your original design files?

Yes. The documentation includes original files used during the design and modeling process:

• SVG files made in Inkscape
• STL files exported from Tinkercad and Fusion 360
• CAD Modeling Captures
• Renders and animations
• Related designs with the Eco Smart Planter

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it mandatory to perform parametric design this week?

Answer:
It is not mandatory to use advanced parametric design, but it is advisable to start with basic concepts in tools such as Fusion 360, since they are part of the digital manufacturing flow and will be necessary in later stages of the project.

2. Is it mandatory to model the possible final project?

Answer:
Yes, during this week an object related to the possible final project or a conceptual version of it must be modeled. In this case, the design of the Eco Smart Pot was worked on as the basis of the final system, applying 2D and 3D modelling.

3. Is it necessary to use everything (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate)?

Answer:
It is not mandatory to use all formats, but you must demonstrate the use of 2D and 3D design. This week we worked with Inkscape (2D vector) and Tinkercad/Fusion 360 (3D modeling), as well as renders and animations as additional evidence of the process.

4. What should I document this week?

Answer:
You must document the complete design process of the model (Smart Planter or prototype), including sketches, screenshots, SVG/STL files, renders, simulations or animations, and explain the workflow from 2D to 3D.

5. What tools should I use?

Answer:
Digital design tools such as Inkscape for 2D and Tinkercad or Fusion 360 for 3D should be used. Optionally, Blender or other programs can be used for rendering or animation, as long as they are documented.

6. What is evaluated this week?

Answer:
The ability to transform an idea into a functional digital model is evaluated, using 2D and 3D design tools, in addition to the correct documentation of the process and the preparation of files for digital fabrication.

7. Should I compress my files?

Answer:
Yes, all files (images and videos) must be compressed and optimized for the web, ensuring that they can be uploaded and displayed correctly on the project page.

8. What is the objective of this week?

Answer:
The goal is to digitally model a possible final project (Eco Smart Planter), integrating 2D and 3D design tools, and demonstrate the complete flow from the idea to the digital model ready for manufacturing.

9. What do I need to prove with my model?

Answer:
You must demonstrate an understanding of digital design, including proportions, assembly, internal system structure, and preparing the model for manufacturing processes such as 3D printing.