Assignment
Model (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, …) a possible final project, compress your images and videos, and post it on your class page
Learning outcomes
- Evaluate and select 2D and 3D software
- Demonstrate and describe processes used in modelling with 2D and 3D software
Model (2D, 3D) a possible final project
2D Vector
Before trying out new software I wanted to check out the clone tool in Inkscape. Since I started working at Fab Lab I have gotten used to working in Inkscape and I find it easy to work with. There are some tools and features I have not used before including the Clone tool and after seeing Neil demonstrating the tool I was eager to try it out for myself.
I created two sides of a simple box plan with fingers to join the sides together. I created one finger using the box tool and then using the clone tool I created the rest of the fingers.
The clone tool works sort of like parametric design but I would not use it in the case I tried, making a snap-together box. It took longer than expected and did not produce the results I was hoping for. I will use Inkscape as my go-to 2d Vector software.
2D Raster
This week I wanted to take the opportunity to try some new software, starting with 2D software. I already have experience with Adobe Photoshop and I have wanted to move towards open source software so I decided to dive into Gimp. I have tried Gimp in the past but not spent enough time to call myself proficient.
I played around in Gimp for a while and I will definitely use Gimp again when I need to manipulate images. I found it easy to use and I like the fact that it is open source. Gimp will be a good tool to have in my toolbox.
![](../images/gimpTest.jpg)
I did not spend too much time in Gimp this week but I played around with some filters and effects. From now on Gimp will be my go-to 2d Raster software.
3D
I have used SketchUp in the past but not for a long while now. I have also used Tinkercad and sometimes when I need simple geometry I jump into Tinkercad. I find Tinkercad extremely easy to work with and comfortable to be able to use in a browser. I also have experience using Zbrush for character creation and organic modeling. The 3D software I have the most experience with is Maya, I used Maya for years and consider myself very proficient having used most of the tools in modeling, animation and rendering.
This week for 3D modeling I decided to try Blender and Fusion 360.
Blender
I went through a simple tutorial going over the some of the basic tools. I made a blockout model of an arcade, mostly using extrude and transform. I also added materials to show different colors on the model.
I have experience in using Maya 3d software and have heard Blender is a powerful equivalent.
During this excercise I learned how to use the Extrude tool as well as the Transform and Rotate tools. Also learned how to change colors of individual faces. Since the model I made is very simple I did not need more tools.
Comparing Maya to Blender I can see that Blender has most, if not all, the tools I am used to using in Maya. The only difference is the workflow. In conclusion I would like to spend more time in Blender and get used to the workflow. I would like to replace Maya with Blender because Blender is free and open-source. I will definitely use Blender more in the future.
![](../images/arcadeBlockoutBlender.jpg)
It will take some time for me to get used to the Blender workflow compared to Maya but I will definitely be using Blender in the future.
Fusion 360
I have not used Fusion before but I have wanted to give it a try for a while now. I decided to spend most of this weeks time getting to know Fusion. I started by going through a tutorial on the Autodesk website, but quickly moved to Youtube for a more quick paced tutorial. I found a tutorial on Youtube that went over the basics of Fusion and I was able to follow along and create a simple Lego brick type model. I played around with parameters and was able to create a parameter to control the size of the brick. Link to Youtube tutorial
![](../images/fusionBrickSmaller.jpg)
After going through the first tutorial I wanted to make my own project from scratch. I decided to make a housing for the electronics I will be using in the final project. It should be a box with a lid secured with screws.
I looked through two different tutorials and mixed and matched elements from both. After a while I had a box and a lid, with holes through the lid securing it to the box.
![](../images/FusionBoxLidv1Smaller.jpg)
All sizes were controlled by parameters but when I changed the parameters the model did not respond correctly. I tried to fix the problem but could not figure it out.
![](../images/FusionBoxLidv1AfterParamChangeSmaller.jpg)
I started again from scratch and this time I was much quicker at modeling the box and lid. Since I had modeled the box and lid before I knew what I was doing and what parameters I needed to control. I was able to get the box and lid to work with parameters. Here is the box and lid before parameter change.
![](../images/parametricBoxWithLid1Smaller.jpg)
And here is the same model with different parameters.
![](../images/parametricBoxWithLid2Smaller.jpg)
Even though this is a pretty simple model I learned a lot about working with parameters and working in Fusion 360. I will definitely spend a lot more time in Fab Academy working in Fusion 360.