Computer Aid Design - 2D & 3D ​

In this week, I have tried AutoCAD for 2D design drawing and using Fusion 360 for 3D modelling.

2D Design with AutoCAD ​

AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers.Before AutoCAD was introduced, most commercial CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with each CAD operator (user) working at a separate graphics terminal. AutoCAD is also available as mobile and web apps. AutoCAD is primarily used for 2 Dimensional drawings, and even though 3D modeling is available in AutoCAD other computer-aided design software like Fusion 360, Inventor and Solidworks are preferred in 3D modeling. Wiki

The Autodesk CAD user interface is shown as below.

I drew a square using 'rectangle' command.

Then I used 'offset' command to create concentric square.

Then I used 'pattern' command to copy the concentric squares.

I saved the drawing as .dxf file which can be read by most of the cutting machines. This drawing will be further ued to test the clearance of our laser cutter.

3D Design with Autodesk Fusion360 ​

This section I have tried Fusion360 for 3D design. I have designed a dog feeder box which can be further used in my [Dog-feeder-machine] (https://fabacademy.org/2023/labs/ningbo/students/yaorun-zhang/assignments/week11/).

2D sketch ​

The 3D design start from 2D drawings, therefore a 2D sketch was built.

3D extrusion ​

Then 2D drawings were extruded to 3D.

The thickness of the extrusion can be defined to creat a 3D sheet.

Parametric design ​

The parametric design can be achieved using 'change parameter' function.

I have defined a line length as 'thickness' and applied it to lines that is equal to this length.

The thickness of the extrusion can also be set to a parametric value.

Assemble of different parts ​

Then the designed parts can be assembled using joint command.

First select one surface of the part you want to assemble then select one point on that surface.

Then select a surface of the other part that you want to assemble then select one point on surface.

Adjusting the direction by click the flip button, then you will have two parts assembled.

Export .dxf file ​

The drawings can directly save to .dxf file using export command as follow.

It should be noted that if you want to export a specific part then other parts need to be hided.

Reference: ​

The original AutoCAD .dxf files can be found at my repo (https://gitlab.fabcloud.org/academany/fabacademy/2023/labs/ningbo/students/yaorun-zhang/-/tree/main/docs/assignments/week2/design-files). The Fusion360 Design can download by link (https://a360.co/3MZzOEG).