2. Computer Aided design

1. 2D Vector

1.1 Illustrator

During the first week I use Illustrator to make a draw of my algae project :

To make this sheme, I use for the most part the tool Line and Circle.

But the problem with this software is this price, so I try an open-source software : Inkscape

1.2 Inkscape

At first, we get a little course with our instructor, to see the basics of the software.

I did a few tests with the software, with the basics: round, square, drawing, Boolean operation, colour change and shape editing. The software isn’t very different from Illustrator, except for the tree structure, which I find more interesting in Illustrator. So for the time being, I think I’ll stick with Illustrator.

2. 2D raster

2.1 Gimp

For the 2D raster, I chose gimp because it’s open source and seems easy to learn.

At first, I had a lot of trouble understanding how to make a simple square. So I looked for all the tools to understand how they worked. I also had difficulty with the selection system. You have to select the area you want to modify, which is new to me. I did a few tests with all the tools available on the left-hand side.

Because I need to document my work, here’s what my page looks like at the end. And if you’re wondering what it is, just imagine that it’s abstract modern art..

I don’t like this software because you can’t easily make basic shapes. But there’s the layer system, which is quite interesting for safely editing certain images. In my opinion, it’s not worth doing quick drawings with this software, unless you have a graphics tablet.

3. 3D softwares

3.1 FreeCad

I have already use FreeCad, so I will do a semi-precise modelisation of my anaerobic digester.

3.1.1 Modelisation

First, I went to PartDesign, I ceate a body and sketch. Then, I select the XY plan and I start to draw. I create a square, and I pu tow constraints : one at the edges and the middle to center the square; one other to fix the lenght of each side.

With this sketch, I create a volume, this will be the head of my reactor.

Then I build the rest of my reactor by selecting a face, drawing a sketch and extrude the sketches. To get the previous drafts, I use the tool “creat an external geometry”. I also use the tool revolution to get cones and rounded shapes.

An other exemple of sketch (center of my reactor):

And here are the results for now :

The hardest part was using the additive pipe. I have two tubes, a left and a right. I use this tool for both, but at the junction one of the two tubes automatically disappears. I solved this problem by manually extruding both sides like this:

3.1.2 3D rendering and 3D export

First of all, I exported my reactor as a mesh svg file, so I got a .svg export. But the size was too large (1.5MB), because I hadn’t chosen the quality I wanted. When I view my reactor and select the wireframe view, I see that I have too much detail.

So I go to the mesh page, select my solid then mesh from part shape. I select a 0.5mm surface deviation.

I can clearly see the difference. And after export, the file is only 0.11Mo !

Then I do the 3D rendering with OpenCASCADE.

I import the FreeCad file, change the texture (plastic and paint) and export, and here’s the result:

Also available here.

3.2 Blender

After Freecad, I choose to test a more organic software : Blender. I have some trouble to create shapes, but I manage to build some :

I’m a bit confused by the organisation of solids and the hierarchy. But it’s much easier to animate than FreeCad. So let’s bring it to life!

3.2.2 Animation

To help me with this part, I look for tutorial on youtube. To do some annimation, I take the geometry I’ve done before, and I went to layout page. I select the geometry and I press i, position. This have add a dot in my timeline. I select an othe place in my timeline and I move the forme. This automatically add a new dot, and the result is this :

4. Ressources

Here you can find my Illustrator file

Here you can find my Inkscape file

Here you can find my Gimp file

Here you can find my Freecad file

Here you can find my Blender file (annimated)

Here you can find my Blender file (without annimation)