Skip to content

3. Computer Aided Design

This week we went over 3D and 2D design software.

3D Modeling

Sculpt GL

Sculpt GL is a free online modeling software. Our goal was to make something in 10 minutes. I chose to make Timothy Lockwood, from the movie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

The reference image:

What I made after 10 minutes:

Feedback: The goal of creating a model in 10 minutes was a great challenge. Sculpt GL was easy to use for a quick 3D sketch but has its limitations in terms of detail and complexity. It’s good for rough models but not for fine details or highly realistic representations.

Text-to-CAD

Text-to-CAD is an online CAD software. To use it, you have to prompt the AI by describing what you want it to make. I was not able to get a result I found satisfactory, but it is interesting how far the technology has come in the past few years.

My prompt “Wheel Rim” generated the result I was most happy with. I think that it was a decently complicated geometry to model, and besides the spokes not connecting, it was pretty good.

Feedback: Text-to-CAD is a good starting point for generating basic shapes or parts, but it still lacks the precision needed for high-quality CAD models. The technology is promising, but it requires refinement for more complex designs.

Maker World

Maker World, Bambu Lab’s 3D printing community, offers AI tools that create models from images or prompts. I created a bust of myself using this.

Here’s the sample photo I gave it. I made a funny face not only because I was going insane and feeling goofy, but I also wanted to see how it would handle complex or unique facial expressions.

And this is what it made with about 3 to 4 minutes of time.

I found it impressive how close it was to the sample image.

Feedback: The AI generated a surprisingly good likeness from the image. Maker World has a strong potential to assist in generating 3D models quickly from photographs, but unique expressions may cause minor inconsistencies.

Blender

Blender is a very powerful 3D software. I have a ton of respect for the people who use it because of how complex it is to start. I think that Blender is NOT easy to use, requiring the knowledge of shortcuts and many details.

We were allowed to mess around with the edit features in Blender. After I deleted the default cube, I added a monkey head with the command Shift A and then went into the edit feature and messed around with the tools.

We then learned how to make a simulation. To do this, we added a cube, then added a plane and subdivided the plane. Then we put properties on both of them and hit play.

Feedback: Blender is a comprehensive tool for 3D modeling, and although it can be overwhelming initially, it’s incredibly powerful once you get past the steep learning curve. The cloth simulation was a nice introduction to physics-based animations.

Fusion 360

I’m a big fan of Fusion 360. While it has a pretty decent learning curve, I think that it becomes decently intuitive once you learn the tools. My goal for Fusion was to make something in CAD relating to my final project. So, I modeled the part of my simulator that my button box will sit on.

3D Modeling

3D modeling this was super easy. I do not have a pair of calipers at home, so I had to use a ruler. I put all of the dimensions into a sketchbook and copied it over to CAD.

Rendering

This was the first time I looked into Fusion’s included rendering software. I think that the rendering software is pretty cool and easy to get started. I think if I wanted to get more in-depth, I would need a tutorial, but for things like lighting and changing appearance, the process was pretty simple.

Animation

Fusion also has the ability to do animations. This animation took me around one and a half minutes. I think it deserves an Oscar.

Simulation

Fusion also has simulation software. Unfortunately, this one costs money to use and is very complex. So for this, I am using one of the pre-baked simulations to show off the capabilities of the software.

Feedback: Fusion 360 is great for both simple and more advanced CAD modeling, especially for engineering purposes. The rendering and animation features were a nice surprise, and it’s a great tool for simulating real-world scenarios. The simulation feature is fantastic, but its cost is a significant downside.

2D

Corel Draw

I have major beef with Corel Draw. I’ve been using it for 2 years as my way of 2D modeling, and I dislike it. I think that the UI has a weird layout and is not very intuitive. I still think it is better than Blender though because you don’t need to memorize shortcuts.

I first traced the bitmap.

Then I used the cut segment tool to delete the background.

Then I removed the fill color and set the outline to hairline.

Feedback: While Corel Draw has been an essential tool for me, I have niggles with its interface. Although it is great for quick 2D design and tracing, it doesn’t offer the intuitive feel that some other software provides. The workflow can be clunky, and there are better alternatives out there for simpler tasks.

Gimp

Gimp is a really powerful software. However, I found this software confusing. Just like Blender, even with a tutorial, I struggled to understand how to do some things. 69+ First, I imported the image.

Then I used rectangular select to paint a Gaussian blur over the Latin shirt.

I then used the color curves to darken the image and add a red tint.

This is what the final image looks like.

Feedback: Gimp is very powerful, but it is also difficult to learn due to its complexity. The features are extensive, but understanding the terminology and how to use them effectively requires some time and patience. Once you get the hang of it, Gimp becomes a very useful tool for photo editing and manipulation.

Compression Software

I used these two websites to compress my photos and videos. I just drag and drop them into the compression software and then download them back to my computer.

Reflection on the Assignment:
This week’s assignment was an exploration of various 2D and 3D design software. The biggest takeaway was seeing how different tools fit different needs. For 3D design, programs like Blender and Fusion 360 provide powerful capabilities but come with steep learning curves, while Sculpt GL offers a more accessible option for quick sketches. The biggest challenge I faced was with Text-to-CAD, where the AI-generated models didn’t always meet my expectations. Corel Draw was frustrating to use, but I was able to push through and complete my tasks. Overall, this assignment reinforced the importance of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each tool before deciding which one to use for a specific project.

Last update: April 23, 2025