Week 2 - Computer Aided Design
SculptGL
To start our lesson on using computer aided design, which was led by Ms. Horstman, we explored the tools in SculptGL to introduce ourselves to sculpting 3D modeling, which let us sculpt in three dimensions as if we were, to put it in her words, "sculpting clay". I think this allows for a more intuitive and natural designing experience that programs like Fusion 360 and Blender do not provide. For this program, however, we did not do much. We played around with it, exploring the different tools such as the brush, inflate, twist, smooth, flatten, etc.
As you can see, the tools are very different to normal 3D modeling tools, but simulate a real life action someone can do to a piece of clay. For example, the crease tool changes the model similar to the action of using a pencil to draw a shape on clay.
Here is a beautiful attempt at recreating Squidward from the show, SpongeBob SquarePants:
As you can see, I used the inflate tool to create the hanging nature of the nose. Then, I used the flatten tool to create the shape of the odd head and used the crease tool to "draw" the eyes and mouth. Finally, I used the paint tool to color the model a color similar to Squidward. Even though I didn't spend a lot of time exploring the extent of this software, I can see how it could be useful, even if it is on a free access . While researching the uses and capabilities of this software, I came upon this website which details of the capabilities and limits of using SculptGL. It explains that ScupltGL is very powerful because of its ability for symmetry/asymmetry, painting for visual representation, manipulating vertices, and sculpting. Some limits include not getting exact measurements, fine detail sculpting, and making hollow models. This software could also be used to create game characters that others couldn't replicate with such ease.
Blender
Next, we explored Blender and its capabilities. It is a free software that supports 3D modeling with modeling, rendering, animation, simulation, and more.
First, we learned how to manipulate vertices, switching between modes, and learning keyboard shortcuts. An important shortcut that we learned was Shift + A which gives a list of many things we can add.
We tested by using the monkey mesh that was already in the software and accessed using that shortcut. This beautiful monkey was the result of that testing.
This was only the beginning.
Blender Simulation
To simulate in Blender, we first added a box and a plane, making sure that the plane is a separate entity than the box. We then, in the edit mode, subdivided the plane to add more faces. Going back to object mode, we added the cloth physics to the plane and set the box to collide. This created a simulation that had the plane fall onto the box and wrap around it naturally. After further experimentation with these simulations I was able to create this:
video
Thoughts on Blender
Even though I had never used Blender, I think that it could be very helpful when simulating and animating. Ms. Horstman also showed us a clip of a movie that was made completely in Blender. The extent of this software is truly massive.
Using AI to create a 3D Model
During the lesson we were tasked to create a 3D Model rendering using AI. Using Maker World's PrintMon Maker, I was able to generate a 3D rendering which could later be exported for 3D printing. All I had to do was enter in a prompt of what I wanted and kept on generating until I got a rendering I was satisfied with. Here is the preview of my rendering.
Compressing Files
To fit our extensive amount of screenshots in our website and in order to save storage, we need to compress our files. Since jpg images give more quality for the storage usage than the usual png that Windows screenshots default to, I have to manually change the file type to jpg whenever saving a screenshot to my computer.
Even though this is the simplest method, not requiring an external converter, it does not completely get the job done. So, to compress fully, I use Optimizilla, a free web-browser image compressor that will compress JPEG, GIF, and PNG images to the minimum possible size while maintaining quality. If at any point you need to optimize a large quantity of images at a time, you are able to upload up to 20 images. All that you need to do is upload the files and download the newly compressed versions.
In order to document videos, on the other hand, I simply just use Window's game bar which can be accessed by hitting Windows+G. All you have to do is hit the record button on the top left box and when you are done, press the stop button that will appear on the right of the screen. It will automatically save in your files most likely under Images/Captures/your video.
3D Design of my Final Project
Because I need to access the electronics inside my RC Hampster Ball, I needed to find a way to open and lock the shell. After extensive search of MakerLab, Google, Youtube, Thingiverse, and more, I was unable to find a model that fit my needs. I wanted a hampster ball sized sphere with a hollow inside and a locking mechanism that would be built into the sphere walls so it wouldn't interfere with the rolling mechanism. However, to my dismay, I was unable to find one. So, I looked to design one.
Version 1
This version of designing was extremely difficult. Since I had no reference for what I was imagining for the design, I had to rely on my spacial imagination. First, I created a sphere, added a "W" on the front for fun using the emboss tool, and cut the sphere in half using the "split body" tool. I then hollowed the two halves using the shell tool. Now the hard part was implementing some sort of mechanism that would snap the two halves together. In this first version, I went for a "hook-like" mechanism, which I put around the top of the semi-spheres and swept across the top, that would slide together and could be pulled apart with a little force. However, after adjusting the dimensions and 3D printing this, I resolved that this idea was not good due to the PLA not being able to bend as much as I had hoped.
Pictures of Designing this (chronological order):
Version 2
In version 2, I did another attempt of the locking mechanism using hooks, but this did not work due to the brittle nature of the PLA.
Version 3
For Version 3, I decided to go with a different approach and create a small slot that would fit a rod with a ball on top. Following the initial step of the first version, I had gotten the same hollow semi-spheres only this time I didn't put the "W" for simplicity. I then used many sketches and extrusions to create the slot. I also made sure that the measurements matched in order for everything to fit correctly.
This is what I was able to create:
This version was successful and was able to slide and lock in decently well.
2D Design
For my 2D design software, I am using Inkscape. Since I already have experience in CorelDraw but don't have a license on my computer, I used Inkscape because it is free and was was recommended by my friend, Noah Smith. For this week, I will convert an image of Mr. Potato Head so that it is ready to be laser cut.
First I downloaded Inkscape from this website. Then, since I was absolutely overwhelmed by difference of UI between CorelDraw and Inkscape, I looked to ChatGPT for help. (ChatGPT log) With help from ChatGPT, I was able to locate the tools required to convert my image into a vector outline. This tool is similar to the "convert bitmap" tool in CorelDraw. Inkscape also allows you to adjust the conversion using sliders.
After I converted the image to vector, I wanted to explore a little bit. So, I created a border around the image using the rectangle tool located in the toolbar.
Similar to my exploration in Blender, I decided to adjust the nodes of the image. By pressing F2, I selected the line I wanted to adjust and dragged the boxes to my liking. Here is the result.
As you can clearly see, I've improved the image greatly.
If I had to rate Inkscape, I would give it an 8. (10 being CorelDraw) It was not as user-friendly as CorelDraw, but I definitely think that the capabilities are perfectly fine. Being a free-software, it's not half bad.