2. Computer-Aided Design¶
How I Compress my Images¶
To compress my images I use Compress2Go. Compress2Go helps reduce the size of image files without sacrificing too much quality. On the home page I select the compress image option and then I upload my files. I select compress to png and it good to go. Most of the time, my images get compressed by over 50%.
2D and 3D Modeling.¶
For this week I used the following programs - SculptGTL - Blender - Corel Draw - Gimp - ZOO - Fusion 360 - Maker World
SculptGTL¶
The first program I used was SculptGTL. In this program we were able to manipulate G-code toolpaths. It refines the G-code that minimizes errors, created cleaner, more precise cuts by reducing jagged edges.
Blender¶
The next program I used was Blender. Blender is an open source 3D software used for modeling, scultting, animations, and rendering. It is useful for digital fabrication. It allows users to design models for 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting.
Navigating Blender¶
Learning through Blender, we started with a fresh page by selecting each object on the screen and deleting them using either the Delete key or the Scene Collection panel.
Next, we added a monkey by pressing Shift + A, navigating to the Mesh tab, and selecting Monkey. To activate X-ray mode, we went to the top bar, switched to Edit Mode, and enabled X-ray view.
We then learned how to distort different faces, extrude, and adding vertices. Face mode is found in the top bar of the screen. To extrude different faces click Shift + E and drag the desired face.
After learning basic manipulations in Blender, I made a small animation. I cleared the previous monkey and added a cube and then on top of that cube I added a plane and expanded it. In the Scene Collection, I went to the phyics option and changed the plane into a silk cloth and made the cube the collision. I attempted to render the image but it was taking a lot of time, so I just decided to screen record it.
Vector¶
For my final project, I used corel draw to design a logo that I can vector onto my final project.
I first started by finding a simple logo svg of the Fab Lab. Here is the site I found the logo on. I then uploaded that file onto Corel draw and did a logo trace of the bitmap.
I wanted to get rid of the color in the logo and make it black so I selected the logo and I converted it into a bit map. I make the resolution 300 dpi and changed the color mode to black an white.
Here are the results!
Raster¶
For my rastered image, I used Gimp to make something with my first initial. I first started with an image of my first inital and used pdf2png to convert my image into a png.
I then selected the path and began to trace the entire letter.
After the path was traced, I used the fill path option and selected a solid color.
After it was filled I pressed the delete key on my keyboard so only the outlined remained.
AI¶
I used two softwares, Maker World and ZOO, to learn more about how AI can generate 3D objects. In ZOO, I first asked it to make me a heart with Chamfered edges. An error message popped up as the result. I then asked it to generate just a heart, which seemed like a simple task. The heart resembled a mouse. I learned that ZOO wasn’t really reliable when it came to generating specific 3D objects.
I then tested Maker World. I searched up a picture of the artist Tyler, The Creator to see if Maker World could make a character that resembled him.
This is the orginal photo that I put into Maker World.
Overall, Maker World did a good job incorporating accessories from the picture, such as the hair and glasses. However, it struggled with accurately capturing gender and skin color. I believe the tool would perform better with simpler images.
Final Project 3D design¶
I created a rough model of my final project in Fusion 360. I began by sketching the profile of my model, which was a 15x7 rectangle with an arc in the center
After completing the sketch, I exited sketch mode and used the revolve tool to turn the profile into a 3D shape. Next, I used the hole tool to create a hole in the center of the object. The hole I created in the model has a 10-inch diameter and is 9 inches deep. I wanted to hollow the place I put the arch, so i created an offset plane 5 inches above the inside the bottom of the cylinder. I then created a sketch of a semi-circle that was 3.5 inches in diameters. I then used teh revolve tool which hollowed out the space where the semi-circle was. For the humidity sensor, I wanted to place it on the rim of the hole. Since I didn’t know the exact dimensions of the sensor, I approximated it by sketching a 0.5x1-inch rectangle and extruded it by -1 inch on the rim to create a small place for the sensor.
Here is a link to my blender file