2. Computer Aided design.¶
This week we are еxploring 2D and 3D software. Since I have some experience in 2D and 3D design, I think it will be interesting to work with programs that I do not own. In general, I use Sketchbook for for drawing raster images, CorelDRAW for vector design, 3ds Max for 3D modeling, and Rhino Grasshopper or AutoCAD for technical drawings, depending on the specific goals I set for myself.
2D Graphics¶
The main difference between raster graphics and vector raster graphics is that the first one represents an image in the form of pixels, while the second one represents lines and geometric shapes.
Raster¶
- A type of graphic image that provides a rectangular grid of pixels.
- Formats - jpg, png, tiff, psd, gif.
- The size of the image influences its visual quality.
Vector¶
- A type of graphic image that provides points connected to each other using lines, curves, or geometric shapes.
- Formats - ps, eps, ai, svg, swf, cdr.
- The image quality is not lost when resizing.
Photoshop¶
I opted for Photoshop because it provides a convenient platform for accessing educational resources and collaborating with illustrators. I discovered a helpful video tutorial playlist and a comprehensive list of keyboard shortcuts to enhance my workflow.
Work process¶
First, I opened a new worksheet in the program.
After that, I turned on the symmetry so that the left and right sides of the drawn image were the same. After drawing the main body, I detached it.
I drew a sketch frame in order to more easily start working with color.
I chose one of the default painting brushes use the Brush tool and started experimenting. I played with light and shadows a little to express the volume and now I have drawn a simple figure.
The lasso tool allows you to work only in the selected area. I used it to clean the outer contours and paint over the inside of the painted body.
I didn’t like the white background and decided to change the background using the Paint Bucket tool.
Next, I cropped the unnecessary side parts of the image using the Crop tool.
After the painting is finished, it’s time to export it. To do this, I went to the appropriate section of the menu and selected “File” - “Export” - “Export As..”.
Having selected the desired format for saving the image, I proceeded by clicking “Export”.
Now I select the folder where I want to save the file, enter its name and then click “Save”.
Illustrator¶
For 2D vector graphics, I decided to explore Adobe Illustrator. I began my search on the internet for video tutorials and keyboard shortcuts to enhance my workflow.
Work process¶
To start, I opened a pre-prepared drawing in the program. To do this, I clicked on the top panel “File” - “Open…” - went to the file location folder, selected the image and clicked “Open”.
Using the Rectangle tool and Ellipse tool, I drew my sketch using simple geometric shapes. When I pressed the “Alt” key, the center of the shape was in the place where I pressed. When I pressed the “Shift” key, the shape always took the correct shape, regardless of whether it was an ellipse or a rectangle.
After I’ve drawn all the necessary shapes, it’s time to link the main components to create the silhouette of the desired shape. To do this. I first selected all the shapes using the Shape Builder tool.
I started creating other parts of the drawing, also using the Rectangle tool. Аdjusted the shape using Direct selection.
After all three parts were completed, I highlighted them and made a mirror copy. to do this, I clicked “right click” - “Тransform” - “Reflect..”
Select the vertical, then click the “Preview” checkmark below to see the changes. After that, click “Copy”.
I combine the two parts using Shape Builder tool.
Using the Gradient tool, I give objects a three-dimensional appearance.
Now, using the “Alt” key, I lift the shapes up to copy them. At the same time, I hold down the “Shift” key so that the shapes rise strictly along the central axis. After that, I press “Ctrl+D” to repeat this process automatically.
I create a water tank using geometric shapes and color with a Gradient tool.
Then I overlay the image of the wood texture under the construction layer using the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+[“. After I have selected the wallpaper, I right-click and select “Create clipping mask”, and the object acquires the texture of a tree.
After that, I decided to reproduce the glow of a lamp for plants. To achieve this, I repeated the inner contour twice, reducing one option. I painted one of them purple and the other white. Then, using the Blend Tool, I created intermediate objects that gradually moved from large and purple to small and white. That’s how I achieved a smooth glow.
Next I tried to convert the bitmap image to a vector format. To do this, I explored the Freepik website, which offers a wide selection of stock photos, illustrations, and vector graphics, both free and premium.
I opened the uploaded png image in illustrator, select the image, click on the arrow next to the inscription “Image Trace” and select “6 Colors”, this is enough to transfer the primary colors and not make the file heavier.
After conversion, the transparent background changed to white.
To immediately remove the background with all the small details, select one of these white parts and click at the top of the menu “Select” - “Same” - “Fill color”. This is to select all the white details and I just had to Delete them.
Here, you can observe the difference between the raster and the resulting vector.
Using some of these plants, I completed the collage of my final project.
3D modeling¶
3D modeling is one of the main tools for engineers and designers to implement their projects, it allows them to materialize their thoughts without wasting time and resources, and thanks to simulation, it gives them the opportunity to feel how the modeled object will look after manufacture.
SolidWorks¶
For 3D modeling, I chose SolidWorks because it has a lot of functionality and then it is one of the most Popular 3D design software. I haven’t had any experience working in this environment before, but the user-friendly interface and my expertise in 3D modeling made the transition relatively seamless. When I start learning a new modeling program, I try to create a complex shape using as many tools as possible to understand how they interact with each other.
Work process¶
I opened a new file using the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+N”, and selected “Part”, and now our new working file is already open.
I’ve highlighted all the planes and clicked on the “Show” icon to see which plane I’m working on.
Then I created a new sketch using the Sketch tool and selected the Front planes to work with.
Using the Circle tool, I positioned a circle with a radius of 50 mm on the plane, making sure that the center of the circle is offset relative to the X and Y axes by 60 mm.
Then, another one, but with a radius of 40 mm, and two lines directed at the X and Y axis. When a shape is colored blue, it means that it is closed, and when it is dark blue, it means that there are two closed shapes in the same plane.
After that, I used the Trim entities tool to cut off all the extra parts of the drawing, and I got the sketch I needed.
After that, I copied this sketch and made two mirror copies using the Mirror Entities tool,one relative to the X-axis and the other relative to the Y-axis.
Next, I revolved my sketches relative to the axis X and Y using the Revolved base tool.
Then I created an auxiliary plane using Reference geometry to draw a sketch on it, which I want to cut out of the resulting object.
I drew two circles on the auxiliary plane.
Then I added a vertical line and turned it by 2.5 degrees using Rotate entities tool, and I did a mirror copy.
After that, I used the Circular Sketch Pattern and again cut off unnecessary parts of the drawing.
After completing the work, I realized that I would need to round off all the remaining corners, which would take a significant amount of time. For this reason, I decided to leave one shape and delete all the others.
Using the Perimeter Circle, I drew two circles inside the left figure, so that the lines between them are tangent to the circle.
I trimmed away the excess and use Smart Dimension to determine the angle between the two sides of the shape.
I used the Circular Sketch Pattern again and now I got the result I originally wanted.
It’s time to use the Extracted Cut.To do this, I selected the sketch I needed and used this tool.
After the holes were made, I wanted to round the edges.I used the Fillet tool and selected all the edges that I wanted to round off.
Here’s what I got
All I had to do was export it. to do this, I clicked “Save” - “Save As”.
I find the folder we need to save, select the format we need and click “Save”. I chose the STL format for export because it is widely used and compatible with almost any slicer.
Conclusion¶
During this week I studied new programs for me and I think it was a valuable experience to try myself in an unfamiliar software, which I will use throughout the workflow for creating my final project at the Fab Academy.gi