Week 2 Computer Aided design

Learning Objectives

The second week mainly evaluates different 2|3D design software, carries out simple Computer Aided design, presents the design through drawing and modeling.

1. Types and applications of software

Type	Software Name	Application Field
2D Design	Inkscape (Open Source)	Icon design, vector illustrations, web graphics
2D Design	Adobe Illustrator 2025 (Commercial)	Brand identity, print design, complex layouts
3D Design	Autodesk Fusion 360 (Free for Education)	Mechanical design, CAM processing, product rendering
3D Design	FreeCAD 1.0 (Open Source)	Parametric modeling, architectural structures, engineering simulations

2. Learning Process

Software Installation → Interface Familiarization → New Document Creation
View Operations (Pan/Zoom/Rotate) → Tool Learning(Shape/Text/Constraint/Extrude/Fillet/Chamfer)
Sketch Drawing → 3D Modeling → Rendering Output

3. Core Skills in 2D Design

1. General Tool Operations

Drawing Tools
- Shape Tools: Rectangle, ellipse, polygon
- Pen Tool: Bezier curve drawing
- Text Tool: Add editable text
Color Management
- Fill Color: Interior color of objects
- Stroke Color: Outline color and thickness

2. Practical Cases by Software

Inkscape
- Project: Create a plant
- Techniques:
  - Use `Shape tool` to optimize hand-drawn lines
  - `Text Tool` to Add text
  - `Drawing tool` to fill color
Adobe Illustrator 2025
- Project: Design a science classroom logo
- Techniques:
  - `Shape Builder` for quick graphic cutting
  - `Symbol Library` to call experimental instrument icons

4. Core Skills in 3D Design

1. Basic Operation Workflow

Sketch Drawing: Circles, rectangles, arcs, and other basic geometric shapes
Constraint Management:
- Geometric Constraints (Parallel, perpendicular, concentric)
- Dimensional Constraints (Length, angle, radius)
Feature Editing:
- Extrude/Revolve to generate 3D bodies
- Chamfer/Fillet to optimize edges
Rendering Output:
- Apply material textures (metal, plastic, wood)
- Adjust environmental lighting and camera angles

2. Practical Cases by Software

Autodesk Fusion 360
- Project: LEGO brick modeling
- Techniques:
  - Parametric Design for quick size adjustments
  - Array tool can fast replication
  - Shell converts a solid model to a hollow structure
FreeCAD 1.0
- Project: Curved storage box design
- Techniques:
  - Create Geometric Sketch:three-point arc to draw a semi-arc
  - Dimensioning apply radius constraint to define arc length dimension
  - Constraints include equality constraint/perpendicularity constraint/coincidence constraint

5. Software Comparison and Selection Recommendations

Summary: Inkscape is free and open source for icon and web graphic design; Illustrator is good at brand identity, print design, professional and efficient. Fusion 360 Easy to use, cloud service integration, complex assembly and CAM processing; FreeCAD is open source and free, parametric design is powerful, suitable for design and architectural modeling.

Dimension	Inkscape	Adobe Illustrator	Fusion 360	FreeCAD
Cost	Free Open Source	Subscription (Approximately ¥200/month)	Free for Education	Free Open Source
Advantages	Lightweight and flexible	Professional support for print materials	Cloud collaboration and CAM integration	Strong parametric design
Disadvantages	Limited advanced features	Steep learning curve	Offline functionality restricted	Interface interaction needs improvement
Recommended Scenarios	Rapid prototyping design	Brand visual system	Full mechanical engineering process	Architecture and open-source projects

6. Learning Reflections

Short-term Achievements:
- Master the basic workflows of 2D/3D design and be able to independently complete simple modeling and rendering.
- Understand the core advantages and application scenarios of different software.
Long-term Plans:
- Learn more tools and features in the software.
- Participate in practical cases of laser cutting and 3D printing in practical projects.