2. Computer-Aided Design (CAD)¶
The goal for this week was to get familiarised with Computer Aided Design (CAD) softwares.
Computer-aided design (CAD) refers to the use of computers for designing and modelling 3D/2D objects. Some of the benefits of using CAD are;
- Making design-work more efficient
- Improving the quality of design
- Improving communications through documentation, and
- Creating a database for manufacturing
Wikipedia
Before this week, I had some very preliminary experience with 2D CAD softwares, but almost no knowledge of 3D CAD except for TinkerCAD.
Since one of my goals for FabAcademy was to equip myself with rapid-prototyping tools, I was excited to see how well I could familiarise myself with the softwares during the coming week!
Assignments for this week (Jan 29-Feb 4):
- Test out a variety of CAD softwares and pick which one(s) to use during the FabAcademy.
- Model a possible final project.
*”Model” includes; raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, …
- Post the designs on my class page with description and design files (not forgetting to compress all images and videos).
0. Decide on my final project¶
Before starting on the assignment, I needed to know which potential idea to model.
So I spent a day brainstorming more ideas, and decided to move forward with 3 potential concepts.
See the rough concepts here.
1. Make models of my potential final project¶
The success of this week’s assignment rested on how many CAD softwares I could try, within the short timeframe of few days. Since I was a complete newbie, I set myself a realistic goal to try at least two 3D CAD softwares, to first get a better idea of how they work in general.
I started by watching this comparison video, in order to get a sense of the variety of softwares on offer, and to narrow down on which softwares to try.
I also did some initial reading into the different softwares recommended by Neil.
Below is a summary of my initial research;
| Type | Tool | Overview | Particularly popular among |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raster | GIMP | ||
| Imagemagick | |||
| Vector | Inkscape | ||
| CorelDRAW | |||
| 3D | Blender | Open-source 3D modeling software known for its versatility in modeling, animation, rendering, and game creation. | Film industry and game developers |
| Fusion 360 | Powerful cloud-based 3D CAD software used for product design and manufacturing. Allows collaboration across teams. Particularly popular for its advanced engineering and simulation features | ||
| FreeCAD | Free, open-source parametric 3D modeling tool focused on engineering and product design. It is modular, allowing users to customize it based on their needs and integrate additional plugins. | ||
| Solidworks | CAD software known for its solid modeling capabilities. | Mechanical engineers and Industrial designers, for its parametric design and assembly features | |
| Sketchup | Beginner-friendly design software that excels in architectural modeling. Its intuitive interface makes it popular among beginners and professionals alike. | Architecture and interior designers | |
| Shapr3D | Mobile-friendly CAD tool optimized for precision, that’s integrated with Apple Pencil. Often used for quick prototyping and design on tablets. | Professionals on the go (due to its flexibility) | |
| Rhinos | Specializes in NURBS-based modeling and is popular in fields requiring precise surface modeling, such as architecture and jewelry design. | Industrial designers (due to its precision) | |
| Audio/Video | Kdenlive | ||
| Handbrake | |||
| ffmpeg |
3D CAD¶
I decided to start with Blender, based on my instructor Rico’s strong recommendation.
I also wanted to try Fusion360, as I heard that it takes a completely different approach to Blender, and also to make use of the free license that was offered to FabAcademy students.
Trying to navigate 3D CAD softwares without a mouse is extremely stressful!
If you don't have one already, it is strongly recommended to invest in one before starting this week!
Blender¶
Since I knew that Blender’s strong suit was its animation capability, I tried modelling my 1st idea, the Gesturing flower.
Although I initially felt quite intimidated by the prospect of learning to use CAD for the first time (and in just 1 week!), thanks to Rico’s tutorial, I was able to learn the basics of modelling, rendering and animating a flower in few hours.
First I learned about the basic layout of Blender.
I then learnt about the key shortcuts in Blender:
Transformation shortcuts:
G Move (G for Grab)
R Rotate
S Scale
These are combined with direction shortcuts XYZ
Shift + A Add
Esc Cancel
All the components of the flower; stem, the center of flower (pistil), and petals were made by first creating a basic shape, which were then modified by flattening, narrowing, etc.
How to use the Duplicate function to draw petals
- Select the pistil
- Shift D to duplicate it
- S + Z to scale the circle into oval shape
- R to rotate
- G to move
Rico also touched on “Geometry nodes”, but this section went right over my head…
Here is the flower we ended up with.
We then moved on to Animation.
How to set up Animation on Blender
N key for side menu
Control A β Rotation & Scale
Each Objects are distorted
We need to rebase the scaling to 1
A to select
I to insert keyframe
Timeline to 1
Type A to select everything
Typ I to insert keyframe
Tymeline to 40
Seelct petals
Rotate 40 degrees
Here is the final result;
Rico also told me about the “Materials” feature, which allows us to render different materials/textures onto the design, but my computer kept crashing due to limited processing power.
But here is the final rendering which was completed on Rico’s computer.
Rico also recommended me to try out Womp to model my flower, but I ran out of timeπ’
Fusion360¶
Since I had an interest in incorporating woodworking and carpentry into the final project, I decided to model a wooden object for this exercise.
I followed a tutorial on this “Fusion 360 for newbies” book that included a simple wooden table tutorial.
These are the 2 pieces I created. (This was followed by an “Assembly” tutorial which I didn’t have time to try)
Detailed steps:
After selecting “Create sketch”, I was asked to select the plane I want to work on. I selected XY.For the first plank, I simply created a Rectangle,
which were extruded by 900mm.
Wooden material was applied, using the “Physical Material” function.
For the second plank (the sides), I started by creating the XY plane shape using Lines.
I used the Sketch Dimention feature to change the lengths. (I didn’t do Parametric design this time)
I used the Pull feature.
I opened a hole for the nail.
I used the mirror function to open the 2nd hole.
2D CAD¶
For 2D CAD, I wanted to try modeling my 3rd idea, the coat-hanger extention.
There are 2 ways of representing 2D images digitally; Rastor and Vector.
Design files:¶
Reflection:¶
By comparing 2 different 3D CAD softwares, I could understand how Blender’s rendering/simulation/animation features would make it suited for more creative designs such as the flower, whereas Fusion360’s constraints and parametric design features would be more suited for engineering-heavy projects.
If I had more time, I would have also liked to try out SolidWorks and Sketchup, as they pop up frequently in furniture design.
I am also keen to try out more organic design with Rhinoceros + Grasshopper in the future, once I am more comfortable with the basic tools.
Assignment Checklist:¶
- [x] Modelled experimental objects/part of a possible project in 2D and 3D software
- [x] Show how I did it with words/images/screenshots
- [x] Documented how I compressed my image and video files
- [x] Included my original design files