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2. Computer Aided Design

This week was all about learning to use CAD softwares.

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computers to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design.
CAD softwares are used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve communications through documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing. - Wikipedia

One of my personal goals for FabAcademy was to master the toolkits for rapid prototyping, so I was interested to see how comfortable I could become with CAD during this 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= raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, …
  • Post the designs on my class page with description and design files (Don’t forget to compress all images and videos).

0. Draw a more concrete plan for my final project

Before starting the modeling exercise, I needed to draw a clearer picture of how my final project looks and works.
See here for how I proceeded to do that.

1. Make a model of my potential final project

I have some (very preliminary) experience with 2D softwares, but almost no knowledge of 3D CAD except for TinkerCAD, so my first priority was trying at least two 3D CAD, to get a better idea of how they work in general.

First, to get an overview of different 3D CAD softwares, I watched this comparison video.

I then did some initial reading into the different softwares that interested me.
In the end, 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 as part of FabAcademy.

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

Reference: Meshy.ai

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 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.
alt text

I then learnt 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 into desired shapes by flattening, narrowing, etc.

Duplicate function for the petal 
- 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 told me about Geometry nodes, but this section went over my head…

Here is the flower we ended up with.
alt text

We then moved on to Animation.

Steps for animation 
N key for side menu
Control A → 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; (Need to fix the link here)

I also learnt how about the “Materials” feature for rendering, but my computer processing power was not strong enough and kept crashing. But here is the final rendering which was done on Rico’s computer. alt text

Rico also recommended me to try out Womp to model my flower, but I ran out of time😢

Fusion360 - 1st try

Since I had an interest in incorporating woodworking and carpentry into the final project, I wanted to try create some kind of wooden object for this exercise. I found a Fusion 360 for newbies book that included a simple wooden table tutorial so I decided to follow that.

alt text

These are the 2 pieces I created. (This was followed by an “Assembly” tutorial which I didn’t have time to try) alt text

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,
alt text

which were extruded by 900mm.
alt text

Wooden material was applied, using the “Physical Material” function.
alt text

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)
alt text

I used the Pull feature.
alt text

I opened a hole for the nail.
I used the mirror function to open the 2nd hole.
alt text

Fusion360 - 2nd try

I then tried to model the smart-speaker component of my smart spice-rack.

I followed this Fusion360 for beginner’s tutorial.
alt text

I customised the hook to look like a squirrel chef;
alt text

First, I created the hook holder component.

  1. Create a circle and extrude
    alt text

  2. Add a slot, and add an ear at the top
    alt text

  3. Extrude the slot, mirror it, then delete the ears on 1 side by filleting.
    alt text

  4. Add a back support, and cut out the side
    alt text

  5. Add holes for the screw.
    alt text

  6. I tried to create a squirrel face, but couldn’t make a cute one so gave up :(
    alt text

Next I made the hook component.

  1. I made a circle and extruded, and added a rough sketch of the hook.
    alt text

  2. Added the constraints and dimensions for the hook
    alt text

  3. Filleted the corners.
    alt text

  4. Added handle components
    alt text

  5. And added a chef’s hat on top.
    alt text

Finally, I made the screw;
alt text

Inkscape

For 2D CAD, I wanted to try modeling my 3rd idea, the coat-hanger extention.

Still need to try this task

But first for some background information, here is a recap on the differences between Rastor and Vector.
<alt text>
- Raster images are constructed by a bunch of pixels (color and brightness data). They tend to be graphic formats like GIF, JPEG,PNG and PCX, etc.
- Vector images use mathematical equations, lines, and curves with fixed points on a grid to produce an image.
Because they use mathmatical formulas, they can be resized, bent and stretched without losing resolution.
They use graphic formats like EPS, WMF, TrueType, PICT etc. This format is useful for cutting toolpaths.

(Note for myself when I try this section;)
Basic Inkscape tutorials on FabAcademy: Elements / Basics / Shapes

2. Compress and post on class page

I tried using ffmpeg to compress the short animation video - but couldn’t figure out - so need to ask instructor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBb_eYThfRQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPV7JXTWPWI&t=28s

https://academy.cba.mit.edu/classes/computer_design/video.html

Design files:

Need to fix this section to open the actual files.
Blender
Fusion
[Need to upload 2nd design of Fusion]

Reflection:

Trying out 2 totally different 3D CAD this week gave me a good introduction to CAD, although I’ve only just scratched the surface.

I could see 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 Rhinoceros + Grasshopper in the future, when I am more comfortable with the basic tools!

Assignment Checklist:

  • [ ] Modelled experimental objects/part of a possible project in 2D and 3D software
  • [ ] Show how I did it with words/images/screenshots
  • [ ] Documented how I compressed my image and video files
  • [x] Included my original design files