Computer Aided Design

This week I started digitally modelling my proposed final project.
We are supposed to test modelling our project in a variety of different software to see what works best. However, since my project consists of multiple elements and time is limited, I will use different software for each component, choosing the most suitable one for each.
The to-do list for this week is:

Model, render, animate, and simulate final project.
Compress images and videos to upload to site.
Plan how to integrate the project into weekly assignments.

Hero shot of the week:

Modelling the Creature - Cinema 4D

I modelled the base shape of the ray-creature in C4D. It needs more detail, so I will take this base into ZBrush for further sculpting.

Sculpting the Creature - ZBrush

Exported the base as an OBJ and brought it into ZBrush for detailing.

Modelling Mechanical Parts - Fusion 360

I modelled the mechanical arm segment and the pump valve in Fusion 360. I initially tried Rhino but found the UI confusing, and the spline pen felt difficult to use. So I started a Fusion trial and really liked the spline tool. The UI is also very intuitive, which is great since I prefer clicking around to figure things out rather than watching tutorials.

For the pump valve, I followed this tutorial on how to create an Engine Valve in Fusion: CAD Jungle

Building the Table - C4D

I wanted to keep the table simple. I modelled this in C4D. I'd like to CNC the side boards in aluminum and have the center boards (that slot into the side boards) either in aluminum or glass.

Now for assembly!

Render Tests

Materials built and rendered with Redshift.

Simulation

I tested an inflation sim using a cloth tag set to "balloon" on the ray, and used a vertex map to limit the inflation to the head (the area where the pump is injected).