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2. Computer-Aided Design

assignment
1. Model (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, …) a possible final project.
2. Compress your images and videos.
3. Post a description with your design files on your class page.


2D Software: GIMP & Coreldraw

GIMP is free and powerful tools for 2D bitmap software.
- GIMP is a raster image editor (similar to Photoshop) excelling in photo retouching, color correction, compositing, and watermark removal.
- Perfect for everyday image editing and creative projects.

CorelDRAW is an easy-to-learn 2D vector graphic software. It provides a user-friendly interface and intuitive tools, making it highly accessible for beginners to create and edit 2D vector graphics.
- Ideal for creating icons, logos, illustrations, and scalable designs.
- Works with paths and shapes, ensuring crisp results at any resolution.


Batch Resize Images & Export as JPG in GIMP (Win10)

1. Install BIMP:

  • Download from BIMP.
  • Run the .exe installer and follow prompts (default path: C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\GIMP\2.10\plugins).
  • Restart GIMP.
    BIMP.png

2. Open BIMP:

  • In GIMP, go to File > Batch Image Manipulation….
    gimp01.png

3. Add Images:

  • Click Add Images and select your PNG/JPG files or folders.
    Add%20Images.png

4. Add Resize Procedure:

  • Click Add Procedure > Resize.
  • Adjust the size ratio (e.g., 80%) and choose Interpolation method (e.g., LoHalo for downsizing).
    Add Resize Procedure

5. Add Export to JPG:

  • Click Add Procedure > Export to File.
  • Format: Select JPEG.
  • Output Folder: Specify a directory (e.g., Desktop\Resized_Images).
  • Quality: Click Edit Parameters and adjust JPEG quality (e.g., 85-95).
    Add%20Export%20to%20JPG.jpg)

6. Run Batch Process:

  • Click Apply to start processing.
    Run%20Batch%20Process.jpg

Use coreldraw to convert pictures into vector

This week I want to design a simple logo, and I hope I will use a lorand lettering machine to make the logo next week.
logo.png

1. Design logo pattern

On the font website, enter the text I want to make, select the font, adjust the size, and finally form the pattern I want.
design logo.jpg

2. Convert Image to Vector in CorelDRAW

2.1 Import the Image
- Method 1: Go to File > Import (or press Ctrl+I), select the image file (e.g., JPG, PNG).
- Method 2: Drag and drop the image directly into the workspace.
Import%20the%20Image.jpg

2.2 Convert Bitmap to Vector
- Select the Image, Click on the imported image.
- Go to Bitmap > Outline Trace. Choose a tracing preset (e.g., Line Art, Logo, or Detailed Logo).
Use PowerTRACE.jpg

  • Adjust settings in the PowerTRACE dialog:
  • Detail Level: Control smoothness and complexity.
  • Colors: Set color thresholds or reduce nodes.
  • Click OK to generate the vector graphic.
    Adjust settings.jpg

2.3 Optimize the Vector (Optional)
- Simplify Curves: Select the vector, go to Object > Curve > Simplify (Ctrl+Shift+R) to reduce nodes.
- Edit Manually: Use the Shape Tool (F10) to refine paths or adjust nodes.
Edit%20Manually.jpg

2.4 Export as .AI Format
- Go to File > Export (or press Ctrl+E).
- In the export dialog, select Adobe Illustrator (AI) as the file type.
- Name the file, choose a location, and click Export.
- Select a compatible Illustrator version (3.x ), Enable Export Text as Curves to avoid font issues.
Export%20as%20.AI%20Format.jpg


3D Software: Fusion 360

1. Learn about Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is a cloud-based, integrated CAD/CAM/CAE tool particularly suited for integrated design, engineering, and manufacturing workflows.
Key advantages include:
- Parametric Modeling: Control dimensions through parameters for easy post-modification (e.g., adjusting bracket height or curvature).
- Free Educational License: Available to students, educators, and hobbyists with full functionality without restrictions.
- You can download the personal non-commercial version on this website.

fusion-360personal-download.jpg

2. Design Product Sketch

I didn’t have many ideas for a final project this week, but I wanted to design myself a computer stand.
I looked up computer stand materials and combined them with snake elements to create a simple and interesting design.
design.jpg

3. Modeling process

3.1 Insert sketch and calibrate dimensions
- Insert reference image in fusion360: Insert-Canvas-Select File-Insert
Insert picture.jpg
- Adjust the position and size of the image, click the arc to enlarge the image, click the square to move the image, and click the point to rotate the image.
Adjust the image.jpg
- In the left toolbar, right-click on the canvas, select File > Calibrate, and adjust the width of the snake in the image to about 300MM.
Adjust the size.jpg

3.2 Create a sketch of the main structure and extrude it into a solid
- Use spline curves to draw the outline of the snake.
spline curves.jpg
- In the sketch, draw two rectangles with dimensions of 12mm*200mm.
sketch02.jpg
- Extrude the sketch from both sides to form a solid with a thickness of 12mm.
Stretch Both Sides.jpg
- Mirror the entity to obtain two structures that are symmetrical about the YZ plane.
Mirror.jpg

3.3 Creating Crossbar Connections
- Select a face in the solid to create a new sketch.
New Sketch.jpg
- Through projection, we get some sketch outlines.
projection.jpg
- Hide the entity and create a rectangle of 260mm*30mm. Use the Collinear command to make the two rectangles snap together.

- Connect the midpoints of the sketches on both sides, change the line type to auxiliary line, and use the mirror command to distribute the rectangle symmetrically in the sketch.

3.4 Modify the model details
- Add 2 holes by drawing a sketch or hole.
holes.jpg
- Select the model, right click > Appearance > Select Material, and drag it onto the object to change the object’s material.
holes.jpg

3.5 Export 2D vector graphics files
- Select the entity and right-click to convert it into a part.
Arrange parts.jpg

  • Select Arrange > Right Click > Create Drawing, select all parts and the XY plane, and modify the plane size.
    Next, select the size of the drawing as A2.
    solid to part.jpg

  • The engineering drawing is a top view with a scale of 1:1.
    Finally, delete any unnecessary borders.
    Remove border.jpg

  • Simply mark the graphics size and export the file in DXF format.
    Exporting Files.jpg


week2_logo .ai
Snake computer stand.dxf