1. Project Management
Research
In this week focused on 2D and 3D modeling, the basics of new modeling were learned.
Installed Software
This week, the following software will be used. You can download the programs using the following links or by searching for the program names in your browser:
| Software | Function |
|---|---|
| SolidWorks | 3D CAD software for mechanical design and engineering |
| Fusion 360 | Cloud-based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, and CAE software |
| Blender | Open-source 3D creation suite for modeling, animation, and rendering |
| Inkscape | Free and open-source vector graphics editor |
Inkscape
Is an open source vector graphics editor, similar in capabilities to programs such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw and Xara X. In this case the idea of a drum practice pad was developed.
As Inkscape practice, a hexagonal-shaped drum practice pad will be designed as a preliminary design. This project uses basic software tools and functionalities, providing an opportunity to learn vector design skills. After completing the first practice, a proposal will be made on the layout of the drum kit for a practical use design.
Using the Polygon Tool
Fig 1. Using the Polygon Tool in the software
And in the upper section, indicate that it is a polygon and set the number of vertices to 6 to create the figure. Then go to the Fill and Stroke menu. Select the fill color, which in this case is gray.
Fig 2. Fill and Stroke menu configuration
Then select the border color, in this case brown, using the stroke color menu.
Fig 3. Setting the border color to brown
With this, we would obtain the lower image of a drum practice pad.
Fig 4. Final drum practice pad figure
Using the previously mentioned tools, a sketch of a possible distribution of the electronic drums with three cymbals and 4 drums was made.
The base was created with the ellipse tool; using control we can draw perfect circles.
Fig 5. Creating the base with the ellipse tool
To create the interior of the drum cymbals, use arcs with the ellipse tool. In the top toolbar, look for the "Start" and "End" options. Set the "Start" value to 0 and the "End" value to -180 to create the arc. Then, in the "Fill and Stroke" menu, remove the fill to have only the outline.
Fig 6. Creating arcs with the ellipse tool
Then the circle was duplicated and aligned so that it is concentric with the align and distribute menu by centering the horizontal and vertical axis.
Fig 7. Aligning the duplicated circles concentrically
The image below shows the result.
Fig 8. Final sketch of the electronic drum setup
SolidWorks
For the 3D modeling, various software were used. A prototype of a cymbal was created in SolidWorks, from designing, placing materials, and rendering.
First, the curvature tools were learned using circles as a base, as well as the extrusion tools. .
Fig 9. Using curvature tools with circles as a base
Use of different inclination angles were tested to observe their differences. A cut was made on the lower side of the piece to simulate a real cymbal
Fig 10. Testing different inclination angles
Fig 11. Making inclination angles
To create the lower space, a smaller concentric circle was drawn, and then the cut-extrude tool was used to generate this space, simulating a cymbal. Next, the cut-extrude tool was used again to create a cylindrical space in the cymbal.
Fig 12. Creating the lower space with a cut extrude tool
Fig 13. Resulting lower space of the cymbal
Finally, using the pattern tool with the configuration shown in the image, the previously mentioned cut and extrusion action was repeated multiple times
Fig 14. Visualizing the cylindrical cut
Fig 15. Visualizing the pattern operation
Fig 16. Pattern operation menu
The split line tool was used to divide the circle into two spaces, aiming for an aesthetic design, and the circular pattern tool was incorporated to make the holes symmetrically.
Fig 17. Using the split line and circular pattern tools
Materials were applied during rendering to make our 3D model look more realistic.
Fig 18. Applying materials during rendering
Final result
Fig 19. Final rendered 3D model of the cymbal
Blender: Create a drumsticks
Different tests were conducted on how to use the software and its basic tools. For example, to make the top part of the drumstick, a cylinder with 7 vertices was used, which, when using the S scale tool, allowed us to generate that shape. Various tests were carried out to generate the drumstick. Among the commands used were Tab to enter Edit Mode and S combined with X or Y to adjust according to the coordinates.
Fig 20. Drumstick created using the S scale tool
- G - Move
- R - Rotate
- S - Scale
- E - Extrude
- Tab - Toggle between Object Mode and Edit Mode
- Ctrl+B - Bevel
- Shift+D - Duplicate
- X - Delete
For the lower part of the ramrod, the extrusion tool (E) was used to lengthen the cylinder and give it the desired length, this action was complicated to perform with the mouse because it is difficult to do it with precision
Fig 21. Extrusion tool used to lengthen the cylinder
Fusion 360
In addition, the saucer was also created in Fusion to interact with both programs. The creation process is very similar, starting with the creation of a circle and using the extrude tool. Although there are slight differences in the interface and the way instructions are given to the software, the same operations of extruding, cutting and modifying geometries are performed. These actions allow the design to be adjusted to the required specifications,ensuring that the end result is the same as in SolidWorks.
To create an animation in Fusion, first switch to the animation workspace from the menu at the top left. Then, set up the camera view and record the view. Finally, before starting to record, adjust the timeline.
Conclusion
Creating this 3D design involved learning different basic tools, such as extrusion and cutting, as well as learning basic concepts like using concentric circles or decorative details.