Week 2, CAD Design

Objectives

: Model objects of possible final project with 2D and 3D software; Show you did it with words/images/screenshots; Document how you compressed images and video; Include original design files

2D Software

I evalulated Adobe Illustrator for my 2D CAD software. Since it was Groundhog Day this week, I used that as inpiration to draw a ground hog. I used a mix of line and pen tools to create a path that represented the shape of the groundhog.

Taking this a step further, I exported this CAD as a dxf and then brought it into SolidWork. From there I was able to scale the art and extrude it to make a cookie cutter in the shape of the groundhog.

Groundhog CAD — Bringing Illustrator art into SolidWorks to create 3D geometry

Groundhog AI File

3D Software

I evaluated two different 3D CAD software packages, SolidWorks and nTopology.

SolidWorks

I have worked with SolidWorks for a couple of decades and have a good understanding of how it can be used. I was able to start modelling a version of my photography project with SolidWorks by using a mix of surface and solid modelling techniques to make a virtual schematic. I was able to use layout sketches to define the initial geometry of the flare reducer and combined that with downloaded models of XIAO boards and LEDs to see how the whole project might come together.

SolidWorks Files for Camera Project

nTopology

I had never worked with nTop before, but had familiarity with its capabilities, so was excited to give it a try. I worked through a few tutorials about how the modelling environment works, how to manipulate and export CAD bodies and how to create lattice structures out of CAD bodies.

An example of how I used this software was to make a new type of orchid pot. I modelled a simple 3 inch planter in SolidWorks and split it into 4 different bodies. I then brought the model into nTop and turned it into an implicit body. Then I used the lattice tools to make gyroid cells for the bottom of the pot for water drainage and on the side of the pot for air exchange. I then boolean added the parts back together into a continuous pot shape, meshed it and exported as an .stl file for 3D printing.

3 Inch Pot nTop File

Image Compression

I used a couple of techniques for image compression

Transfer from WhatsApp

I send most of the pics of my projects from my phone through WhatsApp to transfer the pics quickly. When I save jpg files from web app, it automatically brings the file size down to a few hundred kilobytes, which is totally managable.

Paint Resizing

I also use MS Pain to resize images. The "Resize and Skew" tool allows for fast downsizing of images to suitable size.

Compression — Resizing an image with MS Paint

Lightroom Export

I also use Adobe Lightrooom to resize photos. Full size images are brought into the catalog and the export tool allows for choosing a maximum pixel width or file size. This way, I can manipulate full sized photos without the heaviness of the original file