3. Computer Aided design¶
Цeek 03’s assignment:
- model (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, …)
- a possible final project,
- compress your images and videos,
- and post a description with your design files on your class page
This week gave us to use a wide range of 2D and 3D Design tools. I have installed the following programs and excersized its functions of workstation:
- FreeCAD, SolidWorks, Onshape, Blender, GIMP BIMP
My practice with freeCAD¶
This image represents my practice with FreeCAD, an open-source parametric 3D modeling software used for designing mechanical components, architecture, and engineering structures. The practice session involved exploring sketching, extrusion (padding), and 3D modeling techniques to create a structured model.
The first section of the image shows FreeCAD’s interface, displaying the workbench selection and toolbar, as well as an introductory description of the software. This step was essential for understanding the various tools and modules available, such as Part Design, Sketcher, and Assembly workbenches. FreeCAD provides a flexible environment for creating and modifying 3D models with precise parametric controls.
In the second section, I started working on a solar panel frame design, as indicated by the project title in the model tree. The sketches consist of basic rectangular outlines, which were later used as the foundation for extrusion. These sketches were created using the Sketcher workbench, where I defined constraints and dimensions to ensure accurate proportions.
The third section showcases the extrusion process, where the 2D sketches were converted into 3D objects using the Pad tool. The green highlighted sections represent the padded (extruded) areas, forming the structural frame of the solar panel. This step was important in transitioning from 2D sketching to 3D modeling, a fundamental process in CAD design.
The final section includes a detailed view of the model’s structure, showing different perspectives and a vertical profile of the frame. The model tree confirms the hierarchical structure, listing features such as Pad003, which indicates multiple extrusions were performed to build the final design.
Through this practice, I gained a better understanding of FreeCAD’s parametric modeling workflow, sketch constraints, and 3D extrusion techniques. This exercise helped strengthen my skills in mechanical design and engineering visualization, making it a valuable step in learning computer-aided design (CAD) for real-world applications.
My practice with Onshape¶
This image showcases my 3D modeling practice using Onshape, a cloud-based CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. The model appears to be a mechanical component with various geometric features, including cutouts, extrusions, and cylindrical elements. The Onshape interface is visible in the top image, showing the feature tree, which lists different steps involved in the modeling process, such as sketching, extruding, and cutting. The main viewport displays the 3D model in an isometric view, providing a clear perspective on its structure. The toolbar at the top contains essential tools for modifying and refining the design.
The main body of the model is a rectangular block, which serves as the base structure. Several notches and slots are visible on the top surface, which could be used for interlocking or assembly purposes. Additionally, a large circular cutout is positioned at the center, suggesting that the part is designed to accommodate another component, such as a shaft, bearing, or fastener. On one side of the model, there is a cylindrical extrusion, which could act as a connector for another part, indicating that this model may be part of a larger mechanical system.
The second and third images provide side views of the model, which help in understanding the depth, alignment, and placement of the features. The notches and cutouts on the top surface are more clearly visible from this perspective, highlighting their potential function in an interlocking mechanism or structural reinforcement. The circular cutout can also be seen in the side profile, showing its depth and positioning within the model.
The final image presents the bottom view of the model, emphasizing the large circular cutout at the center. This view is essential in evaluating how the part interacts with other components when assembled. It also helps ensure that all features are correctly aligned and proportioned, which is crucial in engineering and manufacturing applications.
My practice with Blender¶
My practice with Inkscape¶
This image represents my practice with Inkscape, a powerful vector graphics software used for creating scalable illustrations, digital designs, and geometric patterns. The practice involved experimenting with basic and complex shapes, as well as exploring different color applications and path modifications.
In the top section, I created two simple geometric shapes, a tilted cyan square and a green rectangle, against a dark background. This suggests that I practiced basic shape creation, transformation (rotation, scaling), and color filling in Inkscape. These fundamental operations are crucial for understanding how objects are manipulated within a vector-based design environment.
The bottom section contains a more diverse and detailed collection of geometric forms, including rectangles, ellipses, stars, and abstract polygons, in multiple colors such as blue, red, green, yellow, and purple. The overlapping objects and varying orientations indicate an exploration of layering, alignment, and path modification techniques. Additionally, I experimented with distorted stars and radial effects, possibly using Inkscape’s node editing, path transformations, and shape extrusion tools. The spiral designs at the bottom-right corner suggest an attempt to create dynamic and curved paths, an essential skill for vector illustrations.
Through this practice, I gained a better understanding of Inkscape’s shape manipulation tools, color adjustments, and design workflow. The exercise helped me become more familiar with vector-based drawing, which is useful for logo design, digital art, and scalable graphics creation. This foundational work builds skills necessary for creating clean, precise, and visually appealing vector illustrations.
My practice with GIMP¶
This image represents my practice with GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), a powerful open-source image editing software widely used for photo retouching, graphic design, and digital painting. The practice session involved working with different tools, settings, and image adjustments to enhance my understanding of GIMP’s functionality.
The first section of the image displays GIMP’s main interface, showcasing its toolbar on the left with various essential tools, such as selection tools, brushes, text tools, and color adjustments. This panel provides access to core image manipulation features, allowing for precise editing, drawing, and object transformation.
The second section highlights the “Tools” menu, where different image-editing options, including selection tools, transformation tools (scale, rotate), and paint tools (brush, pencil, airbrush), are available. This section of the practice likely involved exploring how to modify images, apply effects, and manage layers efficiently.
The last section features the “Scale Image” dialog box, which is used to resize images while maintaining quality. Here, I experimented with adjusting image dimensions (width and height), resolution, and interpolation settings. The interpolation method chosen was Cubic, which provides smoother scaling results by averaging surrounding pixels. This function is particularly useful when resizing images for printing, web design, or digital art projects.
Through this practice, I familiarized myself with GIMP’s interface, essential tools, and image scaling techniques. Learning how to efficiently use these features is important for photo editing, digital illustration, and optimizing images for different purposes. This exercise helped strengthen my skills in image processing and manipulation, making it a valuable step toward mastering graphic design and digital content creation.