2. Computer Aided Design¶
Summary¶
This week, I had to choose the software that suits me best for 2D and 3D modeling.
After exploring several options, I decided to use GIMP for 2D rendering.
It’s available for multiple operating systems, including macOS, so I downloaded it to my laptop and started learning how to use it.
For 3D modeling, I naturally chose my favorite software — Fusion 360.
I already have a lot of experience with it and have spent many sleepless nights designing in this program.
I also have a student license, so I can use all features without any limitations.
This week, I plan to create a 3D model of my delivery robot, which will become my final project.
2D Software¶
GIMP¶
GIMP is a free and powerful image editing program, similar to Photoshop.
With it, I can resize and convert images, remove backgrounds, retouch photos, draw, and create different types of graphics.
GIMP supports many formats (PNG, JPG, GIF, PSD) and works well for both beginners and professionals.
After downloading and installing GIMP, I started exploring its tools.
By the end, I realized that I could easily resize images, reduce their dimensions, and compress them — for example, by adjusting the DPI — so the files take up less space.
Here’s how the GIMP workspace looks. In the next steps, I’ll show how I resize and compress an image.
To open an image, I go to File → Open, or simply press Command + O.
Then, a dialog window appears where I select the image and click Open.
The image opens in GIMP. Next, I adjust its dimensions and resolution (DPI).
Image → Scale Image
Here, I change the width and height values and click Scale to apply them.
I usually keep all my website images at 800 px wide, so everything looks neat and consistent.
After resizing, I export the image so I can use it in other projects.
In the export window, I choose the file name, location, and format.
I prefer JPEG (.jpg) because it provides smaller file sizes and lets me adjust the quality.
Finally, I click Export, and the optimized image is ready.
Click Export
The result: the image size was reduced from 614 KB to 57 KB.
Inkscape¶
Inkscape is a free and open-source software used for creating and editing vector graphics. It’s similar to Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW, but completely free and cross-platform (available on Windows, macOS, and Linux).
Inkscape is widely used for 2D design, especially when preparing files for laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and CNC milling, since it can export designs in SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) format — which most fabrication machines support.
Key Features:
Create precise vector drawings using paths, shapes, and curves.
Supports SVG, DXF, PNG, PDF, EPS, and many other file formats.
Includes powerful tools for scaling, aligning, grouping, and node editing.
Allows adding text, layers, colors, and gradients.
Integrates perfectly with laser cutter workflows (e.g., for generating cutting lines in red 0.01 mm).
My Experience:
I opened Inkscape and selected the option to import an image. I chose the Yessenov University logo file from my Downloads folder. This was the first step in converting the logo into a vector format.
After importing the image, I made sure it appeared correctly on the canvas. I then selected the layer and prepared it for tracing by opening the “Export” and “Layers” panels on the right side.
I used the “Bezier tool” to start outlining the logo manually. I adjusted the stroke width and style to make the path more visible during the drawing process.
Here, I experimented with the stroke and fill options to check how the vector outline reacts to different styles. I also ensured that the path alignment was accurate.
I zoomed in and refined the corners of the logo using the Bezier tool. I added gradients and adjusted the stop colors to make smoother transitions. This step helped me achieve a cleaner and more precise vector shape.
Once I finished tracing the logo, I opened the Layers panel to see all the paths created. I had multiple path objects forming the full vector structure of the Yessenov University logo.
I selected the “Fill” tool and started coloring different sections of the logo. I chose simple colors to make each section visible and easy to edit later.
After completing the coloring, I exported the file in WebP format. This allowed me to get a high-quality and lightweight image version of my recreated Yessenov logo.
Here is the final result — my fully vectorized and recolored version of the Yessenov University logo.
Compression of photos and videos¶
At Fab Academy, I can upload photos, videos, or files each week, but the total size limit is 10 MB. Because of this restriction, I have to compress all my media files, otherwise my website becomes too heavy and won’t load properly.
To reduce file sizes, I used GIMP to resize and compress images by adjusting their pixel dimensions. For videos, I used the online tool Clideo , which is very convenient and completely free. With it, I managed to compress my video size by up to 77%, while keeping good quality.
1.I opened the Clideo website and selected the “Choose file” button to start compressing my video. This online tool helps reduce video file size without installing any software.
2.Here I selected my video file named delivery_robot_v1 (1080p).mp4 from the Downloads folder. After choosing the file, I clicked Open to upload it to Clideo.
3.Once the video was uploaded, I selected the Strong compression option to reduce the file size as much as possible. Then I clicked the Compress button to start the process.
4.After the compression was completed, Clideo reduced my file size by about 71%. Finally, I clicked the Download button to save the compressed video to my computer.
3D Software¶
Fusion¶
Fusion is a modern software developed by Autodesk for 3D modeling, design, and engineering analysis.
It combines tools for creating 3D models, visualization, simulation, CAM (milling), and CAD (technical drawings).
With my student license, I have full access to all tools for free — which gives me great opportunities to develop my projects.
This week, I started creating a 3D model of my delivery robot using Fusion.
I had already worked with Fusion before, but my skill level wasn’t very high. For this project, I started completely from scratch and created the full CAD model of my robot. I designed it at a 1:1 scale, making sure every dimension was accurate and precise. To make the process easier, I divided the robot into several parts and then assembled them together in one file.
At first, it was difficult for me to visualize the whole design. I initially sketched the concept on paper — drawing what I imagined in my mind — and then transferred it into Fusion. From there, I spent an entire week developing and refining the complete 3D model.
I learned how to use the Combine tool in Fusion , which allows me to merge several parts into one solid body. I also explored the Move/Align tools to precisely position and connect the parts together, making sure everything fits perfectly.
Start a new design
I go to File → New Design to begin a new project.
Enter Sketch mode
I switch to the SOLID workspace and click Create Sketch from the toolbar.
Choose a sketch plane
I select one of the main planes (XY, ZX, or YZ) to start drawing.
Create a rectangle
I go to Create → Rectangle → 2-Point Rectangle and draw the base shape.
Set exact dimensions
I drag the rectangle and type in the desired values, for example 70 × 30 mm.
Add fillets
In Sketch mode, I use Sketch → Modify → Fillet and round all corners with a radius of 4.5 mm.
Extrude the body
After finishing the sketch, I select the shape and use Solid → Create → Extrude to give it thickness.
Add text
I create a new sketch on the top surface and use Create → Text.
I type the label “Fab Academy 2025”, adjust the font and size, position it, and finish the sketch.
Add a keyring hole
Using the Circle tool, I draw a small hole (Ø 8 mm) in one corner.
Cut out the text and hole
I select the text and circle profiles, then use Extrude → Cut (–3 mm) to remove them.
Apply materials
I open Modify → Appearance (A) to assign colors and materials.
Final result
The finished keychain has engraved text “Fab Academy 2025” and a keyring hole.
Now it’s ready to be exported as an STL file for 3D printing.
Delivery Robot — 3D Design in Fusion¶
This is my delivery robot, which I fully designed in Fusion.
I spent almost a week developing it — first modeling each part individually, then assembling everything into one file to visualize the final version.
Every component has accurate dimensions and tolerances for 3D printing.
I designed slots for sensors, mounting holes for electronics, and ventilation openings.
I also added side handles for easy carrying and a top compartment for the delivery container.
My goal was to create a functional, modular robot body that can be printed in separate parts and easily assembled.
This project helped me improve my mechanical design, 3D modeling, and engineering visualization skills.
When designing 3D-printed parts, dimensions in CAD are not always identical to the printed physical result. Because of nozzle diameter, layer height, plastic shrinkage, and slicer settings, printed dimensions may become slightly smaller or larger than the model.
To ensure that parts fit together properly, I added tolerances (extra clearance) in areas such as mounting holes, slots, and joints.
Example of Tolerances I Used
One example is the electronics mounting holes on the chassis.
The screws I use are M3, normally 3.0 mm diameter.
But a 3.0 mm hole printed in PLA usually becomes too tight.
So I modeled the holes as 3.2–3.3 mm, which makes it easy to insert screws after printing.
- CAD Model: Ø 3.2–3.3 mm
- Real screw: M3 (3.0 mm) Result: Screw fits without drilling
Fixing the problem in Fusion¶
I had an issue in Fusion 360 when I inserted this component into my assembly. At first, I could not properly edit or position it. I tried moving it, but the model remained constrained and did not respond as expected.
Later, I discovered that this component was still linked to an external file, which prevented full editing. To fix the problem, I found the Break Link tool. After breaking the link, the component became fully editable, and I was able to place it correctly. From that moment, everything worked smoothly.
I inserted the “Full Locker” component into my current design using the “Insert into Current Design” option.
After insertion, I tried to move the component. However, it did not behave correctly and I could not position it where I needed.
I right-clicked the component and selected Break Link, which disconnects it from the external reference.
After breaking the link, the component became fully editable and I was able to place it properly in the assembly.
Conclusion of this week¶
This is the process of creating the 3D model of my project. I spent an entire week modeling it. My plan was simple: first, I drew a rough sketch of the robot on paper, and then I recreated it in Fusion 360. I designed each part separately in different files and later started assembling them all together into one complete model.