3. 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 used Inkscape to design 2D outlines and vector files for laser cutting. It helped me quickly create precise geometry, adjust dimensions, and export the design as an SVG file ready for the machine. I find it very intuitive, especially for working with curves and exact measurements.
In this image, you can see the toolbar at the top of the screen, where I used various tools to edit my design. On the right side of the workspace, I adjusted the image size and then saved it in JPEG format. I changed both the dimensions and the DPI, and also drew red shapes on the image to make certain elements more visible.
Overall, this was my first experience using Inkscape, and I found it quite intuitive and easy to learn. It’s not a complicated program, and I really enjoyed working with it.
1.I opened Inkscape and went to File → Open to start my work. This allowed me to choose the image I wanted to edit and prepare for annotation.
2️.Here I selected my image from the Downloads folder. I chose a JPEG photo of a multimeter and clicked Open to import it into the workspace.
After selecting the image, a dialog appeared where I chose the Embed option to insert the image directly into my project. Then I clicked OK to confirm the import.
4️.In this step, I used the Rectangle Tool (R) to draw boxes around important parts of the multimeter. This helped make the visual explanation cleaner and more structured.
5️.In this image, I used the Pencil Tool (P) to draw lines and highlight specific areas of the multimeter, such as the LCD screen.
6.Here I used the Text Tool (T) to add labels like “LCD” to describe different parts of the image. This made my diagram clearer and more educational.
7.When my editing was complete, I opened the Export menu, adjusted the image size and DPI, selected the JPEG (.jpg) format, and clicked Export to save the final image.
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 360¶
Fusion 360 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 360.
I had already worked with Fusion 360 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 360. From there, I spent an entire week developing and refining the complete 3D model.
I learned how to use the Combine tool in Fusion 360, 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 360¶
This is my delivery robot, which I fully designed in Fusion 360.
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.
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.
At one point, I faced a big problem — when I used the Join tool, the parts didn’t connect properly, and I couldn’t edit any of the components. After spending a whole day searching for a solution, I finally realized that the issue was caused by linked components. I had to open each part and use Break Link to remove the external references. Once I broke all the links, everything started working smoothly, and I was finally able to finish the full 3D model of my robot.