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2D and 3D Modeling

Design progressed from paper sketches to AI-assisted concept renders, Fusion 360 CAD, and integration diagrams documented in Week 16 and Week 18.

Early sketches (Week 1)

Initial funnel, turntable, sensor position, and bin layout drawn on paper before CAD.

Early project sketch 1 Early project sketch 2

AI concept exploration

AI-generated layouts helped visualize enclosure proportions and module placement before mechanical detailing.

AI concept render 1 AI assembly concept

CAD workflow (Fusion 360)

3D modeling of the sorting machine was done in Fusion 360.

3D CAD screenshot 3D model render 3D model render 3D model render

2D modeling of the box to conceal the PCB board, battery,Voltage Regulator and jumper wires.The design was done in Laser maker software.

2D CAD screenshot 2D model render 2D model render

Mechanical layout

  • Funnel + rotating disc — presents one bead to the sensor station
  • Curved ramp / sliding track — routes sorted beads into color bins
  • Laser-cut box — box to conceal all the jumper wires. (2D subtractive)
  • Color bins — four channels for red, green and yellow beads

Design items & tools

Design itemToolProcess
Funnel + rotating disc + pocketsFusion 3603D design (additive)
Curved ramp + sliding trackFusion 3603D design (additive)
Chassis (box frame)Laser cutter2D design (subtractive)
Custom PCB breakoutKiCadElectronics design
Firmware (color → servo angles)Arduino IDE / ESP32-C3Embedded programming

Processes used

ProcessApplication
2D design + laser cuttingBase frame, motor plates, bin holders
3D printing (FDM)Funnel, disc, ramp, shroud
PCB millingCustom breakout board (see Electronics)
Hand assemblyServos, sensor, wiring, mechanical fit-up

Related weekly assignments

Work on this final project is documented across these weeks:

  • Week 1 — project motivation and first sketches
  • Week 2 — CAD exploration (Fusion 360)
  • Week 3 — laser-cut chassis
  • Week 5 — 3D printing tests
  • Week 6 — custom PCB design (KiCad)
  • Week 9 — TCS34725 color sensor input
  • Week 11 — Wi-Fi web control & machineRunning firmware
  • Week 16 — system integration plan & sketches
  • Week 18 — applications & implications proposal
  • Week 19 — dissemination & project status

Design source files

Original 2D and 3D design files are stored in the repository under public/File/ (no external hosting).

File Description Download
Assembled module 3D-printed sorting module (Fusion 360 export) Download STL
Lasermaker box Laser-cut enclosure box (Lasermaker / 2D) Download DXF

Full project archive (including PCB gerbers, firmware, and all design files): GitLab — public/File