Week 2. Computer Aided design¶
This week, we are exploring new software and technologies that are directly related to the idea of my final project and can be useful during its development process. While studying the available software, I identified several tools that I have been working with for a long time AI Illustrator, Photoshop, FreeCad
2D Softwares.¶
AI Illustrator¶
What is AI Illustrator?
Adobe Illustrator (AI) is a vector graphics software designed for creating lines, shapes, and precise designs. It works with mathematical vectors, which allows the graphics to maintain their quality when scaled up or down. Illustrator is widely used for creating drawings, diagrams, and production-ready files, especially for laser cutting and CNC machines.
I wanted to create a digital vector logo for my university. This vector logo can then be used for laser cutting, engraving, and manufacturing. This will allow for high quality and accurate results, regardless of size.
I opened Adobe Illustrator and imported my image into the workspace for further illustration.
I started working on the image using the Pen Tool, tracing the main shapes and lines through vector drawing.
Then, using the Fill tool, I applied appropriate colors to the created vector details, highlighting the shape and structure of each section.
As a result, we obtained a vector version of my image.
This was the first method used to obtain a vector file.
Using the second method, this process can be done more easily.
First, the image is imported, and then.
using the Image Trace tool, it is immediately converted into a vector, which allows working directly with anchor points.
which allows working directly with anchor points.
Photoshop¶
What is Photoshop?
Adobe Photoshop is a software designed for working with raster graphics. It is mainly used for image editing, manipulation, and composition creation. Photoshop works with pixel-based images, making it suitable for photo retouching, texture creation, color correction, and detailed visual work.
I opened my selected image in Adobe Photoshop.
Using the first method, I selected the required area of the image with the Magnetic Lasso Tool,
and then used Ctrl + J to separate the selected part from the background onto a new layer.
3D Softwares.¶
FreeCad¶
What is FreeCad?
FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeling software. It is mainly used for engineering design, mechanical parts, architectural elements, and manufacturing objects. In FreeCAD, models are created with precise dimensions, and any modification can be made through parameters (e.g., changing dimensions) without having to rebuild the entire model. The software is suitable for CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and technical design.
Since I had never worked with the FreeCAD software before, I studied a video tutorial and tried to assemble a part on my own in order to become familiar with the tools and workflow of the program.
Here is the video tutorial that I used.
I created a new sketch in the Sketcher workbench and selected the Centered Rectangle tool. I drew a rectangle centered relative to the axes and defined its width and height using dimensional constraints.
After finishing the sketch, I exited it and used the Pad tool in the Part Design workbench to give the rectangle volume. This produced a rectangular prism as the base body.
I selected the top face of the body and clicked Create Sketch to make a new sketch on that surface.
In the new sketch, I created a circle and defined its position and diameter using constraints so that it was precisely placed on the surface.
I closed the sketch and again applied the Pad tool to raise the circular profile. As a result, a cylindrical protrusion appeared on the main body.
I selected the created cylinder and activated the MultiTransform tool to duplicate the feature.
Inside MultiTransform, I chose Linear Pattern, set the direction (Horizontal sketch axis), the step length, and the number of occurrences so the cylinders would be arranged in one direction.
I added a second Linear Pattern, selected another direction (Base Y axis), optionally enabled Reverse direction, and set the length and repetition count to obtain a grid arrangement of protrusions.
As a result of these steps, a rectangular body was created with evenly distributed cylindrical protrusions on its top surface using Sketch, Pad, and Linear Pattern tools.
I selected the bottom face of the body and activated the Thickness tool to hollow the solid.
In the Thickness settings, I set the wall thickness to 1.2 mm and selected Make thickness inwards so the offset would be applied toward the interior.
In the Join Type parameter, I chose the appropriate option (e.g., Intersection or Arc) to ensure proper edge formation and smooth transitions.
After applying Thickness, the result was a hollow body with an internal surface suitable for creating additional features.
I selected the inner bottom face and clicked Create Sketch to start a new sketch on that surface.
In the sketch, I used the Circle tool to draw two concentric circles and applied constraints to keep them centered relative to the axes and to precisely define their diameters.
I added vertical and coincident constraints to properly position the sketch elements relative to the reference axes, then used the Trim tool to remove unnecessary segments.
I closed the sketch and applied the Pad tool, setting Type → Up to face, so the cylindrical feature would extend until it reached the upper internal surface.
To duplicate the cylinder, I used MultiTransform → Linear Pattern, defining the direction, offset distance (e.g., 7.67 mm), and number of occurrences.
I added a second Linear Pattern in another direction so the cylinders would form a grid-like arrangement across the inner surface.
Finally, I defined the cylinder height (e.g., 6.3 mm) and obtained the finished model with a repeated internal cylindrical structure and a complete external form.
This is the final model obtained after completing all operations.
