Week 02 — Computer-Aided Design

Assignment Requirements

• Model a possible final project using different CAD approaches (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, rendering, animation, or simulation).
• Compress images and videos used for documentation.
• Publish a clear description of the design process together with the original design files on your class page.

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate and select appropriate 2D and 3D design software.
• Demonstrate and describe modelling processes using 2D and 3D tools.
• Demonstrate image and video compression techniques.

Software Comparison: Tinkercad vs SolidWorks

Tinkercad – Constructive Modeling

Tinkercad was used to explore constructive modeling through direct manipulation of geometric primitives, boolean operations, and alignment tools.

Step 1 — Base geometry

Rectangular solid used as the starting point with defined dimensions.

Step 2 — Boolean cuts

Cutting primitives used to generate internal features.

Step 3 — Alignment

Alignment tools used to center geometry and control depth.

Step 4 — Components

Predefined wheels and custom load handles added to the model.

Step 5 — Final model

Completed constructive model ready for export.

Image files: tinkercad_01.png – tinkercad_05.png

SolidWorks – Parametric Modeling

SolidWorks was used to develop a fully parametric, fabrication-oriented design based on constrained sketches and multi-part assemblies.

Step 1 — Plane selection

Selection of the reference plane to start the modeling process.

Step 2 — 2D sketch

Creation of a fully constrained 2D sketch using Smart Dimension.

Step 3 — Extrude operation

Extrusion of the sketch to generate the initial 3D geometry.

Step 4 — Add material

Materials and textures applied to individual parts.

Step 5 — Assembly

Assembly of individual parts using positional relationships.

Step 6 — Wheel subassembly

Creation of a wheel subassembly to simplify assembly management.

Step 7 — Exploded view and BOM

Exploded view with bill of materials for assembly and documentation.

Image files: solidworks_01.png – solidworks_07.png

2D Modeling with SolidWorks

2D modeling in SolidWorks is the foundation of any parametric 3D design. Even though SolidWorks is a 3D CAD software, all geometry starts from a 2D sketch defined on a selected reference plane.

Plane Selection

The first step is selecting a reference plane (Front, Top, or Right). This decision is critical because it defines the orientation of the sketch and how the part will be positioned in 3D space. A correct plane selection simplifies later operations such as extrusion, assembly, and manufacturing.

Origin and Reference

The sketch origin acts as the main reference point of the design. Positioning key geometry relative to the origin ensures better control, symmetry, and alignment. Proper use of the origin is essential for creating robust and predictable parametric models.

Dimensions (Cotas)

Dimensions define the size and scale of the geometry. By assigning precise values to lengths, diameters, and angles, the sketch becomes fully defined. These dimensions are parametric, meaning they can be modified later to update the entire model automatically.

Geometric Relations

Relations define how sketch entities interact with each other. Common relations include horizontal, vertical, parallel, perpendicular, coincident, and symmetric. These constraints ensure that the design behaves correctly when modified and maintains its intended shape.

A well-constructed sketch is fully constrained, meaning all geometry is defined by dimensions and relations. This guarantees stability, avoids unintended movement, and provides a solid base for generating 3D features such as extrusions or revolutions.

Rendering and Assembly in SolidWorks

Assembly modeling in SolidWorks allows the integration of multiple components into a single functional system using defined positional and geometric relationships. This approach makes it possible to verify fit, alignment, and mechanical coherence before manufacturing.

For this project, individual parts were assembled and organized into subassemblies to simplify design management and future modifications. The wheel was modeled as a dedicated subassembly, improving clarity and reusability within the main assembly.

Rendering was performed directly in SolidWorks by applying different materials and textures to each component. This process enhances visual understanding of the design and helps communicate material selection, surface finish, and overall structure.

As shown in the exploded view, the final assembly includes a clear representation of how all parts interact, along with a bill of materials (BOM) that supports documentation, fabrication planning, and assembly sequencing.

Animation in SolidWorks

SolidWorks animation tools were used to visually communicate the behavior, structure, and assembly logic of the project. Motion studies and exploded animations provide a clear understanding of how components interact and how the product is assembled.

Functional Animation

This animation shows the fully assembled model in motion, allowing a quick evaluation of proportions, component relationships, and overall design coherence. Animated visualization helps validate the concept before physical fabrication.

Exploded View Animation

The exploded animation illustrates the assembly sequence and spatial relationship between parts. This visualization is especially useful for documentation, fabrication planning, and understanding how individual components are organized within the final product.

Image Compression Workflow

Image optimization is essential for efficient web documentation, as it reduces loading times and improves performance. In this assignment, two tools were evaluated: iLoveIMG and Squoosh, comparing compression efficiency, usability, and level of control.

iLoveIMG – Batch Compression Workflow

Step 1 — Image Selection: Multiple images were selected from the local directory in order to process them simultaneously. This demonstrates the batch-processing capability of iLoveIMG.

Step 2 — Upload Process: The selected images were uploaded into the platform. The interface allows fast handling of large image sets without requiring manual configuration.

Step 3 — Automatic Compression: iLoveIMG applies automatic lossy compression to all images simultaneously, optimizing file size while preserving acceptable visual quality.

Step 4 — Results: The final output shows a total reduction of 92% in file size, decreasing from 76.88 MB to 6.91 MB. This demonstrates the efficiency of batch compression for large datasets.

Squoosh – Advanced Compression Control

Step 1 — Image Import: A single image is uploaded into Squoosh. Unlike batch tools, Squoosh focuses on detailed, per-image optimization.

Step 2 — Parameter Adjustment: Squoosh allows real-time comparison between the original and compressed image, enabling precise adjustments of quality, resolution, and compression format such as WebP or MozJPEG.

Tool Comparison

Conclusion

The comparison shows that Squoosh provides more advanced compression capabilities and better control over image quality, making it ideal for fine-tuning individual images. However, iLoveIMG offers a more practical solution for documentation workflows, as it enables efficient batch processing of large image sets while still achieving significant file size reduction.

For this project, iLoveIMG was selected as the primary tool due to its speed, ease of use, and ability to handle multiple images simultaneously.

Video Compression Workflow

Video optimization is essential for reducing file size and improving loading performance in web documentation. In this assignment, two online tools were evaluated: Clideo and VEED.IO, comparing ease of use, compression efficiency, and additional features.

Clideo – Automatic Compression

Step 1 — Access Tool: The Clideo video compressor interface allows quick access to video optimization directly from the browser.

Step 2 — Upload Video: The video file is uploaded into the platform. Clideo supports automatic processing without requiring advanced configuration.

Step 3 — Compression Selection: The platform offers predefined compression levels such as basic, high, and excellent, simplifying the workflow for quick optimization.

Step 4 — Result: The compressed video shows a significant reduction in file size while maintaining acceptable visual quality. However, the process is mostly automatic and offers limited control over parameters.

VEED.IO – Advanced Compression and Editing

Step 1 — Platform Interface: VEED provides a more advanced interface, combining video compression with editing tools such as trimming, timeline control, and preview.

Step 2 — Compression Settings: VEED allows adjustment of quality, resolution, and compression level. It also provides an estimation of file size reduction, offering better control compared to automatic tools.

Tool Comparison

Conclusion

The comparison shows that Clideo provides a fast and efficient solution for automatic video compression, making it suitable for quick optimization tasks. However, VEED.IO offers greater flexibility by allowing control over compression parameters and including basic video editing tools.

For this project, VEED.IO was considered the most complete solution, as it not only compresses videos efficiently but also enables basic editing and fine-tuning, making it more suitable for structured documentation workflows in Fab Academy.