FAB ACADEMY 2026

WEEK 02

Computer-Aided Design

ASSIGNMENTS

° Model (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, ...) a possible final project, compress your images and videos, and post a description with your design files on your class page.

2D Design -Raster

2D raster design refers to any type of digital image represented through a grid of pixels. A pixel is the smallest unit of color that makes up a digital image. In bitmap images, the visual space is divided into regular cells, where each cell represents a single color value.

For this assignment, I experimented with several software tools:

Photoshop Logo

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP

We will download and install the program, either the trial version or by purchasing it here: Abobe Photoshop

Work in progress Week 02

When we create a new file by clicking on the "New File" tab, the configuration and preset settings window will appear. In this case, I chose the "Landscape, 7x5" working format at 300 ppi (which refers to the size and resolution) from the "Photo" tab, for this example. I left the other settings at their defaults.
Inserting an image for editing:

Explore commands such as the elipse tool (to generate a perfect circle, hold down the Shift key) and the text tool (we can change the size in the properties bar); when executed, they are generated in individual layers as shown in the layers bar located on the right side.
When you zoom in all the way at the end, you can see the pixels as small colored squares due to the objects you have inserted.

GIMP Logo

GIMP - GNU Image Manipulation Program

GIMP is 100% free and open source. Download it here:GIMP
Creating a worksheet is very similar to the previous program. It has a similar configuration, but the interface is different because the command options are displayed first.

In this section, I am documenting additional processes and relevant screenshots of my work during this week.Testing brushes,colors

2D Design - Vector

Unlike raster images, 2D vector design is based on mathematical equations that define points, lines, and curves. This means that the graphics are resolution-independent, allowing them to be scaled to any size without loss of quality or pixelation. In digital manufacturing, vector files are essential because they provide the precise paths that machines like laser cutters and vinyl cutters can follow.

For this assignment, I experimented with several software tools:

GIMP Logo

AUTOCAD 2D

Autodesk is in charge of the AutoCAD license and they offer free licenses to students for 1 year: Autodesk Autocad

AutoCAD is software used by architects and engineers because of its professional-level interface for drawing plans. In my case, I always create a template in ISO configuration because it is the metric system used in my country.

Work in progress Week 02 An important initial configuration is being able to know in metric units the drawing will be done, in this case I chose millimeters.

You can draw geometric shapes. In this example, I drew the basic hexagonal module using the polygon command. AutoCAD allows you to first set the exact dimensions. Afterward, you can make copies with offsets and modify the line type.

AutoCAD allows you to export vectors in certain drawing formats, but not directly to .svg; for this example, we will save the file in dxf.

GIMP Logo

COREL DRAW

Corel Draw offers various types of licenses, including a trial version.: Corel Draw 2025

A worksheet is created to begin working, either configured to exact measurements and with the required units, such as the actual material we have if we are going to use it for cutting or if a print design or website is being made. Work in progress Week 02

We imported the .dwg file we made in AutoCAD to explore some Corel Draw tools.

Explore adding colors to the modular panel by clicking on the smart fill tool command and modifying the colors in the command's properties bar..

3D Design -Model

There are many 3D modeling programs of mechanical, artistic, and parametric types; some are more professional, others more basic.

For this assignment, I experimented with several software tools:

Photoshop Logo

SOLIDWORKS

Download and install the SolidWorks program, and we will use the license provided by FabAcademy: SolidWorks

Work in progress Week 02

In SolidWorks, there are three types of models: the part, the assembly, and the drawing. First, we'll create the frame for our hexagonal module by creating a part. Then, we'll look for a view plane on the right to create our sketch using the polygon tool and enter the dimensions. Finally, we'll extrude it in 3D to give the frame thickness.

Then I made another piece that will be my movable sheet and gave it a smaller extrusion. The dimensions can also be modified because I made a mistake with the measurements.

The last piece was the axle that joins them together; in this case, the plane I use to draw is the top, so that when assembling it is in an easy position.

The assembly was somewhat complicated, since first you have to create a different job and insert the already made parts, plus I had to put the constraints so that the module would be correctly aligned.

You can add textures to render it, unfortunately my laptop doesn't have much memory because I kept getting this message:

Work in progress Week 02
Work in progress Week 02

RENDER IA

Photoshop Logo

GROK

Work in progress Week 02

PROMPT:

Generate a photorealistic image from the attached photo, giving the gold a shiny texture. Make the middle hexagon rotate only slightly.

Work in progress Week 02
Work in progress Week 02

IMAGE COMPRESSOR

ILOVEIMG

Work in progress Week 02

FILES

DAVID PHOTO Download PSD
MODULO GIMP Download XCF
PANEL AUTOCAD Download DWG
MODULO HEXAMODULAR - SOLIDWORKS Download SLDPRT