Fab Academy 2026 | Week 02 - Computer-Aided design

Assignment requirements

Assignment

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

Evaluate and select Done

2d and 3D software

Process in 2D and 3D Done

Part of the final model in 2D and 3D

Image compression Done

Upload .zip with source files.

1) Introduction

The goal is sketch the final project using 2D and 3D software and compress images and videos

2) 2D Software

For more details visit Fab Lab Peru

1. Manufacturing & Engineering

AutoCAD / AutoCAD LT: product design, 2D precision
SolidEdge (2D Drafting): professional-grade 2D drafting tool for free. Mechanical parts and product schematics
DraftSight: Works with .dwg files. Engineering teams
LibreCAD: Open-source. Simple 2D technical drawings

2. Visual Mockups & Concept Design

Vector Graphics: packaging, labels, or flat icons
Affinity Designer 2: isometric grids (which make 2D look 3D)
Adobe Illustrator: branding and packaging. Wrap 2D designs onto photos of 3D products
Figma: websites, flat products

3) 3D Software

1. Manufacturing & Engineering

SolidWorks:for mechanical engineering and has a robust simulation tools for professional engineers
Autodesk Fusion (formerly Fusion 360): versatile tool: cloud, CAD (Design) with CAM (Manufacturing) and CAE (Testing)
Shapr3d: intuitive tool and produces professional-grade files
Onshape: CAD platform, works remotely across different operating systems

2. Visual Mockups & Concept Design

Rhino 8 + Grasshopper: complex products, organic shapes. Grasshopper allows parametric design, creating patterns.
Blender: CAD model, realistic shot
KeyShot: industrial designers, materials (metal, plastic, glass) and render

4) Software experiences

Softwares

- Autodesk suites

- Thinkercad

- Fusion

- Blended

The latest graphical softwares that I used were Corel Draw 4-5, Photoshop 5, Autocad 8 and similars. Long time ago

Everything is different now. For example, Autodesk has a suite for specific purposes. I am currently learning to use these tools

I started with the first one. Thinkercad. Suprise me, a lot of internal tools. First versions focus on 3D modeling

I created a 3D model using Autodesk Thinkercad

Mentally focused on MIT Tony Smith Estate/Artistis Rights Society (ARS)

I created a 3D model using Autodesk Thinkercad

Different views of the 3D model created using Autodesk Thinkercad

Blocks at Thinkercad. It is crazy!

Circuits at Autodesk Thinkercad

Then, we explored circuits at Thinker Cad. This is amazing!

We connecting wires, components and others

We used a form at Thinkercad and review the simulation

Blockcode for the 3D model

Saving the 3D model with different formats

Everything is integrated

Installing Fusion

First solid image on Fusion

Adding a solid to the 3D model

Material, components, textures and views on Fusion

Individual project PCB

Installing Blender

Creating a cube

Cube location

Cube position

Cube scale

Changing dimensions

Adding cylinder

Setting cylinder properties

Duplicating cylinders

Cylinder dimensions

Cylinders scale

Cylinders location

Adding objects

5) A parametric design explanation

What is a parametric design

- Design approach using parameters (variables) and rules, instead of drawing a fixed shape

- When you change parameters, the design automatically update

- Useful for fast iterations, easy customization, and control complex geometries

- We used Blended in this example

We used Blender 5 - Object mode - Add Mesh - For this project, we evaluated two possibilities: circle or cylinder

Mesh -construct a cylinder mesh option

We decided construct a circle and use parametric design to contruct the cylinder

We added a circle, and setup radius, location, rotations

We reviewed vertices, we used 80

We added a modifier for generate one face

We moved the object and change position and other parameters

Add modifier - generate - solidfy

Thickness from 0.01 m to 0.0003 offset -1 Rim Fill

Changing thickness

Cylinder

XY plane to generate holes

Generate a cube

Change the cube a solid

Solid in the cylinder

Turn off the solid

Add modifier -circle - array 1

Add modifier -circle - array 6

Add modifier - changing radius

Add modifier - changing thickness

final 0.018 m lenght

Option 2 - Generate the cylinder

Generate only plane and change thickness

Final design

Parametric design objects X-axis

Parametric design objects Y-axis

Generate and save *.svg file

SVG file

CAD Software Comparison

CAD / 3D Software Comparison

Feature	Tinkercad	Fusion 360	Blender	Rhino
Type	Basic CAD	Advanced CAD/CAM/CAE	3D Modeling & Animation	NURBS CAD
Best For	Beginners	Engineering Design	Art & Animation	Industrial Design
Ease of Use	Very Easy	Moderate	Difficult	Moderate
Modeling	Drag & Drop	Parametric	Mesh / Sculpting	NURBS
Precision	Low	Very High	Low	Very High
Rendering	❌	✅	✅ Advanced	✅
Simulation	❌	✅	❌	⚠️ Limited
Animation	❌	⚠️ Basic	✅ Advanced	⚠️ Limited
Manufacturing	❌	✅ Integrated	❌	⚠️ Plugins
Key Difference	Simple & beginner-friendly	All-in-one engineering platform	Creative & visual focus	Precision surface modeling
When to Choose	Learning, simple 3D prints	Functional parts, CNC workflows	Rendering, animation, assets	Complex shapes, architecture