Overview
Computer-aided design connects visual ideas with fabrication-ready models.
Although raster, vector, and parametric systems use different representations, they all depend on the same fundamentals: correct geometry, structured workflows, and compatible file formats.
Raster design in Photoshop is useful for image editing and visual presentation. Vector design in Illustrator defines geometry through paths, making it suitable for precise 2D fabrication. Parametric modeling in Fusion 360 uses constraints and dimensions to build editable 3D structures.
Understanding these three approaches helped establish a clear workflow from visual design to fabrication-ready geometry.
2D Design Workflows
The 2D part of this week focused on comparing raster and vector approaches. The goal was to understand how image-based editing differs from geometry-based construction.
Raster Workflow (Photoshop)
Photoshop was used to explore pixel-based editing for visual composition and documentation images.
Resolution Settings (DPI)
Layer Management
Basic Image Adjustments
Exporting PNG and JPG
Raster images are effective for visual editing and presentation. However, because they are pixel-based, they do not guarantee the geometric precision needed for digital fabrication.
Vector Workflow (Illustrator)
Illustrator was used to explore geometry-based drawing through paths, boolean operations, alignment, and clean vector construction.
Building Base Geometry
Boolean Operations (Pathfinder)
Outline Mode Verification
Final Composition
Vector graphics rely on mathematical paths rather than pixels. This makes them much more suitable for fabrication methods such as laser cutting and CNC machining, where closed paths and clean geometry are essential.
3D Parametric Modeling
The core of this week was parametric modeling in Fusion 360. Unlike raster or polygon-based workflows, parametric modeling is built on constraints, dimensions, and editable relationships.
Fusion 360 (Parametric Modeling)
I developed a layered radial form by constructing a constrained sketch, generating nested profiles, and extruding selected regions into a 3D structure.
Step 1 — Polygon Construction
Step 2 — Fully Constrained Sketch
Step 3 — Offset Profiles
Step 4 — Extrusion
Final Model
Final Result — Animation
Parametric modeling emphasizes structure, constraint logic, and editable dimensions. Changing one parameter updates the entire model, which makes this workflow especially useful for precise and adaptable fabrication design.
Image and Video Compression
To keep the documentation lightweight and readable online, all images and videos were compressed before uploading.
Image Compression (Photoshop)
Images were batch processed in Adobe Photoshop using the Image Processor script.
- Export format: JPEG
- JPEG quality: 5
- Resize enabled
- Color profile converted to sRGB
This batch workflow reduced file size while preserving enough visual quality for process documentation.
Video Compression (Adobe Media Encoder)
The final model animation was compressed using Adobe Media Encoder for smooth web playback.
- Format: MP4
- Codec: H.264
- Optimized bitrate for online viewing
- Compatible with modern browsers and devices
MP4 with H.264 encoding was selected because it provides a good balance between file size, compatibility, and visual quality.
Original Design Files
The original design files and export files used in this week are provided below.
File Formats and Fabrication Logic
Different workflows require different file formats depending on the intended fabrication process.
- PNG / JPG — Raster image formats for documentation and presentation
- SVG — Vector format for 2D fabrication workflows
- STL — Mesh format for 3D printing
- STEP — Engineering exchange format for precise 3D geometry
Choosing the correct format is as important as building the model itself, because fabrication tools depend on specific data structures.
Reflection
This week clarified the structural differences between raster, vector, and parametric systems.
- Raster = pixel-based visual editing
- Vector = geometry-based 2D precision
- Parametric = constraint-driven 3D modeling
The most important takeaway was that fabrication-oriented design is not only about appearance. It depends on geometric accuracy, clean structure, and file compatibility. This week helped me better understand how digital design decisions affect real-world making.