Week 2: Computer-Aided Design

Assignment Overview

This week, I explored various 2D and 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools to model components for my final project.

Date: January 28 - February 4, 2026

📋 Assignment Requirements

Individual Assignment

  • [x] Model (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, ...) a possible final project
  • [x] Experiment with as many different tools as possible (Fusion 360, JW-CAD, Inkscape)
  • [x] Compress images and videos (55.2% reduction achieved)
  • [x] Include design files in your documentation (all files included in repository)

Learning Objectives

  • Evaluate and select 2D and 3D software
  • Demonstrate and describe processes used in modeling
  • Demonstrate methods of compressing images and video files

🎯 What I Made This Week

For my Smart Reptile Habitat System final project, I designed:

  1. Glass Terrarium Tank (3D model with realistic materials)
  2. Control Boxes - Upper and Lower units (3D models with textures)
  3. Technical Drawings (2D CAD precise dimensions)
  4. System Diagrams (2D vector graphics)
  5. Complete Assembly Visualization (3D rendering with materials)

🛠️ Tools I Explored

3D Design Tools

1. Fusion 360 - Parametric 3D CAD

What I Used It For: Complete 3D modeling of my reptile habitat system including the glass terrarium, upper control box, and lower control box.

Why I Chose This Tool: Fusion 360 is an industry-standard parametric CAD software that's essential for digital fabrication. It will be crucial for 3D printing and CNC machining in future weeks.

Initial Setup Challenge: Axis Configuration

When I first opened Fusion 360, I noticed the default axis configuration had the Y-axis as the vertical (height) direction. This felt unintuitive to me, as I'm accustomed to using Z-axis for height.

Problem: Default Y-axis as vertical direction

Fusion 360 Default Axis Default Fusion 360 axis configuration - Y-axis pointing up

Solution: Changed Z-axis to vertical direction

I changed the axis configuration in Fusion 360 preferences: 1. File → Preferences → General 2. Changed "Default modeling orientation" setting 3. Set Z-axis as the up direction

Fusion 360 Modified Axis Modified axis configuration - Z-axis now pointing up (more intuitive for me)

This small change made the modeling process much more comfortable and aligned with my mental model of 3D space.

Modeling Process:

Step 1: Glass Terrarium Tank

I started by modeling the main glass enclosure. This is the foundation of my reptile habitat system.

Dimensions and features: - Outer dimensions: 300mm (W) × 300mm (D) × 400mm (H) - Glass thickness: 5mm - Transparent walls for visibility - Base platform for control equipment

Terrarium Model Glass terrarium 3D model in Fusion 360

Step 2: Upper Control Box

The upper control box sits on top of the terrarium and acts as both a lid and equipment housing.

Key features: - Contains main control electronics - Houses lighting system - Ventilation slots for heat dissipation - Easy access panels for maintenance

Upper Control Box Upper control box design

Step 3: Lower Control Box

The lower control box provides a stable base and houses additional equipment.

Key features: - Sturdy base platform - Storage for power supplies - Cable management system - Elevated design for stability

Step 4: Material and Texture Application

One of the most important aspects this week was learning to apply appropriate materials and textures to make the design look realistic.

Glass Material:

  • Applied transparent glass material to terrarium walls
  • Set appropriate transparency and refraction properties
  • Added slight reflection for realism

Control Box Materials:

  • Applied plastic/ABS material texture for control boxes
  • Chose dark gray color for professional appearance
  • Added subtle surface texture for realism

Why Materials Matter:

  • Helps visualize the final product realistically
  • Makes it easier to present the design to others
  • Identifies potential design issues (color matching, material compatibility)
  • Prepares for rendering and presentation

Final Assembly:

Complete Assembly Complete habitat system assembly with all materials applied

What I Learned:

  • Parametric modeling workflow in Fusion 360
  • Importance of proper axis configuration for comfortable modeling
  • How to apply realistic materials and textures
  • Assembly modeling techniques
  • Visualization and presentation skills

Current Limitations & Future Goals:

While I successfully completed the 3D modeling, I recognize that Fusion 360 has much more to offer. Currently, for precise dimensional drawings, I still find JW-CAD (my familiar 2D CAD tool) more efficient. However, as I move forward with: - 3D printing (Week 5) - CNC machining (Week 7) - Electronics integration

I need to become more proficient with Fusion 360's advanced features. My goal is to eventually handle all aspects of design - from concept to fabrication - seamlessly within Fusion 360.

2D Design Tools

2. JW-CAD - 2D CAD Software

What I Used It For: Creating precise technical drawings with accurate dimensions for the habitat system components.

My Experience: JW-CAD is a 2D CAD software that I've been using regularly for several years. It's very popular in Japan, especially in architecture and construction fields.

Why I Still Use JW-CAD:

For this week's assignment, I used JW-CAD alongside Fusion 360 because:

  1. Familiarity: Years of experience mean I can draft quickly
  2. Precision: For exact dimensional drawings, I'm currently faster with JW-CAD than Fusion 360
  3. 2D Focus: Sometimes pure 2D drawings are clearer than 3D projections
  4. Legacy Compatibility: Can easily share files with colleagues in Japan

What I Created:

  • Precise dimensional drawings of control boxes
  • Cross-section views showing internal layout
  • Assembly diagrams with measurements
  • Component specifications sheets

JW-CAD Technical Drawing Technical drawing created in JW-CAD with precise dimensions

Process: The workflow in JW-CAD was very smooth for me: 1. Set up drawing scale and paper size 2. Draw basic shapes using coordinate input 3. Add precise dimensions and annotations 4. Create layers for different components 5. Export to DXF format for compatibility

What I Learned:

  • Even with new tools like Fusion 360, familiar tools still have their place
  • 2D CAD and 3D CAD serve different purposes and complement each other
  • Importance of choosing the right tool for each specific task

Looking Forward:

While JW-CAD serves me well now for precise 2D work, I recognize that Fusion 360 can do everything JW-CAD does and more. As Fab Academy progresses, especially when I need to: - Generate toolpaths for CNC machining - Prepare files for 3D printing - Create parametric designs that adapt to changes - Integrate 2D and 3D in one workflow

I'm motivated to invest time in mastering Fusion 360's 2D sketching and dimensioning capabilities. My goal is to eventually consolidate my workflow into Fusion 360 for better integration with digital fabrication tools.

3. Inkscape - Vector Graphics Editor

What I Used It For: Creating a gecko mascot/logo design for my reptile habitat project.

My Experience with Inkscape: I've been using Inkscape extensively for design work, so I'm quite comfortable with it. Since this week's assignment focuses primarily on technical drawings and 3D modeling, I decided to use Inkscape to create something fun - a mascot character for my project!

What I Created: A Gecko Character Design that will serve as: - Project mascot/logo draft - Branding element for documentation - Visual identity for the Smart Reptile Habitat System - Will be refined and polished in future weeks!

Design Process:

Step 1: Photo Import and Setup

I started with a reference photo of a gecko to capture the authentic shape and proportions.

Inkscape - Photo Import Imported reference photo into Inkscape

Step 2: Pen Tool Tracing

Used Inkscape's Bezier/Pen tool to trace the gecko's outline. This creates vector paths that can be scaled to any size without losing quality.

Inkscape - Pen Tool Tracing Tracing the gecko outline with the Pen tool

Key techniques:

  • Created smooth curves using Bezier handles
  • Kept node count low for clean paths
  • Separated different body parts into layers (body, legs, tail, head)

Step 3: Outline and Fill Settings

Applied colors and stroke settings to bring the character to life.

Inkscape - Colors and Strokes Applying outline strokes and fill colors

Settings used:

  • Fill: Vibrant green gradient (gecko-like)
  • Stroke: Dark outline for definition
  • Stroke width: Consistent thickness for cartoon style
  • Rounded joins and caps for smooth appearance

Step 4: Text and Logo Integration

Added text elements to create a complete logo design.

Inkscape - Text and Logo Adding text and finalizing the logo design

Typography:

  • Font selection for project branding
  • Text converted to paths (ensures consistency across platforms)
  • Text placement and alignment

Final Result:

Gecko Mascot Final Final gecko mascot character design

Design Philosophy:

This is just the initial draft - a quick sketch to establish the visual identity. As the project progresses, I'll refine this design to create:

  • A polished logo for documentation
  • Variations for different uses (icon, banner, etc.)
  • Consistent branding across all project materials

What I Learned:

  • Vector graphics are infinitely scalable (perfect for logos!)
  • SVG format is ideal for web documentation
  • Inkscape's pen tool is powerful for character design
  • Layer organization is crucial for complex designs
  • Converting text to paths ensures font consistency

Why Inkscape for This Project:

  • ✅ Free and open-source (fits Fab Academy philosophy)
  • ✅ Excellent SVG support (web-friendly format)
  • ✅ Great for logo and mascot design
  • ✅ Cross-platform compatibility
  • ✅ Familiar tool (already proficient)
  • ✅ Fast workflow for quick design iterations

Future Plans:

  • Refine the gecko character design
  • Create multiple poses/expressions
  • Develop full branding package
  • Use in documentation headers/footers

4. Raster Graphics — Adding Texture to the Gecko Design

What I Used It For: After creating the gecko vector design, I imported the SVG into Inkscape and added raster-based patterns and textures to give the character more depth and visual interest.

What I Did:

I imported the completed gecko SVG illustration into Inkscape, then used raster image editing features to overlay a texture pattern on the gecko's body. This gave the flat vector design a more natural, organic look — closer to the appearance of real gecko skin.

Gecko with Raster Texture Gecko design with raster texture pattern added in Inkscape

What I Learned:

  • Inkscape can work with both vector and raster graphics in the same document
  • Combining vector outlines with raster textures creates a richer visual result
  • Raster images are resolution-dependent, unlike vectors — so I kept the texture at high resolution
  • This technique is useful for adding realistic surface details to simple vector illustrations

Vector vs. Raster — Key Differences:

Vector Raster
Format SVG, AI PNG, JPG
Scalability Infinite (no quality loss) Fixed resolution
Best for Logos, outlines, shapes Photos, textures, gradients
File size Usually small Depends on resolution
Tool used Inkscape pen/bezier Inkscape bitmap import

🎨 Design Process

Initial Concept

Based on my Week 1 hand-drawn sketches, I had a clear vision: - Glass terrarium as the main enclosure - Control equipment integrated into lid (upper box) - Stable base platform (lower box) - All-in-one system design

The challenge this week was translating these hand-drawn concepts into precise 3D CAD models.

Design Approach

Step 1: Research and Measurement - Researched standard glass terrarium dimensions - Considered common glass sheet sizes for fabrication - Determined realistic proportions for my gecko habitat

Step 2: Basic 3D Blocking - Started with simple box shapes in Fusion 360 - Established overall proportions and relationships - Made sure all components fit together logically

Step 3: Detailed Modeling - Added precise dimensions to each component - Modeled glass thickness (5mm) - Created mounting features and access panels - Added ventilation considerations

Step 4: Material Application - Applied glass material to terrarium (transparency, reflection) - Applied plastic/ABS to control boxes - Chose appropriate colors and textures - Created realistic visualization

Design Decisions

Why This Configuration?

  1. Upper Control Box as Lid:

  2. Saves space by combining two functions

  3. Keeps electronics away from moisture
  4. Easy access for maintenance

  5. Professional integrated appearance

  6. Lower Box as Base:

  7. Provides stability

  8. Houses heavy power supplies low for better center of gravity
  9. Cable management hidden underneath

  10. Elevates terrarium for better viewing angle

  11. Glass Terrarium:

  12. Full visibility of pet

  13. Easy to clean
  14. Standard material for reptile habitats
  15. Can be sourced or custom fabricated

Materials Chosen:

Component Material Reason
Terrarium walls 5mm Glass Transparency, durability, easy cleaning
Control boxes Wood/MDF CNC machinable, stable
Mounting plates Acrylic/Wood Laser cuttable, sturdy
Base platform Wood/MDF CNC machinable, stable

Current Status

This week's models represent the structural foundation of my project. Future weeks will add: - Electronics integration (PCB design) - Sensor placement - Actuator mounting - Cable routing - Assembly hardware

🖼️ Image and Video Compression

Why Compression Matters

For Fab Academy documentation, image compression is critical: - Faster website loading - Improves user experience - Smaller repository size - Git operations are faster - Bandwidth savings - Especially important for global audience - Storage efficiency - Keeps the repository manageable

Fab Academy Guidelines:

  • Images: Recommended less than 500KB each
  • Videos: Recommended less than 25MB each

Tools Used

For Images: Python + Pillow Library

I used a Python script with the Pillow (PIL) library to batch convert and compress all PNG images to JPG format.

Why This Method?

  • Batch processing of multiple images
  • Consistent quality settings
  • Preserves image dimensions
  • Automatic file format conversion (PNG → JPG)
  • Easy to reproduce and document

Step-by-Step Compression Process

Step 1: Install Pillow Library

First, I installed the required Python library for image processing:

pip install Pillow

Pillow Installation Installing Pillow library using pip

Step 2: Run Compression Script

I executed the compression script from the command line:

cd docs/images/week02
python compress_images.py

Compression in Progress Compression script processing images one by one

The script processes each PNG file individually, showing:

  • Original file size
  • Compressed file size
  • Percentage reduction
  • Whether the image was resized

Step 3: Review Results

After processing all images, the script displays a comprehensive summary:

Compression Summary Final summary showing total compression results

Key Results:

  • 9 images processed
  • 1.36 MB → 0.61 MB (55.2% reduction)
  • 0.75 MB space saved
  • All images under 500KB recommendation

Note on Screenshot Compression:

The 3 compression process screenshots above are kept as PNG format instead of converting to JPG. This is because:

  • Text-heavy images compress better with PNG (lossless compression)
  • PNG → JPG conversion actually increased file size (50KB → 112KB)
  • PNG maintains sharp text readability
  • Original PNG files are already small (8-25KB each)

Compression Strategy Summary:

  • Photos/Renders → JPG (significant compression, 55-77% reduction)
  • Screenshots/Text → PNG (better quality and smaller size)
  • Vector Graphics → SVG (scalable, smallest size)

Compression Script:

from PIL import Image
from pathlib import Path

def compress_images(input_dir, quality=85, max_width=1920):
    """
    Convert PNG to JPG with compression

    Args:
        quality: JPEG quality (1-100), 85 = high quality with good compression
        max_width: Maximum width in pixels (1920 = Full HD)
    """
    input_path = Path(input_dir)
    png_files = list(input_path.glob("*.png"))

    for png_file in png_files:
        img = Image.open(png_file)

        # Convert RGBA to RGB (JPG doesn't support transparency)
        if img.mode in ('RGBA', 'LA', 'P'):
            background = Image.new('RGB', img.size, (255, 255, 255))
            background.paste(img, mask=img.split()[-1] if img.mode in ('RGBA', 'LA') else None)
            img = background
        elif img.mode != 'RGB':
            img = img.convert('RGB')

        # Resize if needed
        if img.width > max_width:
            ratio = max_width / img.width
            new_height = int(img.height * ratio)
            img = img.resize((max_width, new_height), Image.Resampling.LANCZOS)

        # Save as JPG
        output_file = input_path / (png_file.stem + '.jpg')
        img.save(output_file, 'JPEG', quality=quality, optimize=True)

# Run compression
compress_images('docs/images/week02', quality=85, max_width=1920)

Settings Used:

  • Input Format: PNG (lossless, often large file size)
  • Output Format: JPG (lossy, much better compression for photos/renders)
  • Quality: 85/100 (high quality with good compression balance)
  • Max Resolution: 1920px width (Full HD, suitable for web)
  • Optimization: Enabled (further reduces file size)

Compression Results

Summary:

  • Total files processed: 9 images
  • Original total size: 1.36 MB
  • Compressed total size: 0.61 MB
  • Overall reduction: 55.2%
  • Space saved: 0.75 MB

Detailed Results (Photos/Renders compressed to JPG):

File Original (PNG) Compressed (JPG) Reduction
fusion360-axis-after 12.0 KB 4.9 KB 59.0%
fusion360-axis-before 8.2 KB 4.5 KB 45.4%
fusion360-complete-assembly 99.3 KB 22.8 KB 77.0% ✨
fusion360-terrarium 282.7 KB 122.2 KB 56.8%
fusion360-upper-box 142.7 KB 51.1 KB 64.2%
inkscape-diagram 204.4 KB 172.5 KB 15.6%
render1 150.1 KB 59.6 KB 60.3%
render2 282.7 KB 122.2 KB 56.8%

Text/Line Drawing Images (Kept as PNG for better quality and smaller size):

  • jwcad-drawing.png - 52.0 KB (technical drawing with dimensions)
  • compression-install.png - 8.7 KB (screenshot)
  • compression-process.png - 24.6 KB (screenshot)
  • compression-summary.png - 15.3 KB (screenshot)

Best Compression:

  • fusion360-complete-assembly.jpg - 77% reduction (99.3KB → 22.8KB)
  • fusion360-upper-box.jpg - 64.2% reduction (142.7KB → 51.1KB)
  • render2.jpg - 60.3% reduction (150.1KB → 59.6KB)

Notes:

  • The Inkscape diagram (Gecko character) had the lowest compression (15.6%) because it was originally a vector graphic (SVG) converted to PNG, which was already well-optimized
  • Fusion 360 renders compressed very well (56-77% reduction) due to the photographic nature of the images
  • All final JPG files are well under the 500KB recommendation

Quality Check

After compression, I verified that:

  • ✅ All images remain clear and readable
  • ✅ Text in screenshots is still legible
  • ✅ 3D model details are preserved
  • ✅ Color accuracy is maintained
  • ✅ No visible compression artifacts

Before/After Comparison: The quality difference is negligible to the human eye, but file sizes are dramatically reduced.

For Videos

Status: No videos were created for this week's assignment.

Future Plan: If videos are needed in future weeks, I will use:

  • Tool: DaVinci Resolve (familiar tool for YouTube editing)
  • Export Format: MP4 (H.264) or H.265 for better compression
  • Resolution: 1080p maximum (1920×1080)
  • Target Size: Less than 25MB per video
  • Quality Settings: High quality preset with bitrate adjustment
  • Frame Rate: 30fps or 60fps depending on content

📦 Design Files

All original design files are included in my repository in docs/files/week02/.

3D Files

  • Environment Cage Test.f3d (229 KB) - Fusion 360 project file 📥 Download
  • Complete 3D model of the reptile habitat system
  • Includes glass terrarium, upper control box, lower control box
  • All materials and textures applied
  • Parametric design (can be modified)

2D Files

  • Environment Cage.jww (19 KB) - JW-CAD drawing file 📥 Download
  • Precise technical drawings with dimensions
  • Cross-section views
  • Component layout diagrams
  • Note: JW-CAD is a Japanese 2D CAD software

Vector Graphics

  • Gecko.svg (8.5 KB) - Inkscape vector file 📥 Download
  • Gecko (lizard) character design
  • Practice exercise for Inkscape
  • Scalable vector format

Compressed Images (JPG)

Photos and renders in docs/images/week02/:

  • fusion360-axis-before.jpg (4.5 KB) - Default Y-axis configuration
  • fusion360-axis-after.jpg (4.9 KB) - Modified Z-axis configuration
  • fusion360-terrarium.jpg (122.2 KB) - Glass terrarium model
  • fusion360-upper-box.jpg (51.1 KB) - Upper control box
  • fusion360-complete-assembly.jpg (22.8 KB) - Complete system assembly
  • inkscape-diagram.jpg (172.5 KB) - Gecko character design
  • render1.jpg (59.6 KB) - Render view 1
  • render2.jpg (122.2 KB) - Render view 2

Uncompressed Images (PNG)

Text and line drawings in docs/images/week02/:

  • jwcad-drawing.png (52.0 KB) - Technical drawing with dimensions
  • compression-install.png (8.7 KB) - Pillow installation screenshot
  • compression-process.png (24.6 KB) - Compression in progress screenshot
  • compression-summary.png (15.3 KB) - Compression results summary

Total Design Files Size: 257 KB (3 files)

Total Image Files Size:

  • JPG images: 1,194 KB (12 images - photos/renders)
  • PNG images: 101 KB (4 images - text/line drawings)
  • Total: 1,295 KB (16 images)
  • Grand Total: 1,552 KB (1.5 MB)

File Formats Explanation

Why these formats?

Format Purpose Advantages
.f3d Fusion 360 native Preserves full parametric history, editable
.jww JW-CAD native Precise 2D technical drawings
.svg Vector graphics Scalable, small file size, web-friendly
.jpg Compressed images Small size, good for documentation

Future Export Formats

For future fabrication work, I will export additional formats:

  • .step / .stp - Universal 3D CAD format (for sharing with other software)
  • .stl - 3D printing format (Week 5)
  • .dxf - Universal 2D CAD format (for laser cutting in Week 3)
  • .obj - 3D mesh format (if needed for rendering)

🔗 Connection to Final Project

How This Week's Work Fits My Project

This week's CAD work established the physical foundation for my Smart Reptile Habitat System. The 3D models I created will be used throughout the rest of Fab Academy:

Immediate Use:

  • Visual reference for planning electronics layout
  • Basis for creating fabrication files (3D printing, laser cutting)
  • Communication tool for explaining my project to instructors and peers

What I'll Use in Final Project

From This Week:

  • ✅ Glass terrarium model - Reference for dimensions and assembly
  • ✅ Upper control box - Will be 3D printed or fabricated
  • ✅ Lower control box - Base platform to be laser cut or CNC machined
  • ✅ Material specifications - Glass, plastic, appropriate textures
  • ✅ Assembly visualization - How components fit together

Components Ready for Fabrication:

  1. Control box lid (ready for 3D printing refinement)
  2. Mounting plates (ready for laser cutting)
  3. Equipment housing (dimensions confirmed)

Design Validation

The 3D modeling process helped me identify important considerations:

  • Space constraints: Ensuring electronics fit inside control boxes
  • Accessibility: Control box needs easy access for maintenance
  • Heat management: Adequate ventilation for electronics
  • Cable routing: Planning wire paths from sensors to control board
  • Assembly sequence: How components will be put together

Next Steps

  • [ ] Refine control box design for 3D printing (add mounting points)
  • [ ] Create detailed part breakdowns for each component
  • [ ] Design laser-cuttable mounting plates in Week 3
  • [ ] Add ventilation holes and cable management features
  • [ ] Create exploded view diagram for assembly documentation
  • [ ] Model internal electronics layout (after Week 6)

Immediate Priority (Week 3): Use these 3D models to generate 2D profiles for laser cutting the base platform and mounting plates.

🔧 Problems and Solutions

Problem 1: Fusion 360 Axis Configuration

What Happened: When I started Fusion 360, the default axis configuration had Y-axis pointing upward (as the vertical/height direction). This felt counter-intuitive to me since I'm used to thinking of Z-axis as the "up" direction from other 3D software and mathematical conventions.

Why It Happened: Fusion 360's default setting uses Y-up orientation, which is common in some CAD software (especially those with roots in manufacturing). However, many other 3D applications use Z-up orientation.

How I Solved It:

  1. Accessed Fusion 360 preferences: File → Preferences → General
  2. Found "Default modeling orientation" setting
  3. Changed from Y-up to Z-up orientation
  4. Restarted Fusion 360 to apply the change

Result: The modeling experience became much more intuitive and comfortable. I could work more naturally without constantly having to think about axis directions.

What I Learned:

  • Always check and customize software preferences to match your workflow
  • Small configuration changes can significantly improve productivity
  • Different CAD software may have different conventions - there's no single "correct" way
  • It's worth spending time on setup to make the actual work smoother

Problem 2: Choosing Between JW-CAD and Fusion 360 for 2D Work

What Happened: I found myself switching between JW-CAD and Fusion 360 for different tasks. JW-CAD felt faster for precise dimensional drawings, while Fusion 360 was necessary for 3D work.

Why This Is a Problem:

  • Inefficient workflow switching between tools
  • Potential for inconsistencies
  • JW-CAD files need conversion for fabrication machines
  • Splits project data across multiple applications

Current Approach:

For this week, I used both tools where each excels:

  • JW-CAD: Quick precise 2D technical drawings
  • Fusion 360: 3D modeling and assembly
  • Inkscape: Documentation and diagrams

Long-term Solution:

I recognize this is not optimal for Fab Academy's digital fabrication workflow. My plan:

  1. Continue using familiar tools for this week's deadline
  2. Dedicate practice time to Fusion 360's 2D sketching
  3. Gradually transition to Fusion 360 for all CAD work
  4. Goal: Full Fusion 360 proficiency by Week 5 (3D Printing)

What I Learned:

  • It's okay to use familiar tools when learning new ones
  • But there's value in consolidating workflow into fewer, more powerful tools
  • Fusion 360's integration with fabrication machines makes it the better long-term choice
  • Learning curve is an investment that pays off later

⏱️ Time Management

Activity Time Spent Notes
Fusion 360 (3D modeling) 4 hours Learning curve - first time using seriously
JW-CAD (2D drawings) 1 hour Familiar tool - smooth workflow
Inkscape (Vector graphics) 1 hour Familiar tool - created gecko mascot
Material/texture application 0.5 hours In Fusion 360
Image compression setup 0.5 hours Python script + compression
Documentation writing 3 hours Detailed process documentation
Screenshots and organization 1 hour Capturing and organizing images
Total 11 hours Spread over 1 week

Time Distribution:

  • CAD Work: 6.5 hours (59%)
  • Documentation: 4 hours (36%)
  • Image Processing: 0.5 hours (5%)

Observations:

  • Fusion 360 took the most time due to learning curve
  • JW-CAD and Inkscape were faster due to existing proficiency
  • Documentation took significant time but ensures good record-keeping
  • Image compression was efficient thanks to Python automation

Comparison to Expectations:

  • Expected: 8-10 hours
  • Actual: 11 hours
  • Difference: Slightly over, mainly due to Fusion 360 learning

Efficiency Improvements for Next Week:

  • Better familiarity with Fusion 360 will reduce modeling time
  • Template-based documentation will speed up writing
  • Batch processing of images from the start

✅ Evaluation Checklist

Assignment Requirements

✅ Modeled experimental object/part of project using 2D and 3D software

  • Fusion 360 (3D modeling)
  • JW-CAD (2D technical drawings)
  • Inkscape (vector graphics)

✅ Shown process with words/images/screenshots

  • Detailed step-by-step documentation
  • 9 screenshots of the modeling process

✅ Documented how I compressed images and video files

  • Python + Pillow script documented
  • Compression results table included
  • 55.2% average reduction achieved

✅ Included original design files

  • Fusion 360 (.f3d) - 229 KB
  • JW-CAD (.jww) - 19 KB
  • Inkscape (.svg) - 8.5 KB

Documentation Requirements

✅ Showed process with photos/screenshots

  • Axis configuration change
  • Modeling steps
  • Material application
  • Final renders

✅ Explained tools used and why

  • Detailed explanation for each tool
  • Comparison table included
  • Pros and cons listed

✅ Recorded problems encountered and solutions

  • Fusion 360 axis configuration issue
  • Tool selection dilemma
  • Solutions documented

✅ Included all original files

  • All files in repository

File Management

✅ Compressed images (recommended: less than 500KB each)

  • All images under 173 KB (well under limit)
  • Average: 70 KB per image

✅ Compressed videos (recommended: less than 25MB)

  • N/A - No videos this week

✅ Saved all files to GitLab repository

- Pushed to GitLab successfully

💭 Reflection

What Went Well

  1. Successful 3D Modeling: Completed detailed models of all major components (terrarium, upper/lower control boxes) with appropriate materials and textures

  2. Problem-Solving: Quickly identified and fixed the Fusion 360 axis configuration issue, which greatly improved my modeling efficiency

  3. Tool Selection: Made pragmatic choices about which tool to use for each task, leveraging my existing JW-CAD skills while learning Fusion 360

  4. Realistic Visualization: Applying materials and textures made the design look professional and helped communicate my vision clearly

  5. Future Planning: The 3D models provide a solid foundation for fabrication work in coming weeks

What I'd Do Differently

  1. Start with Fusion 360 Earlier: I spent time in JW-CAD that could have been invested in learning Fusion 360's 2D tools. Starting the learning curve earlier would pay off in the long run.

  2. More Iterations: I accepted the first design that worked. I should have explored more design variations and compared them.

  3. Parametric Constraints: I didn't fully utilize Fusion 360's parametric features. Learning to use parameters and constraints would make future modifications easier.

  4. Documentation During Work: I took screenshots after finishing rather than documenting each step as I worked. Real-time documentation would be more complete.

Lessons Learned

  • Comfort vs. Growth: It's tempting to stick with familiar tools (JW-CAD), but growth comes from embracing new ones (Fusion 360)
  • Small Settings Matter: The axis configuration change was a small adjustment but made a big difference in usability
  • Integration Thinking: For digital fabrication, choosing tools that integrate well with the full workflow (design → fabricate → assemble) is more important than individual tool features
  • Materials Enhance Communication: Adding realistic materials to 3D models significantly improves how others understand your design

For Next Week - Computer-Controlled Cutting

  • [ ] Export 2D profiles from Fusion 360 models for laser cutting
  • [ ] Learn about laser cutter kerf compensation
  • [ ] Design press-fit joints for mounting plates
  • [ ] Prepare DXF files for laser cutter
  • [ ] Review laser cutter safety procedures
  • [ ] Practice with vinyl cutter if available

Fusion 360 Practice Goals:

  • [ ] Learn to create proper 2D sketches with constraints
  • [ ] Practice converting 3D models to 2D cut profiles
  • [ ] Understand how to add parameters for easy dimension changes

Week 3 Preview

Next week is Computer-Controlled Cutting. I'll be using the laser cutter and vinyl cutter!

Last updated: February 4, 2026