week02 | computer-aided design
Overview
- Modelled experimental objects/part of a possible final project in 2D and/or 3D software
- Shown how you did it with words/images/screenshots
- Documented how you compressed your image and video files
- Included your original design files
2D design
how to install Inkscape and find or check the tutorials for these topic and mentioned them here try to just make a few sketches by them
Inkscape
To practice this section, I created a block diagram illustrating the basic concept of my doctoral project; acousto-optic sensing for brain therapy.
I then installed Inkscape without any difficulty and used this tutorial:
And opening the software, it appeared as follows:
I noticed that the interface language was set to Finnish:
The language was changed to English by following the steps below. Note that to apply the language change, the software needs to be restarted:
After the initial preparation, I started drawing a diagram related to my doctoral project. I created the basic concept using a block diagram. First, I rotated the page 90 degrees clockwise (from the bottom-right corner). Using the hotkey R, I drew the first block of the diagram, starting with the Laser. After drawing a rectangle, I selected the text tool, clicked in the middle of the rectangle, and typed Laser:
Then, I changed the font color to black:
Next, I grouped the rectangle and the text box, and then copied and pasted it three times to create three additional blocks. By double-clicking on the text, I renamed each block. I also activated the page grid to visually align the blocks:
Now it was time to specify the connections and their directions between the blocks:
I set the same color for identical connectors and aligned the blocks to achieve a symmetric distribution:
Next, I drew the ultrasound transducer parts:
Then, I changed the colors for related blocks and resized the page to fit the block diagram:
Finally, the steps for exporting the diagram as a JPG file are shown below:
And here is the final output:
Compressing images & video
Compressing images and videos is really important for Fab Academy because my personal site lives on a shared server with strict limits on file sizes and storage. Big files make pages load slowly for everyone viewing them (instructors, evaluators, classmates worldwide, or others interested), and can cause upload problems or bloat my Git repository over the 20+ weeks. By resizing images (up to ~1000 px) and compressing videos ( with FFmpeg), I keep my webpage fast, clean, and professional while still showing clear process photos, hero shots, and prototype, making it easier for others to follow my work without frustration.
Compress images
Some of the images in above, related to Inkscape design were big size. So I made them smaller size as its important for the webpage having small size while high quality, I resize them and also do the other part of the assignment which is image compressing. For Resizing, I use FastStone Photo Resizer 4.5, downloaded from FastStone Photo Resizer official website and installed it. The software is user-friendly, going to target folder --> add or add all --> sort (images size-based) --> specify the output folder --> advanced options --> resize --> I set it to 50% --> and finally convert.
Before pressing the convert button, next to it there is a preview option to see:
And the output after resizing:
Clickable images
In the extra.css file, I defined custom CSS classes for images. These classes allow me, in certain cases, to display two images side by side using layout properties such as flexbox or inline-block styling. Additionally, I configured the images to be clickable by wrapping them in anchor elements, enabling users to open a larger version of the image or navigate to a related resource when they click on them.
Compress video
To compress the video, I decided to use FFmpeg instead of HandBrake, because I want to work more with Git Bash commands and the terminal rather than using a GUI. This approach allows me to think more about the process and gives my eyes a break from graphical interfaces. First, I downloaded FFmpeg using the following command:
$ git clone https://git.ffmpeg.org/ffmpeg.git ffmpeg
Then, I installed it using this command:
$ winget install ffmpeg
After reopening Git Bash, I checked whether the installation was successful or NOT:
Next, I tried to compress the video using this command from the following tutorial, command syntax:
ffmpeg -i input_video -vcodec libx264 -crf 25 -preset medium -vf scale=-2:1080 -acodec libmp3lame -q:a 4 -ar 48000 -ac 2 output_video.mp4
However, I encountered the following error:
The issue was that the video file name was incomplete (week02). The full file name, including the extension, should be week02.mp4. After correcting the file name, the compression worked successfully. The video size was reduced from 33,044 kB to 3,569 kB, and the final result is shown below:
and this is the video:
3D design
For 3D design during Fabacademy, I will mostly use Fusion360, I have in my mind to work and get familiar with FreeCad & Blender as well.
Fusion 360
To avoid wasting material, especially plastic—on trial prints, I decided to model and print a replacement for a broken plastic part from my kid’s toy.
This is the broken toy:
I opened Fusion 360 and saved the project before I started modelling:
I started a new sketch and selected the top view:
I drew a rectangle (hotkey R) using the dimensions I measured with a caliper:
To get an exact dimension for the next feature, I drew another rectangle with the Line tool since it was easier to control the dimensions precisely:
I pressed E and extruded the sketch to create the basic solid:
Next, I created a construction plane along the Z-axis at a distance of 5.6 mm:
Now I modelled the clamp (or handle), which has an elliptical shape. There is a 1 mm jaw between the main body and the handle to allow the part to move correctly inside its rail:
I extruded the jaw by −2 mm and extruded the ellipse on both sides by 4 mm:
To add a tail in the middle top of the ellipse, I right clicked the top face and created a new sketch, drawing the shape with the Line tool:
I then extruded the tail to the same 4 mm height as the other extrusions.
To reduce print time and material usage, I shelled parts of the model so the printed piece would be lighter while keeping structural strength where it matters:
Finally, I used the Fillet tool (hotkey F) to smooth the edges. Fillets both improve the aesthetics and help distribute stress, making the printed part less likely to crack:
This is the final design:
3D Printing slicer
For 3D printing, models must first be sliced. For this process, I used IdeaMaker, as it supports the Raise3D Pro2 Plus printer. The following steps show, step by step, how to prepare a model for 3D printing. Importing the Model First, import a model into the software. There are two ways to do this: Drag and drop the file into the workspace, or Click Import Model, which is located in the center below the menu toolbar. Select a supported file format and click Open to import one or more models.
After importing the model, several important settings must be checked, depending on the material being used. The first step is to place the model in the best position on the build platform, ensuring it fits properly within the printer’s working area. Ungrouped the model:
Moving the Model:
Rotating the Model:
Setting the material, select the appropriate material for printing:
Next, open the Advanced Settings to configure the following parameters. Infill. Set the infill percentage, which determines the internal density of the model:
Choose whether to use the left extruder, right extruder, or both:
I Set the platform adhesion option. In this case, Raft only is selected:
Temperature, set the nozzle temperature based on the material (e.g., 205 °C for PLA) and the heated bed temperature (60 °C):
Check and adjust the printing speed according to the desired quality and material:
After configuring all settings, select the model and start slicing:
Before uploading the model to the printer, use the Preview feature to check for any errors. Important information such as the estimated printing time and material usage can be reviewed here:
I close the preview and upload the sliced file to the printer’s storage:
Press print and wait a few minutes while the extruder and heated bed warm up to 205 °C and 60 °C, respectively:
Once the temperatures are reached, the printer starts printing:
3D design rendering
3D design animate (updated week08)
For this part, i will do a basic to get involve with Fusion animate. I am using my 3D model which I design for week07-CNC machine, a table. Before going to animation workspace, every part has to be defined as a separate component. From browser, choose the animation and go to animation workspace:
Here is the first time I saw the animation workspace:
Start to transport components under transform tab. I transformed each component to different direction in different distance:
I also used Appearance feature to make a model more realistic coloring:
After transformed of all finished, now I will publish the video by pressing P, and setting up for video to save:
There was just avi format to save the animation. I used ffmpeg as already explained for convert avi to mp4 and compressed it. The original size was 22 MB, after compressing 1.02 MB.
3D animation output
Here is the output video of animation:
Reflection
During this assignment, I developed a deeper understanding of both 2D and 3D design workflows. I explored the differences between raster and vector graphics, including their practical applications in digital fabrication processes such as laser cutting. Working with Inkscape helped me understand vector-based design principles, path editing.
I also strengthened my 3D modeling skills by learning parametric design principles. Using Fusion 360, I practiced creating fully constrained sketches and parametric models, which improved my ability to modify designs efficiently by adjusting parameters instead of redrawing geometry. This approach made my design process more systematic and professional.
In addition, I became familiar with different 3D modeling software environments and their interfaces, such as Blender. I also learned how to prepare models for fabrication using PrusaSlicer. I had experience using Ideamaker.
Beyond modeling, I gained practical skills in documentation. I learned how to resize images and compress videos without significantly reducing quality, which is essential for maintaining an efficient and professional FabAcademy webpage. I also practiced embedding and linking videos using Markdown to properly document my work process.
Overall, this assignment improved both my technical design skills and my ability to document more clearly.
