WEEK 2

TASK
MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
FRIDAY
MONDAY

◆ 3D Modeling Software

During Week 2, we explored Computer-Aided Design (CAD) by testing different tools for 2D and 3D modeling. For 3D design, I used OnShape and Shapr3D to develop key components of my final project, including the device base for housing electronics and the outer shell for the lighting system.

Onshape Logo

Onshape is a cloud-based 3D design (CAD) and product data management (PDM) platform. Its main functions include creating three-dimensional parts, assemblies, and technical drawings. It is a practical and intuitive program that allows multiple users to collaborate on the same design in real-time, and also maintains a detailed history of every change made.

Sketching

01. New Part Studio

Defining initial constraints and 2D parametric geometry. Using tools such as: line, circle, arc position relationships.

Extrusion

02. Main Operations

Applying extrusions and revolves to create solid parts. Applying Shell and Fillet operations to the base.

Assembly

03. Final Assembly

Finalizing the Assembly by mating the base components to verify the fit and tolerances of the device.

Shapr3D Logo

Shapr3D is a 3D modeling application designed for a fluid and mobile workflow. It’s primarily built for use on iPads and touch devices, allowing for a more direct and natural interaction with the design. It enables the creation of three-dimensional models and structural plans, as well as the visualization of materials and finishes on the final parts. It’s an excellent tool for rapid prototyping and bringing ideas to life quickly.

Interface

01. Mobile Sketching

Using touch interface for organic shapes and quick drafts.

Refining

02. Revolve & Cut

Applying the Revolve tool to the profile sketch and executing a boolean cut for the top circular opening.

Final Model

03. Shell & Surface Extrusion

Using the Shell command to create hollow geometry and extruding specific surfaces.

Boolean Ops

04. Base Extrusion

Converting 2D concentric circles into 3D volumes to define the device's base.

Chamfers

05. Fillet & Ergonomics:

Adding Fillets for a more ergonomic, professional and aesthetic finish.

Export

06. Final Details

Refining the base profile and sketching final outlines.

Final Visualization

Documentation of the rendering process in Shapr3D to visualize materials, lighting, and final finishes of the device.

Material Study

01. Material Application

Testing textures and surface finishes for the casing.

Lighting

02. Setup

Configuring color, lighting, and angle.

Final Render

03. High-Quality Render

The final visualization of the proposed project.

Design Files

In this section, you can find the downloadable source files for the 3D models developed during this week.

STL

OnShape Export

STEP/STL files for the main assembly and electronics base.

Download File
STL

02. Shapr3D Model

Native and high-fidelity 3D files for the outer casing.

Download File
JPG

03. Project Bundle

Complete documentation and optimized mesh files for fabrication.

Download File

OnShape vs. Shapr3D

Both platforms demonstrated strong capabilities for 3D modeling. Due to my previous experience with Onshape, I found its workflow and assembly features particularly effective for achieving technical precision. In contrast, Shapr3D stood out for its intuitive interface, which enabled a more fluid and direct manipulation of geometry. One of its most notable advantages is the integrated rendering tool, allowing immediate visualization of materials and lighting conditions on the models. For this reason, I intend to incorporate both tools into my future workflow: Onshape for complex mechanical design tasks and Shapr3D for rapid prototyping and high-quality visual presentations.

◆ 2D Modeling Software

Onshape Logo

InkScape

Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics software that utilizes the Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for object creation and manipulation, including advanced node editing and boolean path operations. It is a key tool for preparing files for laser cutting and CNC machining.

Sketch

01. Image Import

Initial setup of the workspace and importing the raster source.

Layers

02. Canvas Adjustment

Using "Fit Page to Selection" in document properties for an organized workflow.

Final

03. Bitmap Tracing:

Converting raster to vector using the "Trace Bitmap" feature with multicolor detection.

Refining

04. Path Optimization

Smoothing nodes for cleaner vector geometry.

Export

05. SVG Export

Saving the final design in Scalable Vector Graphics (*.svg) for machine compatibility.

Onshape

Affinity

Affinity Designer is a professional vector graphics editor. It combines vector and raster design tools within a single interface. Its main functions include the creation of scalable graphics, complex layouts, and precise typography. It is an excellent tool for preparing vector files for digital fabrication.

Tracing

01. Project Setup

Initializing a new artboard and placing the reference image.

Nodes

02. Image Tracing

Using the "Image Trace" option to detect shapes and outlines.

Tracing

03. Vector Conversion

Converting the traced image into editable and scalable paths.

Alignment

04. Quality Comparison

Analyzing the fidelity between the original raster and the new vector output.

Stroke

05. Layer Management

Organizing the hierarchy of paths and groups for precise editing.

Export

06. SVG format

Exporting the final assets in standard SVG format for digital fabrication.

Downloadable Files

Here you can find the source files for my 2D designs and vector experiments.

SVG

Inkscape Design

Vectorized logo and paths for laser cutting.

Download File
AF

Affinity Source

Original project with editable layers and curves.

Download File

Affinity vs. Inkscape

After testing both tools, I analyzed their strengths in 2D design. Inkscape stands out as a robust open-source option with highly precise node manipulation for technical files (SVG). However, my personal preference is Affinity Designer due to its ease of use and much more fluid and intuitive interface. This allowed me to optimize my workflow and achieve better results. While Inkscape is excellent for strictly technical tasks, Affinity is far more flexible for creating logos and complex illustrations.

◆ Image Compression

Images were compressed using FabCompress by uploading the files, adjusting quality and format parameters, and exporting optimized versions with reduced file size. This workflow ensures efficient web performance without compromising visual quality of the image.

✦ Image Compression Process
  • 1.Upload the image using the drag-and-drop area.
  • 2.Adjust compression settings (quality and dimensions).
  • 3.Select the output format (JPEG, PNG, or WebP).
  • 4.Run the compression process.
  • 5.Download the optimized image.
  • 6.Replace the original file on the website.

◆ Video Compression

To compress video files for web documentation, I used FFmpeg a command-line tool for multimedia processing. Also, here the CRF scale goes from 0 (best quality, least compression) to 51 (lowest quality, highest compression). The compression was performed using the following command: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vcodec libx264 -crf 28 output.mp4

✦ Image Compression Process
  • 1.Install FFmpeg on the system and verify the installation in the terminal.
  • 2.Navigate to the folder containing the video file using the command line.
  • 3.Run a compression command specifying the input file, codec, and quality settings.
  • 4.Adjust compression parameters such as CRF value.
  • 5.Generate the compressed output file.
  • 6.Verify the final size and replace the original video for web documentation.