2. Computer aided design

For this week's assignment, we were asked to experiment with different 2D and 3D modeling softwares and compare them. For the 2D tools, I worked with Affinity and Inkscape.. I had previous experience with 2D software such as Adobe Illustrator, however, I wanted to explore programs that are accessible without a subscription.

2D design

I began by experimenting with image vectorization in both programs. My first impression was that I liked that both tools offer pre-established templates when starting a new document, although in Inkscape these templates are more intuitive to access than in Affinity.

First I tried to vectorize an image that I wanted to use por my fab academy page. Before picture:

Image vectorization in affinity

In Affinity, I first tried using the “Convert to Curves” option, as we were taught in class, but it did not produce any results. I then searched for YouTube tutorials, where it was suggested to use the Image Trace tool. Although I tested this method, the final result did not reach the level of quality I was looking for.

Image vectorization in Inkscape

In Inkscape, I also tried the image tracing (bitmap trace) function. While the outcome was slightly better, it was still not suitable for my website. However, I did like that Inkscape offers multiple options and parameters for image vectorization. For future iterations, I plan to design simpler stamps or use them as pixel-based images instead.

I kept experimenting with both programs and came to a final comparison:

Final 2D comparison:

When reflecting on both tools, what I liked most about Inkscape is the large amount of tutorials available online, since it has been on the market for much longer, whereas Affinity is relatively new. I had downloaded Affinity before starting Fab Academy, but initially found very few tutorials. During this week, however, I discovered more resources, including a YouTube tutorial by the channel Yoney Gallardo (https://youtu.be/fW4Xwh6POec?si=oNt-jc19drZeRwC- ), which was especially helpful.

After experimenting with both programs, I concluded that what I like most about Affinity is how easy it is to switch between vector and pixel workflows. It offers advanced tools, feels intuitive, and allows you to search for and customize your toolbar, which improves efficiency. On the other hand, Inkscape stands out as a strong tool for vector work. It also includes interesting features, and one of my professors mentioned that Inkscape supports many add-ons that allow direct interaction with machines, such as vinyl cutters, without needing to export files to a separate machine-specific program. This is particularly useful for Fab Academy, and I hope to experiment with these add-ons in the coming weeks.

3D design

For 3D modeling, I compared SolidWorks and Onshape. Since I had previously worked with SolidWorks, I found it easier to model the part using this software. However, what I really like about Onshape is that it is cloud-based, which allows you to work from any device without needing to install the program. One limitation I found in Onshape is that it does not support rendering, which is an important feature for visualizing final results. I also find SolidWorks interface more intuitive, and I appreciate the wide range of add-ons and tools it offers. Overall, I believe both programs are strong options for 3D modeling, but based on my experience and workflow preferences, I would choose SolidWorks.

To compare both tools, I modeled a cellphone as a test object. I chose this product because it allowed me to explore basic and intermediate modeling features without committing to a final project direction yet, since I am still defining the overall form and concept of my final project.

Onshape

Here are some photos of my onshape process:

Link to my document

Solid Works

Video of my SolidWorks process:

Document:

Download

To keep experimenting with Solid Works, I did a bottle design:

Solid Works Bottle design

Slide to find out how i did this 3D model:

Solid Works Bottle design

First I started a sketch on the Top plane and did a circle with the dimentions I wanted.

Solid Works Bottle design

2. I clicked on exit sketch and extruded the figure

Solid Works Bottle design

3. I opened a new sketch in the same plane and sketched a circle. Then I used the circular pattern feature to replicate the circle.

Solid Works Bottle design

4. I used the extruded cut tool and set the direction to Through All-Both.

Solid Works Bottle design

5. I opened a new sketch on the Rigth plane and drew what y wanted to cut. I like that if you start drawing lines and put the cursor on the last point of the line, it switches to drawing curves.

Solid Works Bottle design

6. I used the Revolved cut feature and set it to 360 degrees.

Solid Works Bottle design

7. I opened another sketch on the top plane and did a 12 mm offset. To be able to do it i had to use the "Convert entities" tool first.

Solid Works Bottle design

8. I used extruded cut and selected the contour that i wanted to extrude and set the distance that i wanted.

Solid Works Bottle design

9. I did a 7 degrees dtraft.

Solid Works Bottle design

10. I used the fillet tool to round the corners.

Solid Works Bottle design

11. I used the fillet tool to round the corners.

Solid Works Bottle design

12. I used the fillet tool to round the corners.

Solid Works Bottle design

13. I used the shell tool and sey it to 4mm.

Solid Works Bottle design

14. I made another sketch to create the border where the layer goes.

Solid Works Bottle design

15. Used the revolved extrude feature.

Solid Works Bottle design

16. To change the material I went to the materials section and selected the edit material option.

Solid Works Bottle design

17. I looked for the material I wanted and selected it.

Solid Works Bottle design

Here is the final result:

Solid Works Bottle design

19. I used solidworks visualizer to make a render of the bottle. This is how it turned out.

Download

Image compression

Since I have a MacBook my image compression process is very simple, i just go into files and click on Quick actions- Convert image- Change the size to medium.

As a result you will have a smaller image, here it went from 460 KB to 79KB:

Video compression

Our local instructor gave us a guide to compress videos with ffmpeg, through the terminal. I had complications with the compression of the video because it was very long. Therefore, I had to open the video in Microsoft Clipchamp and increase the playback speed there. When exporting the video, the program allowed me to choose the output quality, so I selected 720p to reduce the file size. It was still too heavy, so I initially tried to follow the method shown by the local instructor, but I encountered some difficulties. As a temporary solution, I tested the Clideo website, which worked well. However, it did not allow me to remove the watermark without upgrading to a paid version.