Week 02 – Computer-Aided Design (CAD)¶
Introduction¶
I started this week with Global session and many more things from there focused on Computer-Aided Design (CAD) as a foundational skill for digital fabrication. The objective was to understand different design representations (raster, vector, 2D, 3D), explore parametric and non-parametric modeling, and evaluate design tools that support modeling, rendering, simulation, and preparation for fabrication. 💕
The week included both a Global Session, which introduced core concepts and expectations, and a Local Session led by Rico, where we installed, explored, and practiced with multiple CAD tools commonly used in Fab Labs.
Global Session – Computer-Aided Design¶
Session Focus¶
The global lecture introduced the following key topics:
- Types of digital models:
Raster (pixel-based images)
Vector (paths and curves)
2D Design
3D Design - Modeling approaches: Solid modeling Surface modeling Parametric vs non-parametric design
- CAD workflows for: Rendering Animation Simulation
- Designing with a final project in mind
- Importance of: Version control File organization Exporting correct formats for fabrication
- Compressing images and videos for web publishing
- Documenting and publishing: Design intent Process Source files on the class website
Weekly Assignment (Global)¶
- Model a possible final project, with initial ideas
- Use appropriate CAD tools (2D and/or 3D) which will be used throughout the next session and training
- Compress images and videos Xnconvertor (For Images images size, < 150kb), videos(Handbreak learned and sizes here matters so must < 10Mb) we did from 16Mb to 4.7 with this handbreak things.🫢
- Upload: Description of the design Design files (I was given assignement from Rico with Freecad, inkscape and freeacad) Documentation on the class page is must with expected days accomplishment ()
Local Session – CAD Tools Installation & Practice¶
Instructor: Rico
During the local session, we focused on installing and learning multiple CAD tools to understand their strengths, workflows, and use cases in digital fabrication.
Installed & Explored Software¶
1. Autodesk Fusion 360¶
- Website: https://www.autodesk.com/
- Status: ✅ Installed and practiced
- For my project I prefer this one
- I found it is good for 3D modeling Rendering Animation
Tutorial with Rico was amazing and useful always: we tried to address¶
About Fusion 360 which is a cloud-based CAD/CAM/CAE software by Autodesk used for: - 2D sketching/3D modeling, - Simulation, rendering, and manufacturing. - It integrates parametric, direct, and surface modeling in a single platform, making it suitable for product design, mechanical parts, and digital fabrication workflows.
Image source and credit: Provided by Instructor Rico Kanthatham. Used as design reference for 3D modeling.
- Image source and credit: Provided by Instructor Rico Kanthatham. Used as design reference for 3D modeling.
Image source and credit: Provided by Instructor Rico Kanthatham. Used as design reference for 3D modeling.
2. Blender¶
- Website: https://www.blender.org/
- Status: ✅ Installed and practiced
- Use cases: 3D modeling Rendering Animation
- Notes: Powerful open-source tool Best for organic shapes and visualization
3. QCAD¶
- Website: https://qcad.org/en/
- Status: ✅ Installed
- Use cases: 2D technical drawings DXF files for laser cutting and CNC
- Notes: Lightweight and precise Ideal for fabrication-ready 2D designs
4. TinkerCAD (Online)¶
- Website: http://www.tinkercad.com/
- Status: ✅ Account created and practiced
- Account:
schooltamrat@gmail.com - Use cases: Beginner-friendly 3D modeling Quick prototyping
- Notes: Browser-based Excellent for rapid concept modeling
5. Rhino¶
- Website: https://www.rhino3d.com/
- Status: ✅ Already installed and licensed
- License holder: Innobiz-K Ethiopia Incubation Center
- Use cases: NURBS-based 3D modeling Precision industrial and architectural design
- Notes: Very powerful for complex geometry Widely used in fabrication workflows
6. FreeCAD¶
- Official download: https://www.freecad.org/downloads.php?lang=en
- Status: ✅ Installed
- Notes: Initial website requested subscription Thanks to my instructor Rico 🙏 for providing the correct working link
- Use cases: Parametric 3D modeling Engineering-oriented design
- Notes: Strong parametric workflow Open-source alternative to SolidWorks
Tutorial from youtube was amazing and useful on different basics tool of freeCAD¶
Tutorial source and credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJfbINgyz-k&t=24s
7. Google SketchUp¶
- Website: http://sketchup.google.com/
- Status: ✅ Already installed (SketchUp 2024)
- Use cases: Fast conceptual 3D modeling Architecture and layout design
- Notes: Easy to learn Less precise for fabrication without plugins
8. OpenSCAD¶
- Website: http://www.openscad.org/
- Status: ✅ Installed
- Use cases: Script-based parametric modeling
- Notes: Code-driven design Excellent for repeatable and adjustable parts
9. Inkscape¶
I learn new skill in inkscape, and is a free, open-source vector graphics design software used for creating and editing scalable graphics such as logos, icons, diagrams, technical drawings, and illustrations. It works primarily with the SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) format, which is ideal for digital fabrication and precision design.
Uses¶
- 2D vector drawing and illustration
- Preparing designs for laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and CNC machines
- Creating logos, posters, and technical diagrams
- Editing and converting raster images into vector format (tracing)
- Designing layouts for fabrication workflows
Current Version¶
The current stable version of Inkscape I installed is Inkscape 1.4.3 (0d15f75, 2025-12-25), offering improved performance, a modernized interface, enhanced path tools, better text handling, and improved SVG compatibility as i see. It will be usefull here in my fabacademy to create precise vector files required for machines like laser cutters and plotters. Its accuracy, support for layers, node editing, and export options make it a powerful tool for preparing fabrication-ready designs.
Tutorial from youtube was amazing and useful on different basics tool Inkscape¶
Tutorial source and credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzk-suGcqrc
My prefernces¶
I have to learn more about all and decide further what apps to use where and when:
So far this week I did:
- Understand differences between raster, vector, 2D, and 3D models
- Compare parametric and non-parametric design approaches
- Install and test multiple CAD tools
- Identify which tools are best suited for: Concept design Precision fabrication Parametric modeling
- Begin thinking about CAD workflows aligned with my final project
- I stacked with FUSION 360 for now on 3D things, but I see Blender do more on the complext art things too from my instructor. —>
My Next Steps are:¶
- Select the most appropriate CAD tool for my final project (Might be the Car side mirror theft alarm) and learn other tools, “pros and cons”
- Develop a preliminary 2D and/or 3D model
- Optimize files for fabrication
- Continue improving documentation quality and clarity with weeks SSTM alignment, Saturday > 40% 🤦♀️🏃♀️
My Final Project Started with Fusion 360:¶
I selected the most appropriate CAD tool for my final project is Fusion 360 but learn all in the progress and use the best out of them.
Look @ my FP to fusion 360¶
This project focuses on the design and development of an automobile side mirror as part of the final project work. The initial 3D modeling has started in Fusion 360 using parametric design methods to define the core geometry and structure.
This is the first stage of the design process, and the model will be continuously improved, refined, and expanded in future work using additional design tools and simulations with my learn and unlearning process through Fabacademy course.
Challanges¶
To many times out of zoom connection from my instructor (Rico), sorry Ric 🙌. Order from my higher official at my FabTime.
Refernce¶
- Fabacademy resources and tutorials
- Learn from global sesion week02
- Downloading from the fabacademy.or and instructors provided links and info
- Lolal instructor, (provided the updated links) and instruction, deep dive to how to use those apps with Rico
- chatGPT, with prompt says “provide me with blender app useful shortcutts”
