learing outcome

In the second session, the topic was Computer-Aided Design (CAD). In this session, I learned about 2D and 3D design and explored different software used for both 2D and 3D designing. As part of this assignment, I performed tasks related to raster and vector graphics, 2D and 3D modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering. I also used some video editing software to understand how visual content can be created and presented effectively.

2D software

Raster and Vector

Raster images are made of pixels. When we zoom in on a raster image, the quality of the image reduces and becomes blurry. Raster images are mainly used in photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and GIMP.
Vector images are made using lines and shapes. When we zoom in or zoom out on a vector image, the quality remains the same and does not lose clarity. Vector software is mainly used for logo design and drawings. For this purpose, software such as CorelDRAW and Inkscape is commonly used.

inkscape

I started working with Inkscape, which is an open-source software. I downloaded it from the official Inkscape website using this link: Inkscape Download
I installed Inkscape on my system using the downloaded file and completed the installation by clicking Next.
After the installation was completed, a new window opened click on next and finish.


I wanted to learn how to design a logo using Inkscape, so I watched a tutorial video on YouTube. This video helped me understand the basic tools and steps for logo design: Inkscape Logo Design Tutorial
When I clicked Start, a new window opened showing different options for the screen layout. I selected the default settings.
After completing all the settings, the main Inkscape window opened. It has the menu bar at the top, tool options on the left side, and shortcut options on the right side, as marked in the image, At the bottom of the window, there is also a color palette.
I used the Rectangle tool to draw a rectangle. When I pressed the Ctrl key while drawing, it created a perfect rectangle; otherwise, the shape changed. After creating the rectangle, I used the Selection tool. Small squares and circles appeared on the border of the rectangle. Using these controls, I was able to change the size and adjust the corners of the rectangle.

Using the Rectangle tool, I can change the center option of the rectangle. When I press the Ctrl key, the rectangle moves in a straight line from the center. If I rotate the rectangle and press the Space bar, it creates a copy of the rectangle.

I used the Rectangle, Ellipse/Arc, and Star/Polygon tools in Inkscape. Using these tools, I created some basic practice designs. While using these tools, new features and options opened up, which helped me understand how to modify shapes and explore different design settings.

Next, I explored the Pen, Pencil, and Brush tools to draw freehand shapes and paths.

Next, I used the Union tool. First, I selected the Star tool and set it to 3 corners to create a perfect triangle. Then, I right-clicked and chose Duplicate to create another triangle. I placed the second triangle below the first one. After selecting both triangles, I went to Path and chose the Union option to combine them into a single shape.


I created a small rectangle and used the Align tool to align it with the double triangle shape, which formed an X-mas tree shape. I also used the Difference tool by creating two circles—one circle slightly inside the other. After selecting both circles, I applied the Difference option to cut one shape from the other.


Using these tools, I created an X-mas tree and a half-moon shape
In the last step, I used the Fill and Stroke options to apply colors and adjust the stroke of the shapes. After practicing the tools, I tried to create a small logo. For this, I selected the circle shape.


In the next step, I duplicated the shape, changed its size, and aligned it to the center both vertically and horizontally.

I repeated the same process by duplicating the shape and changing its size. Then, I aligned the smaller circles to the top and bottom of the inner circle.

I followed the same process again by changing the size and aligning the shape to the center inside the circle.

In the next stage, I used the Shape Builder tool to combine the shapes and complete the design.

The final output of the logo design looked like this.

GIMP

GIMP is an open-source software. It can be downloaded from the official website using this link: https://www.gimp.org/downloads/ GIMP is used for photo editing and working with raster images. For example, GIMP can be used to crop images, resize photos, adjust brightness and contrast, remove background, add text on images, and apply filters and effects. It is commonly used for editing photographs and preparing images for websites and documents.

After downloading the file, I clicked on it and installed the software on my system.

After opening the software, the window shows a menu bar at the top, a tool bar on the left side, and shortcut tools and dialog boxes on the right side.

Next, I went to the File option, selected Open, chose the folder I wanted, and opened my image.

In GIMP, my first task was to learn how to crop an image. I went to the left side toolbar and selected the Crop tool. Then, I clicked on the image, pressed and held the mouse button, and selected the area I wanted to keep. After selecting the area, I double-clicked on the image, and the image was cropped successfully.

Next, I wanted to change the background color in GIMP. For this, I selected a new car image from my folder and opened it in GIMP.

Next, I went to the right side and used Alpha to Selection. Then, I selected the Fuzzy Select Tool, clicked on the area of the image I wanted to remove, and deleted the selected part.

Next, I went to the right side and used Alpha to Selection. Then, I selected the Fuzzy Select Tool, clicked on the area of the image I wanted to remove, and deleted the selected part.

After deleting all the selected parts, the final result appeared Then, I selected the image and moved it to the required area.

The following links were used as references during this assignment to dwonload images:
• https://www.69dropsstudio.co.uk/blog/nature-photography-types/
• https://zeenews.india.com/photos/auto/big-upcoming-car-launches-this-festive-season-tata-mg-kia-2785429

3D software

In this assignment, I learned 3D modeling using SolidWorks software. SolidWorks is a powerful, industry-level tool that is widely used for product design and mechanical modeling. It helps designers clearly visualize products in a realistic 3D form before they are manufactured. One of the best things about SolidWorks is that it allows us to change design parameters easily. If we want to modify the size, shape, or dimensions of a part, we can simply edit the values and the model updates automatically. This makes the design process faster and more flexible.

Part Design

I started using SolidWorks and first understood the home screen of the SolidWorks software.
On the top menu bar, I selected New to start a new file.
Then a new window opened, I selected Part and clicked OK.
After that, the main working window opened. At the top, there is a navigation bar, below it are selection tools, on the left side I can choose the plane I want, and on the right side there are some shortcut tools.
According to my design, I selected the Top Plane.
In the next step, I went to Sketch and selected the Center Rectangle tool with dimensions.
I set the dimensions and then went to the Extrude tool. Using the Extrude tool, the 2D sketch was converted into a 3D design. From here, the actual 3D design part started.
Next, I chose the Fillet tool and applied it to the four top corners to change them into curved shapes.
Then I selected the Front Plane and drew a sketch on the body with dimensions, My corner edges were converted into curves using the Sketch Fillet tool

Next, I used the Sweep tool and selected my sketch. This converted the sketch into a pipe.
Then I wanted the same shape on the other side, so I choose the front plane.
I used the Mirror tool to copy the body to the other side.
Next, I used the Section View to see the inside of the model.
I drew a sketch to make a circle using the Center Circle tool.
Then I needed the same circle in a straight line, so I used the Linear Pattern tool and selected the circle.
Then I wanted holes in my bar on both sides, so I selected the circles and used the cut Extrude tool.
Then my first part was ready and looked like this.
After my first part was ready, I worked on my second part. Again, I selected New File, chose a plane, and drew a sketch.
I used the Line tool to draw a sketch and added dimensions.
Again, I used the Sweep tool.
And skech on top plane and Extrude
I needed a round ball, so I created a half-circle sketch and used the Revolve tool.
Now my second part is ready.

Assembly

Next, I joined the two parts in the Assembly section. For this, I went to New File and selected the Assembly option.
In the Assembly, I opened both parts and joined them using the Mate tool.
According to my design, I needed 5 copies of Part 2, so I used the Linear Pattern tool.
I joined all the parts together using the Mate tool.

Motion

the next step, I wanted to create motion, so I went to the Motion tool.
Here is the video showing the final motion.

Reference

I used this video to learn SolidWorks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JIR2Zmc3u8

Fusion 360

I also tried another 3D modeling software called Fusion 360, which is widely used in professional product design. Fusion 360 provides a clean and user-friendly interface, which made it easy for me to learn and adapt quickly. The software allows both parametric modeling and 3D visualization, making the design process flexible. While using Fusion 360, I explored basic modeling tools and understood how it is used in real-world product development.
I had used Fusion 360 before, but this time I downloaded it from the official website, downloaded the client file, and then installed it on my system.

After that, I opened the file and installed it on my system.
The interface is similar to SolidWorks, with all tools on the top side and the history panel on the left side. I made a small flower pot, so I selected the vertical plane and used the Line tool to draw a vertical line.

Then I used the Fit Spline tool to draw a curve.

After that, I created an offset tool of the curve and joined it from the top line to the bottom line.
Next, I used the Revolve tool and created a flower pot.
This is the final output.

Next, I rendered the model to see the final appearance.
Final output

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