Week 2 – Computer-Aided Design

Fab Academy – Week 02

Date range: Week of 28th Jan

Instructor: Sophia Brueckner

🧠 Learning Objectives

  • Evaluate and select 2D and 3D software
  • Demonstrate and describe processes used in modelling with 2D and 3D softwares
  • Demonstrate image and video compression

📋 Assignments

Individual Assignment

  • [ ] Model experimental objects/part of a possible final project in 2D and/or 3D software
  • [ ] Show how you did it with words/images/screenshots
  • [ ] Document how you compressed your image and video files
  • [ ] Include your original design files

Group Assignment

(If applicable)

🛠️ Tools & Materials

🧪 Process & Workflow

Step 1 – Choosing Computer-Aided Design software

I'm a huge Fusion 360 fan, but my laptop struggles to support the latest version. I also need software I can access from anywhere, so I decided to use Onshape for 3D modeling in this program.

I’m still not sure how I’m going to fabricate my final project, but I wanted to start with the look and feel. My final project idea is box-shaped similar to a tv with a screen at the front.

Step 2 – Designing 3D and 2D

I will start with variables so I can edit them later once I know which materials are available and the machines sizes. You can use the search bar at the top right to search for any tool, very useful.

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After you define your variables, type # and choose your variable from the dropped down list. Make sure your variables are defined before the sketch to be able to refer to them, I like to have all my variables at the top of the list.

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I need to create a groove to hold the screen. First I created a plane perpendicular to the side face of the enclosure, then I created a fully constrained sketch on the new plane

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I used the sweep tool to make the groove

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I created the screen by projecting the groove’s path into a new sketch, then extruded the screen with the variable #screen_thickness This is how it looks like from a cross sectional view

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  • I use Inkscape to design some patterns for the final project

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After converting to path and removing the fill to see the lines clearly

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Onshape accepts only dxf or dwg file formats to be imported as a sketch.

Start a sketch on the side, import the pattern file then insert with green check mark

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Use the Transform tool to move or resize your imported sketch.

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Close the sketch and extrude it with “remove” selected, and merge scope as the enclosure.

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Instead of mirroring the sketch on the other side I will extrude all the way to the opposite face. Select “Up to face” instead of “blind”, then select the opposite face.

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Final look.

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For the rounded corners I want to experiment with 3D printing, where wooden side panels can attach to 3D printed corners. Sketching the corners.

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Now create the side panels with lip to insert into the corner.

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Step 3 – Assembly

Tried assembly features (video)

Step 4 – Rendering

Still needs some work

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⚠️ Problems & Solutions

When I started designing with onshape I didn’t realize that rendering wasn’t included. But I will use fusion 360 for rendering if needed and keep designing on onshape

📊 Results

🧩 Files

📝 Reflection

  • What you learned
  • What you'd improve