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Week 2

Computer-Aided Design Documentation

1. Project Overview

For this assignment, I developed a digital model of a possible final project using computer-aided design tools. The project is part of a larger concept involving a functional device (e.g., autonomous vessel / electronic system), and this stage focuses on creating accurate 2D and 3D representations of its structure.

The goal was to design a model that can later be manufactured using digital fabrication methods such as 3D printing or CNC machining.

GIMP

It is my hope that these few examples will help to solve those small, quick modifications that you may need to apply to an image. Hopefully this will lead to learning even more powerful image editing capabilities that GIMP is capable of as well.

Changing the Size (Dimensions) of an Image (Scale) It’s a common problem that you may have an image that is too large for a particular purpose (embedding in a webpage, posting somewhere online, or including in an email for instance). In this case you will often want to scale the image down to a smaller size more suitable for your use.

Notice that the information at the top of the window shows the current pixel dimensions of the image (in this case, the pixel size is 1225×1280).

To resize the image to new dimensions, we need only invoke the Scale Image dialog:

In the Scale Image dialog, you’ll find a place to enter new values for Width and Height. If you know one of the new dimensions you’d like for the image, fill in the appropriate one here.

You’ll also notice a small chain just to the right of the Width and Height entry boxes. This icon shows that the Width and Height values are locked with respect to each other, meaning that changing one value will cause the other to change in order to keep the same aspect ratio (no strange compression or stretching in the image).

From this dialog you can now change the quality of the export. If you also have the “Show preview in image window” option checked, the image on the canvas will update to reflect the quality value you input. This will also enable the “File size:” information to tell you what the resulting file size will be. (You may need to move some windows around to view the preview on the canvas in the background).

When you are happy with the results, hit the Export button to export.

2. Software Selection

For both 2D and 3D design, I used Autodesk Inventor.

Why I chose this software:

  • Combines 2D sketching and 3D modeling in one environment
  • Supports parametric design, allowing easy modification of dimensions
  • Provides precise tools for engineering and mechanical design
  • Can export files in formats like STEP and STL for fabrication

Advantages:

  • High precision and professional tools
  • Easy transition from sketch → 3D model
  • Good for complex assemblies

Limitations:

  • Requires more system resources
  • Learning curve for beginners

3. 2D Design Process

The design process started with creating 2D sketches in Autodesk Inventor.

Steps:

  1. Created a new sketch on a selected plane (XY, XZ, or YZ)
  2. Drew the base geometry using lines, circles, and arcs
  3. Applied dimensions and constraints to define exact sizes
  4. Adjusted proportions to match the project requirements

These 2D sketches serve as the foundation for building the 3D model.

4. 3D Modeling Process

After completing the 2D sketches, I converted them into a 3D model.

Steps:

  1. Used Extrude to create 3D bodies from 2D sketches

  2. Applied operations like:

  3. Cut (remove material)

  • Fillet (smooth edges)

  • Chamfer (angled edges)

  1. Modified dimensions using parametric controls
  2. Designed the model as part of a real project component

Special Design Consideration:

Due to size limitations of 3D printers, the model was:

  • Split into multiple parts
  • Designed with connection features for assembly (e.g., joints, flat surfaces for gluing or fastening)

This ensures the object can be fabricated and assembled correctly.

5. Image and Video Compression

To optimize the documentation:

Image Compression:

  • Original images were high resolution and large in size

  • Compressed using tools like:

  • TinyPNG / built-in export settings

  • Result: reduced file size while maintaining quality

Video Compression:

  • Reduced resolution (e.g., from 1080p to 720p)
  • Used compression tools such as HandBrake
  • Ensured smaller file size for faster uploading and viewing

6. Files Included

The following original design files are provided:

  • 3D Models: .ipt, .step, .stl
  • 2D Drawings: .idw or .dwg
  • Images: .png, .jpg
  • Videos (if applicable): .mp4

These files allow others to review, modify, or fabricate the design.

✅ Conclusion

This assignment helped me understand:

  • How to use CAD software for both 2D and 3D modeling
  • The importance of parametric design
  • How to prepare models for real-world fabrication
  • How to properly document and compress digital files