2. Computer Aided design¶

This Weeks’ Task¶

1- Model (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, …) compress your images and videos, and post it on your class page.

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First we were introduced to a bunch of programs for us to use and learn like vector, Cuttle, Inkscape OpenSCAD and Fusion 360.

There are lots of ways that can be used to create visual representations for anything. As an architect, I use different software’s for 3d and 2d design which make’s my life a little easier.

I have been using Autocad software since 2016 for 2D designs. It’s really easy and handy.

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Autocad¶

Autocad is software program created by Autodesk that allows the user to conceptualize ideas, produce drawings and final products. This is by creating 2D and 3D models of solid surfaces and meshes.

This is the user’s interface

Let’s draw a stackable box in Autocad

1- First, we need to fix the units into mm. Type unit to appear the Drawing unit properties.

2- Draw a box (200 by 200). I like using lines to do things but you can also use the rectangle tool. To draw the lines, type line, ENTER. Then type 200 and enter. Do this to complete the box.

3- Add extensions to the box to be attached to each other and mirror them to the other side. To mirror, write mirror, ENTER. move the mouse vertically upward and enter. Or using the mirror button in the basic editing tool bar.

4- Move the mirrored shapes to attach it to the box by typing move or using the Move button in the basic editing tool bar.

5- Now we need to trim the lines to appear more neat and one shape. Type trim or use the button in the basic editing tool bar, then select the lines that you want to trim them.

6- Draw the other square that will be attached to the first one explained up, then Copy the two squares to have two of each shape. To copy, write copy or use the copy button in the basic editing tool bar then place it wherever you want.

7- Finally, draw the base of the box. It should appear like this.

Note: AutoCAD is a very handy software that every person could have his own technique to draw something. There are many other commands that could be use to draw very complicated shapes you can find them all in YouTube

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Inkscape¶

Inkscape is another powerful 2D software. It is similar to Adobe illustrator. I followed a tutorial to create a keychain.

Inkscape tutorial

1- import any picture that you like in inkscape. For me I choose DAWN as it reflects my name in English.

2- Convert the picture into vector by clicking on PATH, TRACE BITMAP.

3- Create a rectangle by clicking on the button on the left bar to reflect the base of the keychain.

4- Create a corner radius by clicking on EDIT PATH BY NODES on the left bar, then select one of the corners and drag it inside to the curve desired.

5- Draw two circles on top of each other by selecting the circle button on the left bar to create the keychain opening.

6- Join the two circles together by selecting both of them and go to PATH, UNION.

9- Added my name down by using the CREATE OR EDIT TEXT tool on the left bar.

8- I wanted to add more dynamic element to the shape, by using the tool DRAW BEZIER CURVES AND STRAIGHT LINES in the left bar.

9- Final result

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FUSION360¶

It is a very easy 3D making platform from Autodesk that makes you draw in 2D then converts it to 3D.

I tried to copy my dressing table and here’s how it went.

1- Draw the top in 2D sketch.

2- Extrude the 2D to 3D

3- Move the shape up by 800 cm.

4- Creating a void by sketching on the face, then extrude it backward.

4- Sketch the legs and extrude it.

5- Fillet the edges.

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OpenSCAD¶

Another 3D software that has a different approach is OpenSCAD. It design things with coding. So I followed a tutorial to create a 3d design as this software is kind of difficult for me.

This is the link

of the tutorial *

1- Creating two rectangles.