Computer Aided design ¶
This week I worked on discovering CADs software for 2D & 3D two different software of each. These computer aided design will help us further in terms of designing what we want to print using Fablab machines.
One thing to notice is there will be different formats for each software, but eventually you need to convert it to STL format for the machines to accept it.
3D¶
Fusion 360¶
This software is for 3D drawings. To install it just follow the guide set in Fablab Bahrain site-resources there will be also some videos that will help in using this tool
Fusion is a tool that starts with identifying plane you want to work on then make 2D drawing using the upper tools for example rectangular, after that you need to finalize dimensions you want and finish drawing then it will takes you to 3D tools most common one is to extrude your drawing into 3D model. There are other 3D options like revolve also you can give better surface finish using chamfer
Random extrusion & making square hole within it while discovering Fusion
STL format file
Inventor¶
Inventor is similar to Fusion but for bigger projects and assembling parts same tools are there cuz all are Autodesk products. the steps to produce 3D model is similar to fusion you can follow what is written previously. Using Inventor will enable you to make parts each in file then you can assembly them on the assembly channel. Finally you can drive your assembly to check the motion.
You can install it from the following link
After exploring Inventor I tried to make mechanical fin which is used in heat transferring and here is the results
Other¶
- Openscad
Designing software used to design through coding. It needs expertise in this field so that is why I just explored it
- Tinkercad
Designing 3D models website that is used to design similar things like fusion, but fusion more powerful.
You need to create account and then you will get access follow the below link
- WikiFactory
Follow the link given to get and share CAD files for any topic you needs
2D¶
To start with the previous software provide 2D sketches and then convert it into 3D like Inventor & Fusion360.
Here we will discuss some tools that are used and specialize in 2D only
Cuttle¶
This site is very helpful for 2D drawings. You can do all your designs directly in the site without installing software you need just to sign up and then start designing. you can use the already geometries available then you can use modify to play with them using tools like mirror and rotate.
There is already examples that you can follow and here my attempt to make snowflake design
Inkscape¶
Start with downloading it from the following link - Download link
It is easy software looks like cuttle in some way. One of the things I learned throughout this software is how to create a vector model by tracing.
The difference between roaster and vector model of pics is that roaster blur easily when it is scaled while vector can be scaled by initiation points over the figure.
In addition to that vector is a unit magnitude with direction that can be scaled
Other Tools¶
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GIMP CLICK HERE
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BLINDER CLICK HERE