2. Computer Aided Design¶
This week I started learning and exploring different 2D and 3D software.
2D Software¶
Vectr¶
Vectr is a free, simple and most intuitive vector graphics editing software as for that I decided to try it.
First, I wanted to design something geometrical and straight forward, so I designed a 2D computer.
Then, I added few elements to enhance the design and make it visually pleasing.
Then, I saved it as PNG and here’s the final result!
Click here to download the design.
Personal Opinion: Vectr is well-designed vector graphics solution and does not have a steep learning curve. However, it is not eligible for 3D and/or complex designs.
Cuttle¶
Cuttle is a design tool for digital cutting machines such as; laser cutters, digital die cutters, and CNC routers. It has a lot of features and allows for various designs.
Since it is my first time to use this software, I did not have a specific design or target to achieve. It was just about exploring so first, I started by dragging a star.
Then, I pressed on the star and chose the rotational repeat modifier.
After that, I rounded the corners of the star and used the outline stroke modifier.
Later on, I expanded the shape and used the outline stroke modifier once again.
And for the final result, I decreased the distance between the shapes and created similar one in the middle.
Click here to download the design.
Personal Opinion: Cuttle is an excellent software for designs that require repeat patterns.
3D Software¶
Blender¶
Blender is the second software that I decided to use. As it allows for 3D designs and is used in architecture field as well.
First, I started to look for YouTube tutorials for beginners and this video grabbed my attention.
Here, following part 1 of the video, I added a monkey mesh. Then, I selected it and added a smoke simulation around it. After that, I pressed the play button in oreder to show the smoke effect.
Then, following part 2 of the video, I started to design the donut by adding a torus object, editing mode and using proportional falloff.
After that, I used the shade smooth in order to give it an organic realistic shape. Also, I have increased the viewports to make it even smoother.
Finally, following part 3 of the video, I created the icing by duplicating part of a mesh then adding a solidify modifier.
** Note: I did not follow all of the series because it was taking so long.
Preview the donut model below in 3D ^_^
Click here to download the design.
Personal Opinion: The sky is the limit with Blender as it allows for almost everything! Modeling, sculpting, rendering, video editing, simulation, animation, etc. However, it is a bit complicated for biggeners.
fusion 360¶
Fusion 360 is another 3D software that I was super excited to use as it allows you to design and create anything you desire with comprehensive design tools. It is also very common in the engineering field.
I started using it randomly just to familiarize myself with the different tools and commands that are available. Then, I followed a YouTube tutorial that helped me to design a 3D diamond.
So first, I created a new sketch, I drew a polygon of 12 sides with a 50 mm diameter, and I clicked on Finish Sketch on the top toolbar.
After that, I extruded the profile downward at an angle of -45.5 degrees and a distance of -55 mm using the Extrude (e) tool.
Following, I extruded the upper surface at an angle of -5 degrees and a distance of 1.5 mm using the Extrude (e) tool as well.
And again, I extruded the upper surface at an angle of -50.5 degrees and a distance of 12.5 mm.
Subsequently, I constructed a plane through three points which are selected and shown below.
Next, I created a sketch on that plane and drew a triangle by connecting the previous three points using the line tool.
Afterward, I extruded the profile to cut the sharp edge (a distance of -17 mm would work perfectly).
Last but not least, using the circular pattern, I selected the previous cut, the axis, and the number of objects which is 6.
Finally, I applied a smooth blue glass material to the design.
Preview the diamond model below in 3D ^_^
Click here to download the design.
Personal Opinion: Fusion 360 is amazing for 3D modeling, easy to navigate and straight forward. It is similar to Sketch Up somehow.
OpenSCAD¶
Click here for OpenSCAD Cheat Sheet.
Personal Opinion: Honestly, I found it very difficult as it is a whole new language. But I think once you understand the concept behinde it and memorize the codes it will be much easier and fun.