2. Computer Aided design¶

Week 2¶

This week is based on exploring 2D and 3D designs and trying new softwares for designing our projects.

2D software¶

Cuttle¶

Cuttle is a vector editor with features for cut design like live modifiers, parameters, reusable components and scripting.

Visit Cuttle

Sign up and get ready to be creative.

How to use Cuttle¶

After signing in, click on New project.

Drag the required shape and type in the measurement needed.

Move the shape by clicking and dragging the center.

The final shape.

To merge the shapes together go to Modify > Boolean Union/Difference/Intersect. (each option is different, I chose to intersect the shapes)

The result.

To create a repeated pattern, there are options in Modify > Mirror/Linear/Tile/Transform Repeat.

The final shape/pattern selected.

To outline the final shape/pattern go to Modify > Outline Stroke/Expand/Contract.

The result after outlining.

To change the width of the outline select the shape, editing will be on the right side of the page. as usviusshown below

SVG file

Created a coaster.

Coasters SVG file

Inkscape¶

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor used to create vector images, primarily in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format.

Download Inkscape

Here are some steps to convert an image to vector :

Open Inkscape.

To upload an image - File > Import

Select the image.
To convert to vector - Path > Trace Bitmap.

Click on Apply, bottom right of the page.

Drag vector image to seperate them, the difference is shown in the image below.

Creating in Inkscape

Draw a shape by dragging shapes from the left tab.

Change shape colour from the bottom tab.

To create gradients, Click on the icon on the left tab.

Draw using the drawing pens.

Imported png images.

Download the SVG file

3D software¶

Fusion 360¶

Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB software platform for product design and manufacturing.

Download Fusion 360

Here are some steps on how to use fusion 360 as beginner like me :

This is the playground of fusion 360!

As you can see there are many options to play with.

Lets start sketching, Click on Create Sketch on the top left of the page.

Select the plan you wish to work on.

Choose the desired shape, I went for a circle.

Click on the plane to start drawing the shape, the further you keep the mouse the larger the shape.
Specify the size of the shape by typing the size in mm.

Click on Finish Sketch.

To solidify the shape, extrude it.

Click on Extrude > Drag the arrow upwards/downwards or type in the size > A cylinder.
To smooth the edges, use fillet.

Select the corner to fill, specify how much to fill.

Result of fillet.

Selecting the top and extruding it.

Using fillet to smooth it.

Creating a hole to place the screw, click on Hole > Choose the plane.

Change the settings of the hole.

A close up showing the details of the hole created.

The final result of the drawer handle/door knob.

Check it out :

Handle by saraahb on Sketchfab

F3D file

TinkerCAD¶

Tinkercad is a free online collection of software tools that help people all over the world think, create and make. It is the ideal introduction to Autodesk, a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software.

Visit TinkerCAD

How to use TinkerCAD?