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2. Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Background Information

What is Raster and Vector

  • Raster: a digital picture or a scanned map that has pixels
  • Vector: a fundamental object type that contains a complex objects with no pixels
  • Difference

2D Designs (Vectr/GIMP)

Inner Example

  • 2D Designs are used to create something from a thought or feeling helping in creating the basic idea for prototypes.
  • The 2D Designs were made on the x,y -axis plane, adding measurements were not an option as in the options in the following programs but the distances were conceptual for the creator.
  • The designs are drawn by hand for Gimp and by adding in Vectr

1- Vectr Logo

Inner Example1
Inner Example

  • Vectr is a free online vector design software, it has limited functionality when compared with other softwares.
  • Tools Used: Create Shape > Square [my option]
  • Pros: Many Shapes Are Available which help in 2D Designing
  • Cons : Limited options
  • Using Vectr you can add shapes and order them to create simple forms of 2D designs

My Design of Vectr

2- GIMP Logo

Inner Example2

  • GIMP is a free raster design, it is sometimes thought of as a free photoshop alternative.
  • It can be used as a tool to draw your 2D designs that you are thinking of.
  • Tools Used: Draw, Erase and Fill.
  • Pros: Being Able to draw opens many possibilities for creativity.
  • Cons : Drawings are not perfect in shape.

My Design of GIMP

3D Designs (TinkerCAD/Blender/Fusion 360)

Inner Examplee

  • 3D Designs are used to create final designs and props, the results from the 3D designs can be used to laser cutting which results in creating the final prototype of projects.
  • The 3D Designs have a measurement specification and parameters which helps the user to use on designs.
  • I haven’t used Extrude, Chamfer or fillet as I am new to 3D designing (creating while sizing and redeleting the design and combining them).
  • Files are exported to .stl since it is readable by more softwares.
  • When facing any trouble, it is suggested to follow this procedure: ask classmates > search online > ask supervisors, and it is also possible to use ChatGPT at the beginning but I have not tried that.

1- TinkerCAD Logo

Inner Example3

  • Limited functionality but fun to test out. Drag and drop. free.
  • Tools Used: Create > Move > Combine, I used these tools to create cubes, cylinders, spheres and combine them.
  • Pros: Easy to use but not much
  • Cons : Limited options

My Design of TinkerCAD

2- Blender Logo

Inner Example4

  • A 3D Design Software that has properties similar to TinkerCAD with its own unique properties, it helps alot in editing the shape and parameters of the objects.
  • Tools Used: Create > Move > Combine, I used these tools to create cubes, cylinders, spheres and combine them.
  • Pros: Easy to use (Easier than TinkerCAD)
  • Cons : Limited options (but are more than TinkerCAD)

My Design of blender

3-Fusion 360 Logo

Fusion Picture

  • A 3D Design Software with multiple applications and functionalities, I find it to be very good with no flaws, yet I can not use it very well since I am not used to making 3D design which will make my design look simple and unreal.
  • Tools Used: Create > Move > Combine, I used these tools to create cubes, cylinders, spheres and combine them.
  • Pros: Has many useful functions
  • Cons : Difficult to use for new users

My Design of Fusion as .STL - My Design of Fusion as .F3D

Challenges

I faced a challenge to use freeCAD since I did not know how to operate it, my supervisor recommended that I use Blender instead which was easier to operate and create design and know how to use than freeCAD

Last update: September 10, 2023