Week 2: Computer Aided Design

This week I worked on defining my final project idea and started to getting used to the documentation process.

First Session’s Task

Objective:

1. Learn various Computer Aided Designs (CAD).
   1. Cuttle.xyz [2-D]
   2. Fusion [3-D]
   3. SolidWorks [2-D & 3-D]

SketchFab [Public]

Tutorial: Creating a Simple Design on Cuttle.xyz

Step 1: Sign Up and Create an Account

1. Visit the Cuttle.xyz Website:

   • Open your web browser and go to Cuttle.xyz [1], then sign up or log in if you already have an account.

   

Step 2: Start a New Project

1. Create New Project:

   • Once logged in, click on the “New Blank Project” button on the dashboard.

   

2. Project Name:

   • Enter a name for your project and click “Create.”

   

Step 3: Explore the User Interface

1. Toolbar:

   • Familiarize yourself with the toolbar on the left side of the screen. This is where you’ll find tools for drawing shapes, adding text, and more.

   

   • Click “Browse All Shapes” to see more shapes.

2. Drawing Area:

   • This is the main area where you’ll create your design.

   

3. Property Panel:

   • On the right side, you’ll see the property panel where you can adjust properties of selected objects.

   

Step 4: Draw Basic Shapes

1. Select Shape Tool:

   • Click on the “Rectangle” tool in the toolbar, then drag it to the drawing area. With the rectangle selected, adjust its width and height in the property panel.

   

Step 5: Apply Parameters

1. Add Parameter:

   • Select the rectangle and click on the “Add Parameter” button in the property panel.

     

2. Set Parameter:

   • Name the parameter (For Example: “Width”) and set its value. Now you can easily adjust the rectangle’s width by changing this parameter.

     

Step 6: Use the Library

1. Open ‘Browse All Shapes’:

   • Click on the “Browse All Shapes” tab in the toolbar to open the shape library.

   

2. Select Shape:

   • Browse through the available shapes and select one to add to your drawing area.

   

3. Position Shape:

   • Click and drag the shape to position it on your drawing area.

   

Step 7: Combine Shapes Using Boolean Operations

1. Select Shapes:

   • Hold the Shift key and click to select multiple shapes.

   

2. Boolean Operations:

   • In the toolbar, click on the “Boolean Union” button to combine the selected shapes into one.

   

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Step 8: Add and Edit Text

1. Select Text Tool:

   • Click on the “Text” tool in the toolbar, then drag it to the drawing area and type your desired text.

     

2. Edit Text:

   • Select the text to adjust its font, size, and other properties in the property panel.

     

Step 9: Export Your Design

1. Export Options:

   • Click on the “Export” button in the top right corner of the screen under “File”. Afterwards, select the desired format for your design (For Example: SVG, PDF), and then download it.

     

Tips and Tricks

1. Keyboard Shortcuts:

   • Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow. For example, use Ctrl + Z to undo actions and Ctrl + Y to redo actions.

2. Snapping:

   • Enable snapping to align shapes precisely by dragging objects points to each other or connect them to the grid.

3. Grouping:

   • Group multiple objects together to move and scale them as a single unit.

My Cuttle.xyz Designs

My experience with Cuttle.xyz was a mix of enjoyment and frustration. Initially, I dove in without watching YouTube tutorials, attempting to figure things out on my own. As is often the case with new design platforms, I faced a learning curve.

Due to time constraints, I explored Cuttle.xyz relatively late, but I’m excited to share my experience with you. However, there’s one major annoyance, the platform’s dependence on internet connectivity. When lag occurs, the website becomes sluggish. For instance, imagine using the Ctrl + Z shortcut to undo an action, only to find it unresponsive. You press it repeatedly, hoping for a response. But when the connection finally stabilizes, it undoes multiple actions — leaving you in a bind since there’s no straightforward way to revert.

In short, Cuttle.xyz is enjoyable with a strong internet connection and a grasp of the basics. Now, let’s take a look at the designs I created:

Weather

Tutorial: Creating a Simple Design in Fusion

Step 1: Download and Install Fusion

1. Visit Autodesk Fusion Website:

   • Open your web browser and go to Fusion Free Software for Students [2].

     

     

     

2. Sign Up / Log In:

   • Create an Autodesk account if you don’t have one, or log in with your existing credentials.

     

3. Download and Install:

   • Click on the “Download” button to download the installation file.

Step 2: Start a New Project

1. Launch Fusion:

   • Open the Fusion application.

2. Save & Name Your Project:

   • Save the project and enter a name. The project file must be occasionally being saved to avoid losing your progress.

     

Step 3: Explore the User Interface

1. Toolbar:

   • Familiarize yourself with the toolbar at the top, which contains tools for creating and modifying designs.

2. Drawing Area:

   • This is the main area where you’ll create your 3D models.

3. Browser:

   • On the left side, the Browser contains all the components, bodies, and sketches in your design.

4. Timeline:

   • At the bottom, the Timeline tracks your design history and allows you to go back and edit previous steps.

     

Step 4: Create a Sketch

1. Start Sketch:

   • Click on the “Create Sketch” button in the toolbar.

     

2. Select Plane:

   • Choose a plane (Example: XY plane) to start your sketch.

     

3. Draw Rectangle:

   • Select the “Rectangle” tool from the Sketch dropdown, then click and drag on the drawing area to draw a rectangle.

     

4. Dimension Rectangle:

   • Use the “Dimension” tool to set the width and height of the rectangle.

     

Step 5: Extrude the Sketch

1. Finish Sketch:

   • Click “Finish Sketch” in the toolbar.

     

2. Select Profile:

   • Select the rectangle profile you just created.

3. Extrude:

   • Click on the “Extrude” button in the toolbar, then enter the desired extrusion distance to create a 3D object from your sketch.

     

Step 6: Add Fillets

1. Select Edges:

   • Click on the edges of your 3D object where you want to add fillets.

   

2. Fillet Tool:

   • Click on the “Fillet” tool in the toolbar.

   

3. Set Radius:

   • Enter the desired radius for the fillets and click “OK.”

   

Step 8: Export Your Design

1. Export:

   • Go to the “File” menu, select “Export,” and choose the desired format (e.g., STL for 3D printing).

   

Rising Bullet by Ahmed-Alaali on Sketchfab

In case you are interested in downloading the design’s STL & SolidWorks file: Click here to download the STL file and here for the SolidWorks file

Tips and Tricks

1. Keyboard Shortcuts:

   • Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow, such as ‘e’ for extrude, x to reference a line or make it as a construction geometry and ‘L’ for line.

2. Snapping:

   • Enable grid snapping to make precise alignments.

My Autodesk Fusion Design

My experience with Autodesk Fusion has been a delightful blend of recalling old skills I acquired while learning SolidWorks. This platform is surprisingly easy to grasp, thanks to its similarity to SolidWorks—I didn’t need to spend time watching YouTube tutorial videos. I consider Fusion an improved version of SolidWorks due to its straightforward functionality. However, I still catch myself attempting SolidWorks keyboard shortcuts that don’t quite work in this platform. Despite this minor learning curve, Fusion’s various tools make it a great platform to work with.

As I’m still relatively new to using Fusion, I hesitate to declare it superior to SolidWorks just yet. In summary, Autodesk Fusion is a fantastic platform that allows you to grasp the basics easily. Now, let’s take a look at the design I’ve created!

Robot Toy

Robot by Ahmed-Alaali on Sketchfab

In case you are interested in downloading the design’s STL & SolidWorks file: Click here to download the STL file and here for the SolidWorks file

Tutorial: Designing a Stanley Cup in SolidWorks

In this tutorial, we will design a Stanley Cup using SolidWorks. The idea was inspired by a viral incident where a Stanley Cup remained cold even after a car fire. We’ll cover the steps and the reasoning behind each step to create an accurate and visually appealing design.

Step 1: Download and Install SolidWorks

1. Visit SolidWorks Website: Open your web browser and go to SolidWorks.

2. Download: If you don’t already have SolidWorks, download a trial or the student version.

Step 2: Explore the User Interface

1. FeatureManager Design Tree: Located on the left, it shows the structure of your part.

2. CommandManager: Toolbar at the top with different tabs for features, sketching, etc.

3. Graphics Area: The main area where you’ll create your 3D models.

4. PropertyManager: Located on the left, it shows options and properties for the selected feature.

   

Step 3: Sketch Half of the Cup in 2D

1. Open a New Part Document: Start by opening SolidWorks and creating a new part document.

   

2. Select the Right Plane: In the FeatureManager design tree, select the Right Plane and click on “Sketch.”

   

3. Draw the Profile: Using the line and arc tools, draw the profile of half of the Stanley Cup, ensuring it is hollow in the middle. This is crucial as the cup needs to be functional and hollow inside to hold liquids.

   

Step 4: Revolve 360

1. Exit the Sketch: Once the half profile is complete, exit the sketch mode.

2. Revolve Boss/Base: Go to the Features tab and select “Revolve Boss/Base.”

   

3. Select the Axis: Choose the vertical line of the sketch as the axis of revolution.

   

4. Complete the Revolve: This will create a 360-degree revolve, forming the 3D shape of the cup. This step turns the 2D profile into a 3D object.

   

   

Step 5: Sketch the Cup-Holder in 2D

1. Select the Right Plane: Again, select the Right Plane and create a new sketch.

2. Draw the Cup-Holder: Using the line and arc tools, draw the profile of half of the cup-holder. Ensure the design is ergonomic and fits well with the cup.

   

Step 6: Create a Reference Plane

1. Reference Geometry: Go to the Features tab and click on “Reference Geometry,” then select “Plane.”

   

2. Position the Plane: Create the plane at the end of the 2D sketch of the cup-holder. This new plane will be used to define the path for the sweep feature.

   

Step 7: Sketch on the New Plane

1. Select the New Plane: Click on the new plane and create a sketch.

2. Draw a Circle: Use the circle tool to draw a circle with the same diameter as the end of the 2D cup-holder sketch. This circle will be the profile for the sweep feature.

   

Step 8: Create a Sweep

1. Exit the Sketch: Exit the sketch mode after drawing the circle.

2. Sweep Feature: Go to the Features tab and select “Sweep Boss/Base.”

   

3. Select Profile and Path: Choose the circle as the profile and the 2D cup-holder sketch as the path. This will create a 3D cup-holder by sweeping the circle along the path.

   

Step 9: Mirror the Cup-Holder

1. Mirror Feature: In the Features tab, select “Mirror.”

   

2. Select Plane: Use the Reference Plane that was created earlier as the mirror plane.

   

3. Select Body to Mirror: Choose the half cup-holder created by the sweep feature. This will create the other half, completing the cup-holder.

   

Step 10: Add a Chamfer

1. Chamfer Tool: Go to the Features tab and select “Chamfer.”

   

2. Select Edges: Click on the edges where you want to add a chamfer (e.g., the waist of the cup).

   

3. Set Parameters: Enter the desired chamfer distance and angle, then click “OK.” This adds a beveled edge, giving the design a finished look.

   

Step 11: Add Fillets

1. Fillet Tool: Go to the Features tab and select “Fillet.”

   

2. Select Edges: Click on the edges where you want to add fillets.

   

3. Set Radius: Enter the desired fillet radius and click “OK.” Fillets smooth out sharp edges, making the design safer and more aesthetically pleasing.

   

Step 12: Create the Cup Lid

1. Select the Front Plane: Create a new sketch on the front plane.

2. Draw the Lid Profile: Use the line and arc tools to draw the profile of the cup lid, including any necessary details like a lip.

   

3. Revolve Cut: Use the “Revolve Cut” feature to cut the profile from the solid cup, creating the lid.

   

   

Step 13: Place the Logo Image

1. Create a New Plane: Select the Right Plane and create a new plane offset from it, positioning it at the front of the cup.

   

2. Start a New Sketch: Create a new sketch on this plane.

   

3. Insert Image: Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Sketch Picture.

   

4. Place the Image: Select the logo image file and place it on the sketch. Resize and position it as needed. This step customizes the cup with branding or decoration.

   

Step 14: Edit Appearance

1. Open Appearance Settings: Right-click on the part in the FeatureManager design tree and select “Edit Appearance”.

   

2. Apply Color: In the color tab, select the desired color. For this design, to color the cup orange.

   

3. Apply and Save: Click “Tick” to see the changes in the Graphics Area.

Step 15: Save and Export Your Design

1. Save Design: Click on the “Save” icon or use Ctrl + S to save your SolidWorks file.

2. Export: Go to “File” > “Save As” and select the desired format (e.g., STL for 3D printing).

Tips and Tricks

• Keyboard Shortcuts: Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow, such as Ctrl + Z to undo actions and Ctrl + S to save.

• Snapping: Enable grid snapping for precise alignments.

• Renaming Features: Rename features in the FeatureManager Design Tree for better organization.

• View Orientation: Adjust your view by rotating, panning, and zooming to explore your design from different angles. Try using the numeric keypad shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl + 1) to adjust your view.

Preview the Design

Here is a preview of the design compared to the actual Stanley Cup. Note that the dimensions are not accurately made; they are approximations for illustrative purposes.

My Stanley Cup Design

Stanley Cup

Stanely Cups by Ahmed-Alaali on Sketchfab

In case you are interested in downloading the design’s STL & SolidWorks file: Click here to download the STL file and here for the SolidWorks file

Tutorial: Using AutoTrace to Create a 2D Sketch from an Image in SolidWorks

In this tutorial, I will show you how to create a 2D sketch in SolidWorks using the AutoTrace feature. We will use an example of tracing a Batman logo image, turning it into a precise 2D sketch. The steps will be explained in detail, and I’ll guide you through optimizing the trace to make it as accurate as possible.

Step 1: Start a New Sketch on the Top Plane

1. Open SolidWorks: Begin by opening a new part document in SolidWorks.

2. Select the Top Plane: In the FeatureManager design tree (the panel on the left), find the Top Plane, right-click on it, and select Sketch. This sets up the workspace to begin sketching on a flat surface, which is ideal for tracing a 2D image.

3. Orient the View: Click the Top View icon from the View Orientation menu, or press the space bar and select Top View to ensure you’re looking directly at the sketch plane.

Step 2: Activate AutoTrace Add-in

1. Access Add-Ins: At the top toolbar, go to Tools > Add-Ins. A window will pop up displaying a list of available add-ins for SolidWorks.

2. Enable AutoTrace: Scroll through the list and find AutoTrace. Check the box next to it under both the “Active Add-Ins” and “Start-Up” columns. This will enable AutoTrace for your current session and allow you to use it in the future without needing to reactivate it.

3. Confirm Activation: Click OK to close the Add-Ins window. AutoTrace is now active and ready for use.

Step 3: Insert the Image for Tracing

1. Start a New Sketch: Ensure you are still in sketch mode on the Top Plane.

2. Insert the Image:

   • Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Sketch Picture.
   • A file browser will open; select the image file you want to trace (in this case, a Batman logo). Click Open.

3. Position the Image: After inserting the image, use the handles on the corners to resize it as necessary. Position it in the center of the sketch plane for easy tracing.

Step 4: Configure AutoTrace for the Image

1. Select the Image: Click directly on the inserted image to bring up the Sketch Picture properties menu on the left side of the screen.

2. Open AutoTrace:

   • In the properties panel, you’ll see a tab labeled Trace Settings. Click on this to open the AutoTrace options.
   • Click the right-arrow button next to the AutoTrace section to enter the tracing setup.

3. Prepare for Tracing:

   • The AutoTrace window will display your image. Here, you can control the settings to ensure the trace captures the image accurately.

Step 5: Adjust AutoTrace Settings for Accuracy

1. Define Trace Area: Use the brush tool to highlight the section of the image you want to trace (in this case, the entire Batman logo). The highlighted area is where SolidWorks will attempt to detect the edges for the sketch.

2. Adjust Edge Detection Sensitivity:

   • Contrast and Brightness: Adjust the sliders for Contrast and Brightness to refine the visibility of the logo’s edges. Increasing contrast will make the dark edges of the Batman logo more pronounced, allowing the trace to be sharper.
   • Tolerance: Fine-tune the Tolerance slider. A lower tolerance will capture more detail but may pick up noise, while a higher tolerance will simplify the trace, potentially missing fine details. Aim for a balance to capture the key features of the logo without unnecessary noise.

3. Preview the Trace: Once you have adjusted the settings, click Next to preview the trace. The trace will appear as a set of lines around the image.

4. Modify Trace if Necessary: If the trace isn’t accurate enough, go back to the Edge Detection settings and make further adjustments until you are satisfied with the preview. This step may take a few attempts to get the ideal result, particularly for intricate shapes like the Batman logo’s sharp edges and curves.

Step 6: Finalize and Convert the Trace to a Sketch

1. Accept the Trace: Once the trace accurately outlines the Batman logo, click Finish Trace. The result will be a set of sketch lines in SolidWorks that represent the Batman logo.

2. Refine the Sketch:

   • You can now use regular SolidWorks sketch tools to clean up any rough edges or add details. For example, use the Line or Arc tool to correct any parts of the trace that didn’t come out perfectly.
   • Use the Trim Entities tool to remove any unwanted lines or connections.

3. Exit the Sketch: When satisfied with the sketch, exit the sketch mode by clicking the Exit Sketch button in the top toolbar.

Step 7: Example – Tracing the Batman Logo

In this example, after adjusting the AutoTrace settings, I was able to capture the iconic sharp wings and curves of the Batman logo. By tweaking the contrast and tolerance, I ensured that the trace detected the edges accurately, resulting in a clean and recognizable sketch.

Tips for Enhancing Your Trace:

• Image Quality: Use a high-contrast, high-resolution image to improve AutoTrace’s ability to detect edges accurately. Blurry or low-contrast images may result in poor tracing performance.

• Simplify the Image: If the image has too much noise or unnecessary details, consider editing it in an image editor beforehand to simplify the outlines for easier tracing.

• Manual Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to manually edit the sketch after tracing. AutoTrace gives a good foundation, but manual refinement is often necessary for precision.

Reference

[1] [2] [3]

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Last update: September 17, 2024