Week 2 - Computer Aided Design¶
This Week’s Accomplishments:
Project Modeling:
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Learned about various designing techniques (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, etc.).
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Got introduced to Cuttle, Fusion 360, InkScape, and SolidWorks.
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Posted my designs in a SketchFab format.
1. Introduction¶
To start making a professional design, we had to learn about the two basic formats of graphics: Raster and Vector. They are two fundamental types of digital images, each with unique characteristics and uses.
Raster graphics are composed of a grid of pixels, where each pixel holds a specific color value. This pixel-based structure makes raster images ideal for detailed and complex visuals like photographs. Common formats for raster graphics include JPEG, PNG, and GIF.
On the other hand, vector graphics are created using paths defined by mathematical equations, allowing them to be scaled infinitely without any loss of quality. This makes vector graphics perfect for logos, icons, and illustrations. Popular formats for vector graphics include SVG, AI, and EPS.
Comparison:
| Feature | Raster Graphics | Vector Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Pixels | Paths (mathematical equations) |
| Scalability | Loses quality when scaled | Scales infinitely without losing quality |
| File Size | Generally larger | Generally smaller |
| Best For | Detailed images like photographs | Logos, icons, and illustrations |
| Editing | Pixel-based editing (e.g., Photoshop) | Path-based editing (e.g., Illustrator) |
| Resolution | Resolution-dependent | Resolution-independent |
| Common Formats | JPEG, PNG, GIF | SVG, AI, EPS |
2. My First 2D Design: Cuttle.xyz¶
Cuttle is a 2-D web-based design tool made for creating vector designs for digital cutting machines like laser cutters and vinyl cutters. It has awesome features like Live Modifiers, which let you see changes in real-time, and Parameters, so you can easily tweak dimensions and other properties. You can also save and reuse design elements with Reusable Components, and if you’re into coding, you can use Scripting to automate and enhance your designs. It’s perfect for making personalized items like ornaments, cake toppers, keychains, boxes, jewelry, and more. Plus, it’s super user-friendly, making it great for beginners while still offering powerful tools for more experienced designers.
1.To start my design, I made an account at Cuttle using their main page.
2.I didn’t have a design in mind, so I just went with the flow with what the website offered me. So I looked up a circle from the side search bar on the left and dragged it to the middle of the page to center it.
3.I clicked on modify> rotational repeat to multiply my circle into uniform duplicates.
4.Then I was able to resize each circle and modify it into my desired shape, so I turned it into an ovel and by default, all duplicate circles changed shape.
5.I dragged a text box under my shape and wrote my name, making it a name tag. There was plenty of font styles to choose from like typewriter, stencil, digital, etc.
6.My instructor Noor told me about the boolean union function that lets me combine multiple shapes into one, so I clicked on modify> boolean union, which turned the ovals into one combined flower.
7.I did a rotational repeat on my text as well and was able to choose the number of repeats per each shape from the right side bar.
8.From the shapes list, I chose a triangle to combine my name tag together and a little circle to make it a hole for hanging.
9.From the right toolbar, I clicked on the coloring box to choose colors for my design and finalize it.
10.After being content with my name tag design. I went to file> export DXF, and saved it on my device.
Click here to download my 2D name tag!
3. My First 3D Design: Fusion 360¶
Click on the links below to download my product
And here’s the final product in a 3D view! ^-^
My Week in a Summary¶
This week, I evaluated and selected various 2D and 3D software tools to determine which ones best suited my project needs. Through this process, I gained insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different software options. Additionally, I demonstrated and described the processes used in modeling with both 2D and 3D software. This week allowed me to understand the workflow and techniques involved in creating detailed models, enhancing my proficiency in digital design.