Computer-aided design
Week assignment:
· Model (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, ...) a possible final project, and post it on your class page
Neil introduced us this week to some 2D and 3D programs with which to design anything we want. There are big differences between some of them and the way they structure and visualize the information, to create shapes and objects.
I tried to use these programs to start defining and shaping my final project.
I have to say I have been using Rhinoceros for the last years, so I dediced to start drawing with Solidworks; a software that I used before in the university but I haven't used again since then. It felt hard at the beginning to remember some tools and features, but it got better.
I drawed a module, which will integrate a servo motor 360º, a pulley and a thin steel wire. Below there will be space for a sphere which will go up and a down.
The servo was first drawed in FreeCad, as I wanted to try an opensource 3d modeller. I find it quite easy, although it was quite hard to move the object and do some specific operations.
I joined different modules to start thinking how I will display them. Depending on the number of modules I will have to use different systems for making the objects move.
Afterwards I started working on the display of the objects, and possible interesting shapes. I downloaded a Grasshopper plugin called Rabbit from here which helps to recreate tree structures in Rhino.
Besides this, I used Rhino to keep exploring different displays and possible shapes with the objects.
This is one example I rendered with Keyshot (360º animation)
Furthermore, we have done some masterclasses in FabLab Barcelona this week. We have been trying out Solidworks, Rhinoceros, Blender, Grasshopper and Antimony. This last one has surprised me very much as its interface seemed to me very simple. The logic behind the program seems easy to understand too, but I doubt I could use it for precise drawings and simulations.
As a conclusion I would say I see two very different parts in my project. First one more technical, with gears, engines & pulleys, that I might work with Solidworks, for a precise and parametric work. Second one, the shape of the objects, that I might work with Rhinoceros and Grasshopper.
Download all the files here
