Week 2
Computer Aided Design
The second assignment for this course is to draw your project proposal in as many formats as possible. I experimented with 2D raster graphics (GIMP), 2D vector graphics (Inkscape), and several 3D packages (Antimony, Rhino and Fusion 360)
Note: I will often link to my raw design files in a page, but also collect all of my designs in a single repository called "File Repository" linked on the side of the page. If you cannot find something, check that section!
GIMP
I have used GIMP for years, but primarily as a tool for editing pre-existing raster graphics (photos and pictures I find online.) I have never used it as a prototyping tool. While I see and understand the benefit of getting an idea visually represented quickly, I find I do not have much control when "painting" on a computer. As such, my drawings from GIMP tend to look quite childish. In the future, I will probably continue sketching using paper/pencil.
Inkscape
I have used Inkscape daily for the past 4 years, it is one of my favorite software packages. I use it extensively for all sorts of designs in the Fab Lab and regularly use it as a complete CAD/CAM utility. For this week, I simply imported my raster graphic from GIMP and labeled it using text in Inkscape. In future weeks I anticipate using Inkscape much more for engineering designs.
Labeled Inkscape Image
Rhino
Rhino is one of the 3D modeling software packages I am most familiar with. I used it last week to design a basic rendering of my final project, with decent results. The primary thing lacking from Rhino for me are parametric controls (unless you use grasshopper as an extension) and I do not think the materials render very naturalistically. In any case, I do enjoy the ease of use from Rhino and will likely continue to model artistic elements in it in the future.
Rhino Design
Fusion 360
I also experimented with Fusion 360 from Autodesk and had some positive results. In addition to the solid parametric modeling and complete CAD/CAM workflow, one highlight about Fusion 360 is the active community. Many items are shared at the Autodesk gallery. In particular, I used an existing model of a pump to represent my vacuum pump. The original model is available at this site, designed by Mrugesh Parasa
Predesigned Pump
I also imported a generic circuit board design to represent my electronics. This model is not representative of what will actually be in my final project, it is just there for visuals. As the project progresses I hope to replace it with an actual circuit board with my required components (pressure monitor, temperature monitor and humidity monitor as well as output components.) The original model is available at this site, designed by Morgan Gillespie
Predesigned Pump
Another great feature on Fusion 360 is the ability to import 3D models of common parts directly from McMaster Carr as SAT/STEP files. I did that on this model with my tube fitting, saving a lot of time and getting a more detailed model.
My imported tube fitting
Overall, I definitely like Fusion 360 the most of all and intend to continue its usage throughout this project.
Fusion 360 Rendering
Antimony
Finally, I experimented quite a bit with Antimony. I enjoy the logic behind modeling in Antimony and appreciate how compact the raw design files it produces can be. I can definitely see using this tool for many basic designs in the future, but will likely have to rely on more complete design packages like Fusion 360 for production work in the meantime.
