Week 2
learn to Design using CAD.
What's CAD Tools ?
Computer-Aided-Design is the use of computer tools to design a graphical representation of your physical object. CAD tools can be categorized into Raster and Vector. Raster graphics are like a grid of pixels that form your image, On the other hand, Vector graphics are a bunch of line segments that form your design. The main different between the Raster and Vector is that when you zoom in a Raster image you can see the individual pixels, but in Vector you will always see line segments.
Glimpse about my Project
My project is to build an open source communication device that is super easy to make in any fablab using available tools and components. The BubbleSat will connect the individuals to interent or to the nearest local network. BubbleSat is useful in a situations when the infrastructure is down and we have to be connected or to provide people who don't have infrastructure with a mean of communication. To know more about BubbleSat.
Raster Drawings
I used Raster drawing to brainstorm the primary shape of the device. I used MyPaint which is an open source drawing software. Its interface is really easy.
Vector Drawings
Now i'm going to use Vector drawing software to draw a basic design of my device. I used FreeCAD which is an open source CAD software. For my device this part is quite easy, because i don't need complex goemtry.
The design is divided to simple parts that can fit together. It can be easily generated if you understand the pattern.
Export every part in dxf format so we can use it again with any software.
Now we can import all the parts in one file.
3D Designs
For this part we will try to make 3D model out of the 2D parts we made. First we import the parts, then transform and fit the parts together.
The final Model.
Conculsion
For the press-fit part, i need to develop it to be dynamic in away that i'll have to just modify few paramters to get the design modified.
Download this 2D and freeCad files:
w2.zipTinkerCad
I also used tinkercad to draft a 3D part that i intend to use to dispense food from a tank
I used TinkerCad because anyone can use it online without the need to install anything as it runs in the browser.
Go to tinkercad.com and start designing
I wanted to design something similar to a water wheel. I added simple geometric parts and grouped them together.
From this point i can download the part or save it online.
Download the STL file:
waterwheel.stlUseful links
Learn FreeCadMyPaint
Happy designing, see you.