Computer-Aided Design
To create my final project, a Shadow Theater Sensory Box, I will be utilizing several machines such as the laser cutter, arduino, soldering iron, and more. For this assignment on computer-aided design, one tool I utilized was Adobe Illustrator. I selected Illustrator because in comparison to Corel Draw or Ink Scape it allowed for more flexibility and fluidity when free hand drawing, such as the node feature. I started to create a rough draft of they layout of the sensory box using tools such as the pen tool, pathfinder (which is used to subtract one abject from another), shapes, and skew. Again this is just a rough draft of my idea as I am still working through the design and materials I would like to use.
Another tool that I utilized was TinkerCAD, an online based 3D software program. I selected TinkerCAD as I am not yet as familiar with other 3D design tools such as 123D Design. The features in TinkerCAD allow me to test and expore on a more basic level and I hope to expand my expertise in 123D Design. Here I drafted a 3D model of the box design experimenting with adding and subtracting shapes to an object. To create the box I first created a rectangle to the specifications of my design and then subtracted from the center using another box to create the hole in the middle. Then to add the tapered edges on the one side I used the arch shape and then using another square subtracted what I did not need to create the half arch. The half arch was then added to the box design along with a wedge piece, which is where the LED light strips will be located.
The design for the outside of the box is still in development as I am working on getting student artwork, which will then be recreated in Illustrator for the final box. The main materials for the box construction will be plywood and card stock paper. As mentioned the final project is still in development but both Illustrator and TinkerCAD were great tools to assist in visualizing and planning the final product. I look forward to prototyping the design soon.
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