Week 2 : Computer Aided Design

This weeks assignment was to model the proposed final project in 2D and 3D software. Then to include the original design files and show how it was done with words/ images/ screenshots. Before heading for the assignments, I explored through various 2D and 3D softwares suggested in the classes page of fabacademy 2016.

Assignment:

• Try as many as 2D and 3D softwares
• Modelling the proposed final project in 2D and 3D software
• Show how it is done with words/ images/ screenshots
• Include orginal design files

For creating Raster Images, I have been comfortable with GIMP and Adobe Photoshop. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a cross platform image editor and also a powerful free software. It could do literally everything, Adobe Photoshop can perform. I use GIMP to resize, edit and manipulate the images I put up in the website. GIMP is just that free software which is as powerful as photoshop.

For creating Vector Images, I used Inkscape. Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor similar to Adobe Illustrator. I created a logo for the GiveAway Desk using Inkscape. I enjoy doing Typography a lot, So after doing a few sketchings in sketchbook and Notepad, later came up with something interesting. I did some brushing up of using Inkscape by going through some tutorials, and created a logo for engraving in the furniture.

I began with paper prototyping...

Later did a Sketch in phone using Adobe SketchBook Express, to give a few coloring and check out. It's a pretty neat app, something which I use for my day to day sketch works.

Logo 2D Design using Inkscape.

Design Files (Black and White)

Design Files (Logo in colour)

3D design of final project

Before sketching the final design of the Desk, I wanted to explore through:

• Various 3D softwares
• Various stable Furniture Designs and possible digital wood joints
• Making the furniture smart and productive ( what all to include in the design)

I have used a few 3D softwares suggested in the archives. I began using Sketchup (formarly known as Google Sketchup), since 2009. I still remember me sketching a habitable space settlement colony to submit for Nasa Ames Space Settlement Contest. Thou' I never submitted the designs, visualising something which I had in my mind in paper or computer screen was quite a great experience to look forward. That's why I love 3D designing softwares. I am comfortable with using Sketchup, Tinkercad, AutoCAD, Rhino and Antimony. Initially for the first prototyping of the furniture I am planning to use Rhino, which is quite user friendly to use. Also, I like to use antimony and i'm also planning to explore it's online version - Flood. Flood is a parametric solid modelling software for 3D Printing and many more. Flood looked similar to antimony just that it's cloud version.

1. Antimony

Antimony is a fresh perspective on 3D modeling. Antimony allows to break down the 3D model into a network of both primitive geometry and operations that interact with that geometry. Antimony does parametric design, which is accurate compared to the conventional designs. I have installed antimony during prefab's, it's a smooth software to work on. Each node or block uses a customisable script. The script is written in python. Each node is connected to form desired shapes.

For example, to create a cube, at first a node of shape rectangle is made and its height and width is given of equal dimensions. Then it is connected using a line to the next node which is extrude. Extrude then extrudes the square shape to the desired dimension given. I just created a small 3D model using antimony to refresh knowledge in antimony. To install antimony and get more deep insight to it,I checked through Mattkeeter's website.

Design file (Antimony) in .sb format

2. OnShape

Onshape being a fully cloud 3D CAD design tool, it automatically saves all the files you sketch as you go just like the google drive. Here, Initially you create a sketch on the selected plane and then develop on the sketch drawn by extruding it or using any of the other tools. I created a box with hole, it took me a lot of time since the internet was not steady. I would opt for offline softwares right now.

Design File can be viewed in the link from my onshape account

3. OpenSCAD

Book Opener/Holder

I liked this simple book holder- Thumb thing book holder which is on sale but could easily be made at lab and used. I used openSCAD to design the thing and also gave a small hold to tie a book mark or just latch it while not it use.

OpenSCAD is an opensource 3D modelling program in which you type commands to alter objects, rather than interacting with them directly. It’s a great tool for parametric design.

What makes it different from softwares like Blender or Sketchup is that you can't directly manipulate object with the mouse. It's more like you need to describe the object and then watch it appear. I used Makerbot Tutorials to learn OpenSCAD. There is also OpenSCAD online manual, which you could go through if you have enough time to spare. I used reprap.org tutorial to learn about the software.

Book opener design before rendering

Book opener design after rendering

Lines of code:

Here, I have taken a difference of square of dimensions 45mm by 30mm and circle of radius 50mm. Translating of the figures where done and linear extruding height is of 10mm. a small circle of 2.5mm is given at the corner too.

Design Files of Book Opener

.scad file .stl file .dxf file

4. Rhino

Rhino can create, edit, analyze, document, render, animate, and translate NURBS* curves, surfaces, and solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes. There are no limits on complexity, degree, or size beyond those of your hardware. I found the following Rhino Tutorial pdf files from the Rhino Site to be helpful to learn regarding the software.

I liked rhino since it is user friendly and also at the same time 4 viewpoints could be viewed. The only drawbacks are that rhino is not available for linux users and that it's a paid tool. I tried creating a prototype version for the desk design using the software. I'm not happy with the design and would change eventually...!!!

Design file of first prototype in Rhino

The Furniture design evolved from that to several variations. Until, nearly the end of the academy that's when I finally made up my mind with the designs. Right now, the design includes a desk, chair and an area for storage. The furniture has an output and input circuit to detect the person using it.

Changed Design

Further process of development can be found in the project development page. The design of the furniture was done using Rhino. Download Design File below

Design file of the final furniture design in Rhino. (.3dm format)