Verket FabLab Hanne Eriksen Files

#WEEK2
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

This weeks assignment
Model (draw, render, animate, simulate, ...) a possible final project, and post it on your class page with original 2D and 3D files.


"Inkscape for Mac and Fusion 360"

I decided on exploring the Inkscape for Mac and Fusion360. Mostly because I have worked with Adobe Illustrator for 15 year - and since I think Fusion360 has a very different way of modelling compared to the traditional CAD programs.


Inkscape

First realization about Inkscape was the fact that this in not just plug and play installation. Inkscape on Mac does not work together with the short commands on a Mac keyboard. This requires some additional installations.

Follow the instructions on this site:
http://www.bohemianalps.com/blog/2008/x11-control2command/

The second thing you have to configure is

After that, you should be set to start working!

The coolest features, that Illustrator is missing - turned out to be: 
Clone
This function clones the object, which makes it easier to just having
to make changes on one item, and not all. 

Make a Bitmap Copy of vector shape
This was a cool one that I discovered by accident, you can make a vector into a bitmap object just by clicking on this tool.

What I spent most my time on was actually figuring out how to work with the nodes and how the different states behave. It is not that easy to see just from clicking on the vectors. The rest of the menus and tools are quite similar to Illustrator.


Fusion360

As expected - Fusion360 is buildt up in a very different way than other CAD programs. Compared to working in for example Rhino - where you can work freely and in layers. Fusion has separated the workflow for you - with starting of as a sketch, changing the sketch from a body and into a component - before you can assemble the different bodies into a final product.


What I found difficult with using Fusion was the rigid way that you have to work. They have streamlined the workflow compared to for example Rhino - and together with the non-hierarchy user interface makes without layers makes it quite confusing to navigate in. What I did like was how easy it is to work with the bodies and choosing between the differen functions for adding/cutting etc. 

The design of the final installation will not be a overly complex one, since I will need most of the time learning electronics and programming.