WEEK 02

Computer-Aided Design






Modelling 2d(raster and vector) and 3d softwares





1. 2D Softwares


Let's start to explain what is the difference between 2d and 3d software. While 2d software, like photoshop, gimp, coreldraw, are software which can help the user to edit and create images and to draw lines, shapes on a plane (xy plane, using 2 dimensions), on the other side 3d software allow the user to develop shapes, solids and complex geometry in 3 dimensions, using a three dimensional space (xyz dimensions).

In addition, some 2d softwares works mainly with raster images, while others with vectors. The crucial difference between these 2 processes is that raster is referred to pixel, and quality can be affected by the image size. On the other side 2d vector softwares, such as Illustrator or Inkscape, create mathematical calculations using geometry referred in a space, like points.

Here is an example between a raster image (on the left) I made using Adobe Photoshop and a vector spline (on the right) made by Adobe Illustrator.





2. 3D Softwares


As architect, I was already familiar with some 3d softwares mentioned during last lesson, such as SketchUp, 3ds Studio Max , Autocad, Rhinoceros, Grasshopper. For this Assignment I used some of them. Below there are all the softwares I used. Each one has got the link on the corresponding webpage.




3d Studio Max + Photoshop

Here is a surface I have modelled in 3ds max for my webpage. I have built a simple mesh from a rectangle, applied some modifiers and scaled each surface. I have assigned to the surfaces some glass material, in order to render the scene. After I edited the render with some filters in Photoshop, using Nik collection.







OnShape

Let's give a try with Onshape, available only on the internet and usable via browser. Once registered, I opened a new project and I started to understand the interface and the main commands. Like Fusion, we need to select the reference axis before sketches some lines, and then operate in order to create 3d solids.



OnShape - SketchFile



Antimony



I also tried to work a bit with Antimony, which software is available only for OS. I find that is an interesting software, even if it requires a lot of time to model compared to other sotware such as Rhino, Sketchup or 3ds max. Sometimes Antimony is giving some errors concerning the visualization.



Antimony - SketchFile





UPDATE - trying new softwares during next assignments



During next assignment, I 've had the chance to try new software for the first time, such as Fusion, and I also improved with other software I was already familiar with, like Rhinoceros, Grasshopper and other plugins.


For the Week 03 - Computer-controlled cutting, I used Rhinoceros and Grasshopper to create an algorithm generating parametric wing sections from NACA points.






For the Week 07 - Make something BIG, I used Rhinoceros and Grasshopper as well to create an algorithm generating parametric curves optimized for CNC machine, in order to create a chair.






For the Week 09 - Mechanical Design, I used Autodesk Fusion 360. It is a very interesting software, but sometimes it requires a lot of time to model something. Also, the files are saved on cloud, which is a represents a disadvantage, since to open a file you must connect to internet.