CAD and 3D Modelling

CAD AND 3D MODELLING

I was first introduced to the process of Computer Aided Design (CAD) quite a few years ago but hadn't an opportunity to work with any software until till last September. I am currently studying Design Technology: Product Design at A levels and we use CAD regularly to model projects and create rapid prototypes parts. Wanting to learn the CAD process quicker and increase my skills so I started completing small projects outside the classroom in my spare time. Here is a small collection of some of my examples which demonstrate my progression, from the complete basics to a fully developed project.

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This was my first attempt using CAD (Fusion 360) I made a few shapes in the style of Lego as I knew, at the time, I had an upcoming Lego project in class.

This was the Lego project we completed in class. We measured a real brick using digital callipers and had to replicate in CAD. The aim for our brick to interlock with the brick we measured so this taught us about tolerances.

This was another in class project but was more in depth. We used cad to design a coat hanger. We learned to use some different machines in the workshop for example the CNC lathe and the process of dip coating.

This is an example of a handle, this could be imported into a CNC lathe and made using automation.

Rocket Lamp

This was a class design project. We were each given a USB LED and had to make a working and function lamp. My brief was based on my grandad who loved cars from the 40s to the 70s. My idea was to reverse what inspired me and look at what inspired the design of these cars. I thought about the space race and how the image of the future was portrayed. This gave me the idea of a rocket lamp which chrome features.

I took this photo after the project and happened to see the exact car which inspired this project at a show.

Car Modelling

The images below are my first three attempts of using CAD to design a car. I was still learning Fusion 360 and CAD processes while throughout these projects. I am still learning however I feel my progress has been great.

This design was very boxy and was only shaped in two dimensions. I experimented with the rending feature.

This design had a better shape and overall appearance but was still only in two dimensions and I was yet to learning about components which would enable different shape and details.