2. Computer-Aided Design (CAD)#

Goal of this unit#

In this unit, you will learn to

• Learn about compliant mechanism and flexures
• Evaluate and select 3D software
• Demonstrate and describe processes used in modeling with 3D software
• Learn about code licenses and how to use them.
• build on other people’s code and give proper credits.

Before class#

Install 2D and 3D design CAD tools :

• Inkscape
• OpenSCAD
• FreeCAD

Watch :

• this video by Veritasium to learn more about what is a Compliant Mechanism

Class materials#

• Compliant Mechanisms & flexures

• CAD class tutorial

• Licensing you work

  • Creative Commons License
  • Other licenses :
    • Free software, licences
    • OSI Approved Licenses
  • Writing code guidelines
  • Licensed code example (code header, LICENSE.md) from the protecive face shield project @ FabLab ULB during the 2020 covid crisis.

Examples from FabZero#

• Nice doc using OpenSCAD and acknowledging the work of others

Class podcasts#

• 2022-2023 - Podcast: CAD
  • Compliant mechanisms and licensing [20min00 to 50min30s]
  • 2D vector image (Inkscape) [50min30s to 1h16min55s]
  • 3D CAD (OpenSCAD) [1h16min55s to end]
  • 3D CAD (FreeCAD) [0s to end]

Assignment#

• Design, model, and document a parametric FlexLinks construction kit that you will fabricate next week using 3D printers.
• Make it parametric, so you will be able to make adjustments accounting for the material properties and the machine characteristics.
• Read about Creative Commons open-source Licence and add a CC license to your work.
• Complete your FlexLinks kit that you made by fetching the code of at least 1 part made by another classmate during this week. Acknowledge its work. Modify its code and get the parts ready to print.