|
|
Drawing the Mold Design It is helpful, and most often a requirement, to start with a drawing or illustration of your design. You can do it the old fashioned way by simply skeching it with a pencil and paper. This is a great place to start. However, it probably will not that useful if you need to use any of the advanced model making methods. So, if possible, you might want to try to learn how to make your drawings using either graphic design programs or CAD programs, or both. There are many really neat graphic design programs out there that can help you. Two of the most widely used graphic design programs are CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3 and Adobe Illustrator CS3 . These software programs help you create 2d vector graphics. First off, you need to understand the difference between vector images and bitmap (or raster) images because it will affect the outcome many of the model making methods. A bitmap image is based on pixels on a grid. They are usually created by "photo" or "paint" type software programs. Vector graphics are mathematically based. All lines, curves, shapes, etc. are independent. They are usually created by "draw" or "illustrate" programs such as the two listed above. Vector based images have smooth edges; whereas, a bitmap's edges are jagged because the image is made up of little squares. You do not lose image quality or scale when resizing a vector image, but you do when you use a bitmap. For these reasons, it is best to do your work as vector images as much as possible. Both programs listed above have functions that allow you to take bitmap images such as photos and scanned images and trace them to convert them to vector images. Both Corel and Adobe let you have a free trial of their graphic design programs to try it out. They both have really good tutorials as well. Adobe is much more expensive than Corel, but is probably used by more graphics professionals. Another handy tool for drawing your images directly into the computer using a USB pen tablet. A pen tablet works just like a pencil and paper; however the image is shown on the screen and saved to a file. For more advanced methods of model making, you may need 2d or 3d CAD drawings. CAD, which is short for computer-aided design, can create both two dimesional and three dimensional drawings. If you want to make an object which is 3d (ie not flat) and are going to have it made on some type of CNC machinery, CAD drawings are a must. One of the most popular CAD programs is AutoCAD which is sold by Autodesk. Another cheaper CAD program is Turbocad.  There are also many CAD/CAM programs, such as ArtCAM. This type of program will allow you to make the CAD drawing plus it will generate the code necessary to operate CNC machinery. CAM means computer-aided manufacturing. If you aren't familiar with working with these type of software programs and do not want to take the time to learn, you can pay someone for graphic design services or CAD/drafting services. |
|
|