Computer Aided Design
For now, I'll just add these images of 3D models that I did a couple of years ago. Hopefully I'll get some more up soon, with proper 3D views... For now, clicking each thumbnail will show the full image.
This
is a rendered jpeg of an aluminium rear derailleur jockey wheel. Click the image
for a full sized view. This model was created in AutoCAD 2000. The reflections
from the chain plates make the wheel appear more faceted than it really is, but
the overall effect is pretty realistic.
3D
Model of this here.
NEW! - This model has recently been "printed out" for me. Yes, really. Click here for more details...
This is a
rendered jpeg of a CD Jewel Case. It was modelled in AutoCAD 2000. The model
also includes the disc itself, with a scanned image of a CD mapped onto it's
surface, but I turned that layer off for this rendering. The image is a bit too
dark, but I wanted to keep the light level low to avoid a big reflection on the
perspex front. (Actually the material used was a modification of Glass).
3D
Model of this here.
This is a
rendered jpeg of a PC cooling fan. Click for a full sized view. The majority of
the model was created in AutoCAD 2002, but I couldn't figure out a way to model
the fan blades accurately. These were modelled in 3D Studio Max R3, then
imported into AutoCAD. The colours are not accurate, most PC fans are black, but
that wouldn't have shown enough detail. The only problem with this model is that
the blades are surfaces, and everything else is made up from
solids. Consequently the ends of the fan blades are actually open, although this
can't be seen in the image.
3D
Model of this here.
Download
17th May 2006:
I created a small utility in VB that converts simple .xyz format text files into properly formatted .dxf files. This was needed because I had a load of really huge point files at work that were just proving too time consuming to import into AutoCAD. Hopefully converting the data at a much lower level will speed things up a bit.
Download it here: XYZ 2 DXF.zip