A Suggested Methodology for Learning a 3D Application

I've been silent for a while because I've been creating a curriculum for teaching 3D printing for YouthQuest's 3DThinkLink Initiative.  Creating tutorials is moderately time consuming.  Creating a full curriculum is MASSIVELY time consuming.

While the new curriculum is focused on Moment of Inspiration, the methodology that came from creating it is useful when it comes to learning any new 3D application.

The technique is to treat 3D design applications as if we were learning a new language such as  English, Spanish or Latin and break down the interface into NOUNS and VERBS.  We then proceed, in steps, to introduce at least one new NOUN and one new VERB in each step of learning the application.

Nouns are THINGS, like circles, rectangles and ellipses.  Verbs are ACTIONS that we use to modify THINGS.

In our materials, we sometimes identify nouns and verbs by color code.  Nouns are red and Verbs are blue.


In general. sentences make sense when they have both nouns and verbs.  For instance, we "Wash the car", "Walk the dog" or "Extrude the circle."

The problem is that manuals generally present the 3D application's features in the order in which the interface presents it. Let's take Cubify Invent as an example.  The opening screen, in context of our assigning nouns and verbs, consists of only verbs!

It presents a series of operations or verbs like "Extrude", "Revolve" and "Sweep" without the benefit of a single noun (thing) on which these verbs can be applied.  The only nouns in the menu ribbon are reference objects like "Plane" and "Axis".

A person facing this interface without any experience can be excused for being very confused as to what to do to get started.  The key, of course, is to find out how we can create some nouns to use with the verbs.  In the case of Cubify Invent, we click on the "Activate 2D Sketch" button.

When we do this, the menu ribbon changes and one of the sections on the ribbon presents us with the NOUNS upon which the verbs on the first menu ribbon can be used.

While these nouns are presented in symbolic form, the icon buttons allow us to create real THINGS.  In the upper left we see the button that allows us to create the LINE noun.  The icon below the line allows us to create another noun, the CIRCLE.

We can begin exploring the application by determining that we will explore the application by learning a new noun (Circle) and then immediately apply a verb (Extrude) to it.   In this way, we learn the 3D application just as we learn any new language, by putting nouns and verbs together to create sentences that make sense.

In this case we create a CIRCLE (noun)...

and then we complete the 3D sentence by applying EXTRUDE (verb) to it.

If we were to write a sentence to remember what we have done we would see the noun/verb applicability.  "We have EXTRUDED a CIRCLE, creating a new Cylinder!"

We can then move on to either exploring applying other verbs to form new sentences or creating new noun/verb combinations.  This provides much needed feedback that let's us know early on that we CAN learn the 3D application.  Not only do we proceed in small steps; but, those steps demonstrate success early.

Learning by using a Noun/Verb methodology will also let us find those combinations that do NOT make sense.  For instance, it makes little sense to couple the single line noun with the extrude verb.  But, the best way to learn that is to try it and see what happens. 

It may seem like a quirky approach to learning a drawing program.  But, I'm convinced that it is an effective approach to learning any 3D application.  I hope you also find it useful.

With the experience of creating the curriculum for Moment of Inspiration nearly complete, I'm hoping to be able to turn my attention back to expanding our exploration of one of the Cubify 3D applications.  If that becomes possible, the noun/verb approach is the one I intend to pursue.

Let me know what you think.  Thanks.

Invent Intro #04 - Circles (Extrusion Boss & Cut)

Extrusion is one of the most used commands in any CAD program.  And, Cubify Invent is no exception.  It is THE primary way that we turn a 2D sketch into a 3D object. 

There are two types of EXTRUDE that can be used in Cubify Invent.  They are EXTRUDE (Boss) and EXTRUDE (Cut).

EXTRUDE (BOSS)

Essentially, EXTRUDE (Boss) ADDS layers of material in the shape of the 2D sketch to form a 3D object with features defined by the 2D sketch.  I don't think that it's a stretch to call EXTRUDE (Boss) the most used 2D to 3D option.

Using EXTRUDE (Boss), a 2D circle becomes a 3D Cylinder having height as well as a circumference.  A 2D square becomes a 3D box or cube when EXTRUDE (Boss) is applied.

EXTRUDE (CUT)

EXTRUDE (Cut) doesn't ADD material.  It REMOVES material, if any exists.  This is most often used to create cut-outs and holes in already existing 3D objects.  While not used as often as its boss counterpart, it is still an often used option and may well be second of all the 3D options in frequency of use.

Using the selected 2D sketch, it acts as a cutting die, removing the exact shape of the original 2D sketch from whatever 3D object is crosses.  It can cut partially through an object or all the way through as the user determines.

Here is a video that demonstrates these powerful Cubify Invent commands at work creating a useful part that has bolt holes and a ledge that is counter-sunk into the part using EXTRUDE (Cut).

For those exploring Moment of Inspiration, here is how a similar part might be created using only EXTRUDE (boss) with MOI's Boolean Union and Difference Tools.  It's interesting how different applications accomplish the same task by going down two different paths. 

In a follow-up tutorial, we explore all the 2D and 3D BOOLEAN FUNCTIONS available in Moment of Inspiration.

Cubify Invent - Tutorial 16: The Power of Reference Objects

Planning is an important part of design.  This is especially true if you plan on printing that design on a 3D printer, like the Cube.  It's also imperative if that design must interface with a real world object.

In this tutorial we cover making just that.   We plan to print at least 100 pieces of the design and that design must fit firmly onto the end of a PVC pipe.

The object that we will be demonstrating will be used in an outdoor Christmas display.  It's a cap that holds a Christmas light and that cap fits onto a piece of white PVC pipe that, hopefully, will end up simulating a candle.  The candles will be used to line a driveway and, ultimately, they will be joined by links of white plastic chain.

We won't get as far in the design as adding the loops for the chain in this tutorial.  That is saved for the next tutorial.  But, in around 11 minutes we will be able to finish the basic design of the cap.  And, the reason we can do that so quickly and so precisely is that we already know our design's measurement constraints and we can guide our design using these constraint with reference objects.

Specifically, we will use several REFERENCE RECTANGLES and a single REFERENCE LINE.

Reference objects are only guides and aides for your s ketch.  They do not actually control the shape of the 3D part.  But, they are extremely useful, as this demonstration should attest.  But, what makes them even MORE useful is our ability to easily change dimensions after the reference object has been drawn.

Here is Tutorial #16 that, hopefully, effectively demonstrates the power of reference objects when combined with MAKE DIMENSION when real precision is required.

In our next tutorial we will add the loops that are used to connect the candles using plastic chain.

Cubify Invent - Tutorial #12: Sweep Boss & Cut

We do a little bit differently in this tutorial.  We include a brief demonstration of how Moment of Inspiration (MOI) handles the SWEEP command before looking at Cubify Invent's SWEEP.   The difference is that MOI allows us to use TWO paths or RAILS along which to SWEEP our primary shape.  As of right now, Cubify Invent only permits us to use a single path or rail. 

But, as we shall see, while that presents some challenges, Invent's SWEEP still allows us to do amazing things.

HOW SWEEP WORKS

I like the term that Moment of Inspiration's developers use when describing the path on which the primary sketch rides.  They call it a RAIL.  And, that is a great analogy.  SWEEP is just like a train traveling on a RAIL, following every curve and nuance of the rail as it moves from one point to another.

SWEEP starts with a sketch.  That sketch can be simple or complex.  But, in Cubify Invent, it must be a CLOSED drawing.  We demonstrate with a circle and a curved wall as out primary objects.  Think of SWEEP as an EXTRUSION that follows a path determined by an OPEN rail.

The Rail is a second SKETCH that is NOT an enclosed path.  This RAIL or PATH is used to guide an extrusion of the closed, primary sketch.  The SWEEP follows the basic rules or behavior of the EXTRUSION tool... except that it is rarely straight.  A sketch of two Circles, therefore, can become a curved pipe and that of a single circle becomes a curved, solid rod.


We don't have time to get into all the specifics of relating the RAIL to the CLOSED SKETCH in this tutorial.  We just cover the basics.  But, some very, very complex curves can be created under the SWEEP umbrella.  So, expect more explorations to follow.

THE VIDEO TUTORIAL

Here is the video.  At just over 16 minutes, It's much longer than I usually prefer.  But, the subject matter is so rich that I hope it justifies the extra time spent viewing it.

The raw power of SWEEP to create more organic features makes it well worthwhile to explore in greater depth.  Plus, it's always surprising and fun to see a finished sweep for the first time.  So, rest assured that there is more to come regarding this wonderful tool!

Cubify Invent - Tutorial #10: Bolt with Helix Cut

Before attempting to learn how to create a bolt using the Helix Cut tool, I scoured the Internet to see what it takes in other bigger name CAD packages.  I also scoured the Internet for information about bolts and thread specifications.  So,  others unwittingly helped me as I tacked learning Cubify Invent's techniques for creating a bolt using actual specifications.

What I learned is that designing a bolt in Cubify Invent is actually EASIER than in many well-know CAD packages.  That's probably because they have a legacy interface.  I was surprised how easy it was to not only cut threads; but, to do so with precision.

Of course, the drawing is going to be a lot more precise than any extrusion printer can currently deliver.  But, that's OK.  3D technology that is expensive today will, one day, be affordable to home users.  So, all that precision will NOT go to waste.

Creating the bolt took place in steps.

STEP #1:  Create the Bolt Shaft

The first step in creating a bolt is to precisely create a blank shaft at the OUTSIDE specification for the bolt size you want.  In this case, the OUTSIDE of the threads would be .427".  Since we wanted a bolt having 1" length for the threads, we created a cylinder that was 1.276", allowing for the head depth.

Step #1: Bolt Shaft Extrusion

STEP #2:  Create the Bolt Head

The bolt that I measured as the model for the tutorial had a head that was .609" across and was .276" deep.  The MAKE DIMENSION option makes getting the sizing precise very easy.

Step #2: Bolt head Extrusion

STEP #3:  Chamfer the tip

Chamfering is the process of cutting an angle along an edge,  By, putting an angled edge on a bolt, it makes it easier to start.  In this case, we picked a random measurement of .075".

Step #3: Chamfering the Bolt Tip

STEP #4: Use REVOLVE CUT to shape the head.

This was actually the toughest process to design and implement.  The process involves designing a cutting tool that trims the top and bottom of the head as it is REVOLVED around the head.  The depth of this cutting tool had to be great enough to clear the pointed edges.  The great thing about Invent is that you can EDIT the cutter after you try it, so that corrections can be made with automatic updates to the result.  Nice!

Step #4: Forming the Head with Revolve Cut

STEP # 5:  Create the Thread Cutting Tool  Shape and Reference Line

Thread specifications include DEPTH and PITCH.  The depth is controlled by the size and shape of the tool used to cut the threads.  In this case we used a triangle that was .040" deep.  This number came from one of the many specification sheets that can be found on the Internet.

At the same time, we created the reference line around which the Helix will revolve. Creating a Helix, either BOSS or CUT, always involves a shape and a reference line.  The distance between the reference line and the cutting object determines the circumference of the Helix sweep.

Step #5: Create Thread Cutting Triangle & Reference line

STEP #6:  Cut the Threads using HELIX CUT.

Cutting the threads turns out to be extremely easy.  When Helix Cut is selected, a dialog asked for a number of parameters.  In this tutorial, all we needed to enter was the length of the Helix (1") and the PITCH of the cut.  The bolt modeled had a pitch of .060".

Step #6: Use Helix Cut to create the Threads

 STEP #7:  Finished Bolt.

Here is a picture of the finished result.

Finished Bolt

 VIDEO OF THE PROCESS

I hope this tutorial video shows that using HELIX CUT is relatively easy if we remember we need and object AND a reference line.  It was actually quite interesting to see how much easier this process was in Cubify Invent as compared to some other, more famous, CAD programs.

Cubify Invent - Tutorial #9: Revolve & Circular Pattern

If there is one command, beyond EXTRUDE, that is probably among the most used, it would be RESOLVE BOSS.  There is a good reason for the popularity of this command for both novices and experts.

For novices, it allows us to create very nice, useful designs with just a simple sketch and one command.  But, the power of RESOLVE goes WAY beyond being able to create cups, wine glasses and vases.

It is especially useful for those designing for 3D printers.  In one pass we can create extremely complex multi-part designs with outside and inside features that can only be produced with a 3D printer.  And, in this tutorial, we explore one such design.

We also explore the CIRCULAR PATTERN command.  This allows us to copy a part or parts in a circular pattern around a center point.  The number of items and the degrees of spacing can be user selected.  It is one of my most used operations in Moment of Inspiration and it will be equally used in my Cubify Invent designs!  You'll love it!

As you may or may not be able to see, from the video splash screen, we used it to simulate an aircraft radial engine in just a few minutes time.  (I see one splash screen in design mode and another on the blog page????)  :)

The more I use Cubify Invent, the more comfortable I become with most of the commands.  RESOLVE, both BOSS and CUT, along with CIRCULAR PATTERN are among the commands with which I have gained some confidence.

There are still some commands that I'm sorting out.  They work similarly to what I'm used to doing in Moment of Inspiration.  But, there are enough differences that more practice and exploration is needed.  SWEEP is one of those commands.  Simple SWEEPS are easy enough.  But, SWEEP is far more capable than where I am now.  Hopefully, we can have some useful information in the next day or two.  In the meantime, there is plenty we can do with what we have discovered so far.

I'm a very happy camper.  :)

Cubify Invent - Tutorial #5: Just Plane Fun With Planes

OK.  That is NOT a misspelled word.   I couldn't resist.  That play on words was just T-O-O-O good to pass up!

So, we are going to use planes to create a plane.  And, I think you will be quite surprised at how simple it is!

In the video I do something a little bit different.  I begin by using a different plane than my usual starting point.  That is because a REVOLVE ends up creating the very same object no matter which plane I used for the sketch.  So, by avoiding using the XY plane, it made it easier to see the features that we use to create the swept wing.

Also, I left in an aborted attempt at creating the tip of the wing.  It was the result of FAILING to click "OK" when creating the new plane.  

As I mention in the video, we have heard, over and over, the phrase, "Failure is NOT an option."  But, that is anything but true when it comes to learning a new software application.  Failures are not only common; but, an important and  necessary part of the learning process.  If one is afraid of failure, then learning is next to impossible. Thomas Edison is famous for embracing the positive aspects of failure when asked about his thousands of aborted attempts to find a material that could be used in his light bulb. 

Cubify Invent is not the first product, 3D and otherwise, for which I have created tutorials on the web.  And, every single tutorial was preceded by one or more failed attempts.  In fact, every Cubify Invent tutorial, so far, has been the result of multiple recording attempts aborted for any number of reasons.  Recovery from failure is what is important.

Perhaps I learned this from my high school participation in drama.  There was always someone missing a line that caused the other actors to ad-lib to bring us back on script.  And, that was reinforced in the years spent creating training, documentary and news videos where take after take is the norm.

Be patient with yourself as you try to learn Cubify Invent.  It is as if inertia must be overcome where things roll slowly at first and then rapidly pick up speed.  The trick is embracing the failures as the one sure path to successfully becoming a Cubify Invent expert.  :)

Now for the fun.  I hope you enjoy seeing what can be done with a few simple sketches on multiple planes.

Pretty cool, isn't it?

Cubify Invent - Tutorial #4: Planar Surfaces and Tangent Planes

One of the problems that we face when creating tutorials as we learn a product is that we can miss some things resulting in misleading information.  I'm guilty of doing just that.

I had previous thought that we were limited to creating our 2D sketches on planes.  Happily, that turns out not to be the case.  We can also create 2D sketches on any flat surface of a 3D object.  These flat surfaces are called PLANAR SURFACES.

In this tutorial we continue exploring the surfaces on which we can sketch by looking at planar surfaces and TANGENT PLANES.  A tangent plane is one that is created tangent to the surface of a curved surface.  Typically, this would be the wall of a cylinder.

As you may have seen in the video, once we select a plane, planar surface or tangent plane on which to sketch, we can begin sketching beyond the visible boundaries that we see,  For instance, we might chose a very tiny planar surface.  Yet, we can draw well outside the boundaries of that selected planar surface.  And, the same is true of a tangent plane.  We are not limited to simply drawing within the limits of the curved surface with which that surface was created.

The more I work with Cubify Invent, the more I see its potential.  I'm beginning to see that once the learning curve has been put behind us, this is not only going to be a powerful tool; but, an easy and quick tool.  That is a good feeling to have to anyone interested in 3D printing moving into the mainstream.  Nice.

Cubify Invent - Introducing Creating Planes

I can already see that Cubify Invent is one of those programs that is hard to learn; but, easy to use once you grasp the concepts.  I find myself reading the Help file, thinking I am following the steps just as they are written, only to fail.  Then after a few minutes of consternation, it dawns on me what I am missing and then it all looks so simple!

One thing that is completely different about Cubify Invent from my current experience with Moment of Inspiration is Invent's complete reliance on 2D sketches drawn on planes to create 3D features.  So, it dawns on me that I had better figure out how to manipulate planes if I ever want to get anywhere with Cubify Invent.

This tutorial is the result of my first breakthrough in understanding the rudiments of plane creation and how powerful they are in helping us easily control the placement of our features in 3D space and create wonderfully contoured shapes via the Loft tool.  It's very powerful.

Here is our first video on the topic of Plane Creation and the Loft Tool.  I have to apologize for the extraneous sounds.  I need a quieter chair.  And, I'm still working out how to mount the microphone so that it does not pick up vibrations from the mouse, etc.  We'll get there.  But, right now I'm afraid your going to have to listen to my chair squealing.  Just, remember, you'd squeal too if you had someone my size sitting on you!!!  LOL!

The great news is that shortly after creating this video, I FINALLY got the angled plane process to work.  My next video will demonstrate how to create a plane that is angled to the current object... uh...IF I can replicate it 24 hours later!!!  In the meantime, I hope this tutorial was helpful.

A Great Reason to Invest in Cubify Invent

The actual cost of adopting a new piece of software is rarely limited to the purchase price.  We usually have to invest a good deal of time and effort before we master the application.  So, I choose those products into which I will have to invest that time very, very carefully.

Moment of Inspiration was one of the products that has ended up being a fantastic investment.  Every minute spent in mastering it has returned an equal amount of time saved in creating 3D objects.  It has been a great investment.

So, I am very reluctant to turn my attention to a different 3D design package.  There has to be a compelling reason for me to put in the time to learn a new system when I am already very comfortable with the one I currently use.

I have found that compelling reason in Cubify Invent. 

And, that is the fact that the native file format for Cubify Invent (.FUN) permits alterations to the design even after the file has been closed and re-opened.  Obviously, this is not the first program that provides that capability.  But, the fact that it was created specifically for the Cube/Cubify community at an appealingly low cost give it a special place among Cube owners.

In fact, I believe that this capability in Cubify Invent will provide the bridge between experienced 3D designers and consumers with little design experience.  It may well be the door through which the larger consumer community can see a reason for buying their first 3D printer.

It's one thing to simply download finite designs and quite another to be able to download designs along with instructions on how to easily customize and personalize those designs for printing at home.  The STL file format, frankly, cannot deliver that to consumers.  It's a "take what you get" file format.  The .FUN file format, on the other hand, is perfect for giving relatively inexperienced users the capability to modify professionally created designs!

Here is a video that demonstrates the point.

I, personally, see it as giving more value and a wider audience for the designs I upload. 

If the Cube is to penetrate the consumer marketplace, it will be in part, because they believe that a 3D printer gives them the ability to print items unique to their needs using an easy software package.  If they can be shown that they do not have to immediately learn ALL the capabilities of Cubify Invent to be able to print customized objects they might be convinced to try 3D printing.   Combining "template" designs, along with a tutorial on how to customize the template before printing, using one or two simple steps, goes a long way in helping them to see what they can do with 3D printing.

I'd love to know how you feel about the idea that we be allowed to distribute our designs in .FUN file format as well as .STL file format on the Cubify Store.

Cubify Invent Tutorial #1

I've decided to use the time while my Cube is being loaned out to a museum to take a hard look at the new Cubify Invent CAD software.  And, I'll be sharing what I'm learning with you.

I'm a firm believer that ignorance is a benefit when it comes to creating tutorials to be used by other new users.  Experts often bypass what was helpful to them as they learned the product for the first time.  I like to create tutorials while my struggles are fresh in my mind, knowing that other will be going through those same struggles.

Keep it simple.

Tutorials are not only helpful at learning various operations of a product; but, also provide some strategies for attacking the learning process.  In this regard, my strategy is simple.  Don't take on too much at once.  Use one drawing tool and see what can be done with it by applying the modifying tools.

In this tutorial we use only the CIRCLE drawing tool.  We then apply various modifying tools like Mirror, Offset and Extrude.  It's surprising what can be accomplished using this simple learning strategy.

So, here it is... our first tutorial for Cubify Invent...

As you can see, if we try not to be too ambitious as we learn a new product, we can get a very good feel for the potential.  And, for a sub-$50 product, Cubify Invent is VERY powerful!

Cost vs. Other Considerations

I can already tell that I will probably not be as productive, in terms of time, with Cubify Invent as I am with Moment of Inspiration (MOI).  But, MOI is 6 times more expensive.  And, having a lower cost alternative that can get the job done just as well, if not as quickly, is a huge deal.  And, I can already tell that there are some things in Cubify Invent that are missing in MOI.  So, I cannot see myself limited to one product or the other now that I have both.

The feature were I change the original drawing and it's reflected in the updated extrusion is a very cool feature and, alone, makes it worthwhile to learn Cubify Invent.  That is something I have longed for in MOI and, as far as I can tell, it's just not there.

I was skeptical about Cubify Invent until I actually sat down and played with it.  Yes, there are some things that continue to be completely baffling and others mildly annoying (Like the inexplicable need for multiple clicking in Mirror.).  But, those are small hurdles that probably go away with experience.

I hope this first tutorial helps get you up and learning quickly.

Cubify Invent - New 3D Software for $49!

3D Systems has just announced a new 3D drawing application at just $49.  It's called Cubify invent.

Cubify Invent Product Introduction Image

I haven't had an opportunity to work with it in any real depth.  But, from the little time that I have spent with it, Invent looks like a relatively easy and very capable 3D drawing package.

While it steers clear of technical jargon,  like "BOOLEAN", it has a full compliment of boolean functions.  And, for me, that is one of the most critical capabilities for a truly useful 3D printing application.

You can download a 15 day trial from the product's page.

My initial feeling is that Invent is going to be a bit more time consuming when creating the same objects than Moment of Inspiration.  However, there is a substantial cost differential and Invent is designed to be "Print Ready" and that could be a big equalizer.

I am NOT going to post a review immediately.  I'm far too familiar and comfortable with my current 3D application to be able to be fair to Invent until I have had some time to get comfortable with it as well.  I don't want to confuse differences in style with differences in capability.

But, I will post an introduction to the product from the point of view of how to get started.

Fortunately, Cubify has included a number of Getting Started Videos.  And that is where I will be beginning my own quest to understand and use it effectively.

One of the things that I can point out is that the process of creating a 3D object begins with a 2D sketch.  That immediately gives it a familiar feel.  In fact, to create the simplest 3D objects, all one has to do is to extrude that sketch.  So, it certainly shows promise as an entry level consumer 3D tool.  But, that would not be enough if that were all there is.   Fortunately, it is not.  It appears to be reasonably comprehensive and the videos are an excellent introduction.

More later...