Modeling my first Cassette

Nelson Serrano
Mon, 19 Sep 2022 01:15:16 +0000
Lab Assignment, Week 1, 3D modeling, fusion360

Difficulty

This cassette was a relatively easy object to model as most of the details lie on the two-dimensional plane. I started this project by holding up an actual cassette to my computer screen to get rough measurements and the positions of the details I would add. I then extruded each part accordingly and worked on the top of the cassette (where the tape slides), finishing by rounding off the edges. The final and easiest step was rendering and coloring it by dragging and dropping textures.

Obstacles

Honestly, the biggest obstacle I faced was getting the measurements right and zooming/panning around my project using my trackpad. This, combined with the software’s lag, made sketching a bit difficult, if not annoying. Another obstacle was creating this with only a minimal idea of Fusion’s functions.

Compromises

A compromise I had to make was making the decision to make both reels of tape the same size. While it would have looked cooler if the reels were differently and realistically shaped, I was really happy with the symmetry of my cassette.

What humanistic uses can you envision for this tool in the areas of research or teaching?

Through 3D modeling, a multitude of items will become accessible to those with the proper printing technology. Depending on the print material, one could make fully functional prosthetics, instruments, and everyday items. This technology brings a whole new definition to ‘cutting out the middleman’.

Tips

The biggest tip I can give to my peers is to abstract. Take an idea and break it apart into tiny, simple pieces. When modeling an item, strip it down into its most essential shapes (literally just circles, squares, and whatnot). Then, as if sculpting, chip away until you get the details you want (these details can also be abstracted further).