Week 1
3D Printing Task
Ideation
Tell us about your assignment's idea for this week. Why do you care about this idea? What inspired you? (Please include images or links to sources of inspiration)
Our assignment was to browse an open-source CAD library (Thingiverse), pick a 3D model , and download it in an *.STL format for the purpose of 3D printing.
I chose a keychain that can be used as a smartphone holder
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1587568
It's funny & practical at the same time :)
Tool Chain
Which software/machines/materials did you use in the assignment? Why?
Ultimaker Cura 5.2.1 software used for slicing of .stl model and create .gcode file for the 3D printer machine
Prusa I3 MK2 printer to read the .gcode file & print the 3D physical object
PLA+ as it's suitable for the model & available at Fab lab
Design/Preparation Process
Explain the design and/or preparation process of your assignment. How did you use the tool or software to design and/or prepare your assignment before fabrication/implementation?
The file was downloaded from Thingiverse website in a *.STL format
(https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1587568)
Then it was sliced using Ultimaker Cura software, after choosing the printer ( PRUSA i3 MK2 ) & the material ( PLA)
Profile: 0.15mm
Infill: 40% to be strong enough as a smartphone stand
Support: touching buildplate, as the model doesn't require extra support.
Brim: None
Number of layers: 176, weight: 7 g, time: 50 min
.gcode file was saved
Original file: cat [stl]
Modified file: cat_50min_7gm [gcode]
Development/Implementation Process
Explain the development/implementation process of your assignment. How did you use the machine/tool to manufacture or implement the design of your assignment?
The 3D printer was turned on and the SD card that contain my .gcode file was inserted into the machine
The printer was preheated to unload the old filament, then the new filament was loaded (the color of the new filament was checked to ensure successful loading)
The proper file was selected and run
for more details, click here!
Finally, it became a reality💪
Overcoming Challenges
What kinds of challenges or problems did you face while doing the assignment, tutorials, or exercises? How did you solve them? Did you ask for help from an instructor or peer? Please provide a link to the tutorial or article that you used to solve your problem (if any)
There is a slight deformity at the cat's tail, if I reprinted it I will add support to the tail or use another PLA filament as the technical specialist told me this may be due to the quality of the filament itself
Laser Cutting Task
Ideation
Tell us about your assignment's idea for this week. Why do you care about this idea? What inspired you? (Please include images or links to sources of inspiration)
Our assignment was to browse an open-source CAD library (3axis.co), pick a single piece 2D model, and download it in a *.DXF format for the purpose of Laser Cutting.
I chose a fish cord organizer, and customized it by adding my name on it.
https://3axis.co/laser-cut-plexiglass-pocket-headphone-holder-fish-cord-organizer-dxf-file/91jdn241/
It's usable & small to be used and carried anywhere:)
Tool chain
Which software/machines/materials did you use in the assignment? Why?
LaserWork V6 software for nesting objects, setting the suitable parameters & creating .rld file which compatible with laser cutting machine
El Malky ML149 CO2 Laser Cutter to read .rld file then cut or engrave or speed cut the plywood sheet
Plywood 3mm sheet as it's compatible with the laser cutting machine & available at Fab lab
Design/Preparation Process
Explain the design and/or preparation process of your assignment. How did you use the tool or software to design and/or prepare your assignment before fabrication/implementation?
The design was downloaded from 3axis.co library in .dxf format.
(https://3axis.co/laser-cut-plexiglass-pocket-headphone-holder-fish-cord-organizer-dxf-file/91jdn241/)
LaserWork was used to import the design & customize it by adding my name as text.
The cut area was defined with a cut speed of 30 & power of 55.
I chose to speed cut my name with a speed of 150 & power of 20.
Finally, the file was saved in .rld format.
Original file: cord_holder [dxf]
Modified file: cord_holder [rld]
Development/Implementation Process
Explain the development/implementation process of your assignment. How did you use the machine/tool to manufacture or implement the design of your assignment?
- Firstly, the machine was turned on & the .rld or .ai file was imported
- The cut & speed cut parameters were checked, then the file was downloaded to the machine
- plywood sheet was inserted into the machine, the focus was checked using the focus block and the origin's position was adjusted by pressing the "origin" button
The proper file was selected, and the "TrachFrame" was run to check the used area, then we pressed "run". It spent only 25 seconds.
for more details, click here!
WhatsApp Video 2023-01-17 at 11.36.52 PM.mp4Overcoming Challenges
What kinds of challenges or problems did you face while doing the assignment, tutorials, or exercises? How did you solve them? Did you ask for help from an instructor or peer? Please provide a link to the tutorial or article that you used to solve your problem (if any)
I didn't face any technical challenges as all instructors & technical specialists were very helpful. However, I think it is better to use a flexible material to be usable with many thicknesses, as it doesn't fit with all headphones.
Final Project
How can you use the skills and knowledge that you've acquired this week in your final project?
All these skills are new for me from working with cure & workload software and adjusting their parameters to running the machines and enjoying the awesome outputs, definitely, all that I learned will help me a lot on my final project!
WOW!
This is my first time ever using a 3D printer or laser cutter. It is an amazing experience
