Digital Making

What tools do we use for Digital Making?

Instructions for CNC machines

3D Print GCodes 20201201.pdf

Instructions

This is a work sheet to explain to you how CNC machines get their information for what to do and when.

The work sheet is divided into two sections. Top and bottom.

Imagine that your colouring pencil is the head of a 3D printer or Laser cutter and you move over the TOP half of the page while following instructions from the BOTTOM half of the page.

The top half consists of columns and rows. These are all numbered. with X going across and Y going downwards. Each of the cells can be identified by an X value and a Y value. For example (X=0, Y=0) is the top-left hand cell. And (X=15, Y=0) is the top-right hand cell.

The bottom half of the page has the instructions. They are organised in:

Line: Follow these numbers from 1 to the end (1,2,3,4 etc)
Action: This is either G0 or G1.
G0 means that you move to go to the coordinates WITHOUT colouring in the cells
G1 means that you move to go to the coordinates WITH colouring in the cells.
For example, if line 4 had the coordinates (4,1) and line 5 gave you the instruction G1 and coordinates (7,1), you colour in all the cells (4,1) plus (5,1) plus (6,1) plus (7,1), essentuially colouring in a straight horizontal line.
X and Y: These are the coordinates you have been sent to.
C: It is the colour that you have to use to colour in the cells.
01 = Black and 02 = Blue.
NB: C is only when Action is G1 (move WITH colouring in)

This is essentially the Gcode or Mcode that CNC machines use to do useful work.

Laser cutting - What is that?

Laser cutting - Getting started

How to use a laser cutter - Basics

First cuts, how to use TinkerCAD

TinkerCAD Basics

<-- Use the Slides on the left as your tutorial to learn how to use TinkerCAD.

Birdhouse project

Are you ready to get creative and make something unique? In this project, you'll get to do just that! First, you'll follow a video tutorial to create your own bird house using MDF and a laser cutter. You'll learn all the basics of creating the house as you go. Once you've completed the bird house, it's time to let your imagination run wild! You'll get to customize your creation with your own personal touch, making it truly unique and one-of-a-kind. So, get ready to learn some new skills and have some fun creating your own custom bird house!

Version 1 - Basics

Use this video to create a first draft of your house. Version 1!

Make sure you adjust sizes to suit 3mm thick material!

And the total size for this house is a maximum of 100mmx100mmx100mm.

Version 2 - Your own

Create a mindmap with at least 3 ideas.

Then customise your birdhouse to your wishes.

Some ideas on looks for the birdhouse.

Classic: A traditional birdhouse design with natural shapes and timeless elements.
Whimsical: A playful and imaginative design with unique shapes and fun details.
Minimalist: A sleek and modern design with clean lines and minimalist details.
Rustic: A cozy and earthy design with a natural, textured look.
Cottage: A charming design inspired by traditional cottages with pitched roofs and picket fences.
Nautical: A coastal-inspired design with anchors, ropes, and nautical colors.
Industrial: An edgy and urban design with metal and concrete elements and exposed hardware.
Artistic: A one-of-a-kind design that is a work of art in itself with bold colors and artistic details.
Vintage: A retro-inspired design with distressed finishes and old-fashioned elements.
Futuristic: A high-tech and futuristic design with geometric shapes and innovative details.