Week #1 - Journal

This weeks assignment was getting oriented with different software and resources. We browsed various open source CAD libraries and downloaded a few design files for 3D printing and Laser Cutting. During the EoWeek session we tried downloading design files and attempted 3d printing and laser cutting for the first time.

For the laser cutting we used the Laserworks software and the machine was a Morn MT3050D. We used 3mm plywood.

For 3D printing we used the Ultimaker Cura software and the machine was a Prusa i3 MK2. The filament material used is PLA.

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?

Open CAD libraries are a great source for free designs for laser cutting and 3D printing.

Regarding the laser cutting, i downloaded a cat yin-yang coaster from dxfdownloads.com in an .dxf format, that i opened via The Laserwork software to set the proper parameteres for cutting and engraving.The main setting for the laser cutting machine, the power and the speed. For cutting i used 15mm for speed and 60% of total power. For engraving i used 30mm for speed and 30% of total power.

Regarding the 3D printing, i chose a utility blade holder from thingiverse.com and in .stl format, which i opened via The Ultimaker cura software where i adjusted several settings and features for the print, like scaling, support and infill and generated a Gcode for printing. The infill was 20%, with brim support, layer height was 0.2mm. After the Gcode is generated it is sent to the 3D printer (Prusa Mk2). Temperature is set to 220 degrees celcius.

The utility knife .stl file.

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)

You go to school on the first few, then you master it. I got a little help from the fab lab specialist regarding setting up the machines and making sure I'm following the right steps. He explained how to warm up the 3D printer bed before printing and choosing a filament color. My products for the week are a utility knife and a wooden coaster.

How can you use the skills and knowledge that you've acquired this week in your final project?

What is the coolest thing that you've learned this week? What is something that you will never forget from this week?

Tell us about any other cool things that you've made this week: in the Hands-on activity, tutorial examples, exercises, or any other cool mini-project that you tried out aside from the assignment.

Assignment Design Files