Week 1 - Journal

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)

This week's assignment was to prepare existing design files and fabricate them using the laser cutter and the 3D printer.

I'm a big fan of Marvel. my favorite character is Ironman. so I wanted to make some cool models. so I did my research using major open-source libraries like Grab cad, 3d axis, and DXFdownloads. and finally, I chose those two models.

Laser cutting model

3Dprinting model

Tool Chain

Which software/machines/materials did you use in the assignment? Why?

The software used for the assignment is Ultimaker Cura and RdWorks.

The machines used for this assignment are Malky ML1930 (laser cutter) and PRUSA i3 MK2 (3D printer).

The materials used for this assignment were plywood and PLA plastic (white).

Malky ML1930 (laser cutter)

PRUSA i3 MK2 (3D printer).

cura software

Plywood

White PLA plastic

RDWorks software

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?

Preparing the DXF file for the laser cutter is very important.

Using Rdworks, I imported the dxf file.

I scaled it to the size I want.

Then, I changed the parts' color. I used "red" for the ones that I wanted to be engraved. And Black for the ones that I wanted to be cut.

Going back to instructor videos. I modified the speed and power for every task.

I previewed it, to check that everything is alright.

I saved the file in .rd format.

It's ready to be cut.

scaled model

For scan: speed 350, power 20
For cut: speed 10, power 60

Slicing the STL file to be printed:

I imported the file into Ultimaker Cura.

Then I scaled it to be suitable for printing.

I edited the infill and the profiles.

then I sliced it to see the number of layers.

I exported the .gcode file to transfer it to the printer.

Infill: 10

supports: touching build plate

profile: 0.15

It's 8 grams and will take 55 minutes

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?

Setting parameters on Laser Cutter:

Navigating to find the desired file

The origin point and workspace of the machine were defined as well as the work time preview.

The time needed for cutting completion:

The file was saved in 'G-code' format which is compatible with the 3Dprinter.

G-code file has the full description with all needed parameters: Ironman_8grams, 55mins

The G-code file was copied to the SD card of the printer with all parameters set ( Layer height-Infill rate-Filament and Bed Temperatures).

The filament was loaded and the printer started to calibrate the base bed surface after reaching the target temperatures.

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)

I had a problem with using the 3D printer properly and my friend Yassin helped me overcome it. As he explained to me how to use it.

Say hi to Yassin :D

Preparing a file with some opened profiles was a bit hard for me. As it wasn't covered in the videos. But Menna kindly explained to me how to manipulate those lines so I can get my file cut without any problems.

If you have the same problem. you can select the open profile. And then select curve auto close in RDWorks.

Final Project

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

I learned how to use laser cutting software and how to use the laser cutter.

I think it's gonna help me make the enclosure for my graduation project.

Assignment Design Files

3D print files

Laser cutting files

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