Week 2 - Journal

I have always wanted to create my own custom made mobile holder. While it's always handy to create the same exact dimensions of my own mobile, it was also fun to include my own favorite things that i relate to. I think if it wasn't specified that the assignment is a mobile holder, I would have created one as my assignment...

I wanted to make a cute small animal figure mobile holder but at the same time simplify the design.

1-Brainstorming:

1. I like to sketch stuff manually, first. i did some brainstorming and saw several ideas, then sketched a draft sketch of the design

2. I did a quick cardboard prototype to test its usability and if it's user friendly or not.

3. I de-assembled it to understand how I'll draw it in 2d and took the correct measurements to fit my mobile.

2-Fusion 360:

1. I started sketching in fusion 360: First, the top part with the guiding tabs open slots.

2. I then sketched the side part with the t-slot and guiding tabs.

3. I tried to define the sketch as much as I could.

4. I extruded the 2 parts with a thickness of 3 mm.

5. I assembled the 2 parts together using the joint function.

6. I exported the 2 parts as a dxf files.

3-Laser works:

1. I imported the dxf files and nested them together to get a minimum area.

2. I adjusted the power and speed.

3. Then finally, I exported the file as a rld file.

• I didn't know how to incorporate the T-slot and guiding tabs in my mobile holder design but Amany and Ahmed helped me. I also asked one of me peers, Mai thank youuuu !!

• Something else that made me panic was that the (Side Part) sketch in Fusion 360 suddenly disappeared, whenever I located it, Its colors went faded light blue. The only thing that helped me to retrieve it was exporting it as dxf file and opening it on the laser works then opening it on fusion 360 again.

• After the parts were cut, it had a slight difference in the dimensions and I needed to cut an extra piece of each slot to insert the guiding tabs in it and have the t-slot centered perfectly between them. I am still not sure what was the problem, when I assembled the design on the fusion, it was assembled perfectly. It also could be a minor problem in the machine that day, because it was a bit strange.... But whatever the reason was, I must double check on my dimensions next time. Lesson learnt !!

It was quite hard imagining my proposal into a 3d design, but during this assignment, I think I have a better grasp of it now.. How to design it in 2d first and then put the guiding tabs and t-slots, and extruding it as a 3d-piece.

• During our group assignment this week, something happened during the assembly, but the back side got cut without the tabs... This made me determined to be more careful of the little details in the upcoming projects.