Week 1 - Journal

This week we should get familiar with 3d printers and laser cutting machines, so we wouldn't design files yet, we will use the open-source library for 2d and 3d models and get familiar also with software like Laser work and Ultimaker Cura to prepare, editing files, and export the G-Code for machines.

So, I decided to look for designs that would help me to learn more about the features of the software and be as simple as I can to reduce the time and material usage while also keeping the end result useful.

I started with Laser Work software, first I searched on 3axis.co for Islamic patterns Because I am interested in this type of art and I found one I can use as a bookmark, then I edited it on the Laser work and make a frame for it, Then I made the settings for the machine, and save it as RLD file to check it with FabLab Specialist and export the G-Code.

And about the 3d model, I searched on thingiverse.com for woodworking simple tools because it would help me on my work and I found the Maler-pyramiden this tool reduces the contact surface of workpieces during painting or varnishing to a minimum while still remaining stable. I downloaded the file and opened it on Ultimaker Cura software to make settings and slice it, and save it as 3MF file to check it with FabLab Specialist and export the G-Code.

Software: Ultimaker Cura, to slice and set up the settings and generate the G-Code for 3d printer machine.
Machine: PRUSA i3 MK2 3d printer Machine.

Material: PLA, it's suitable material for this design.

Software: Laser Work, to develop and set up the settings for laser cut machine.
Machine: MT3050D CO2 Laser Cut Machine.

Material: Plywood 3mm, it's suitable material for this design.

• first, I copied the RLD file to a flash USB to copy it to a laser machine computer.

• I checked the file with the specialist and he suggested that we can remove the overlap lines and I did that through the laser work software.

• After that, I downloaded the file to the laser machine.

• I chose the material, which is plywood with 3 mm thickness, and put it on the working surface.

• I adjusted the focus, the origin point, and the track frame.. checked the settings, and then ran the file.

Within three minutes, the result came out, but after implementation, we found that the overlap lines were necessary, so I went back to the original file and repeated the process again.

after finishing, I finally got my bookmark and made some post-processing like sanding, and finish the product with clear acrylic spray.

Most of the problems that I encountered here were during implementation, I found some difficulty in adjusting the focus point in the laser machine, as it was the first time I set up the 3D printer and did the pre-printing stage, and I was a little confused .. but thanks to Omar, he was patient and Teach me the correct way to adjust both of them.

And what I can recommend here is to check the overlapping lines in the laser files well at the design stage.

A large part of the final project will be based on the use of the laser machine to create a modern Islamic design, so I focused on learning the details of using the machine well and knowing its settings, and with my choice to design the Islamic pattern bookmark, it was almost a preliminary experience of what I will find in the final project and a good opportunity to take notes and Evaluate time and materials in advance.

It was my first time using a 3D printer, and I will certainly never forget that, it was an experience that I had not thought of, I didn't even believe that I would be able to work on 3D design programs because I am far from this field.

and I found much open-source material that will help me in my work, and I decided, whenever possible, to print many of these designs for use in my workshop.

It was a new experience for me to make a low-fidelity prototype using cardboard in a very, very short time, but it opened up new horizons for me in thinking and how to manage design projects and the steps to implement and present them correctly.