Week 1 - Journal

Sharkz Zone
Enter water at your own risk

I was looking for 3D model to print for my assignment. There was a lot of models but I couldn't find something the interest me and most of the models that I like are too complex and need a lot of time and material so as I was browsing throw Thingiverse I stumbled upon these group of Sharkz so I jumped in the water with them🏊🏻‍♂️.

Simple is better than complex

After I return from my dive with the Sharkz I had to continue preparing for my assignment so I start looking for a model to cut with the laser cutter so after a lot of searching & browsing throw 3axis I couldn't find something that looks good without using too much material and also didn't require to be assembled so I just stick with simplicity so I find this simple model for a key chine so I decided use it but with a twist.

Second , I used LaserWork software to prepare & customize my model and to configure the laser power and speed.

In the laser cutting model I made 2 copies of the model each with it's own design so I can do engrave on both sides of the model.

For the first side model generate QR code with an easter egg. 😁

For the second side I type some binary numbers which in fact have a meaning. If you are curious to know you can use Binary To Text Converter

My binary example: 01001101 01100001 01101011 01100101 01110010

My Laser cutting Parameters:

• Cutting Speed: 15 mm/s

• Cutting Power 65%

• Scanning Speed: 300 mm/s

• Scanning Power 30%

First, I started with the 3D printing because It would take more time then the laser cutting.

1. I cleaned the 3D printer bed.

2. I turn on the 3D printer.

3. I copied my G-Code to SD card and insert it into the 3D printer.

4. I navigate to my file using the 3D printer controls and I run the code.

5. I waited till the 3D printer heat up and I observe the first few layers of the print to make sure that everything is running smoothly.

Note: I skipped loading filament part because it was already loaded and I already mange to load the filament successfully in "EoWeek Fabrication Challenge".

Second, After I made sure that the 3D printer is running smoothly It's time for the laser cutting.

1. I Power up the laser cutter

2. I copied the files on flash drive and connect it to the laser cutter computer

3. I download the 1st file to the laser cutter machine

4. I placed plywood & secure it with tape just to make sure I will stay in place.

5. I checked the laser focus and adjusted to perfection.

6. Using the laser cutter controls I redefined the origin point that the laser would start from.

7. I navigate to my 1st file and trace the model frame and run it.

8. After the 1st file is done the model was already cut out of the plywood and the QR code is engraved on the first side on the model

9. Carefully without moving anything I fished model out of the plywood and flip it around to start scanning the 2nd side

10. I download the 2nd file to the machine and run it so it engrave the binary only on the 2nd side of the model.

After I cut my model the QR code was working fine for while and suddenly it stopped working and I couldn't scan it so mostly because of the contrast between the dark areas & the light areas in the QR code unfortunately the engraves wasn't dark enough although I used 30% power to engrave so I get the finest point pen I have and I start to coloring the engraved area to give it higher contrast and it works. It even works better then before.

Note: Unfortunately I forget to take a photo of the QR code before I color it and I can't use Ctrl - Z at this point sorry about that 😅

Don't worry I will take more photos next time 😁