Week 1 - Journal

-The 1st assignment's idea is about how to take an existing file from the internet and  apply it in the lab to make sure that we understand the tools.

-The used file was in the format of STL files for 3D printing and DFX for laser cutting.

-It was a nice thing to make an object by your self. So I picked an objects as Super Mario key chain for laser cutter and Fossil for an extinct bird Archaeopteryx for 3d printing.  

1. For the scanned key chain I set the speed of cutting the outer line as 18 and power 50 (represented by black layer ) and the inner lines scanned with speed 300 and power 30 (as in the blue layer ).

2. For the scan key chain I set the speed of (represented by blue layer ) and the inner lines scanned with speed 250 and power 10 (as in the light blue layer).

Implementation process for laser cutter.

1-super Mario Key chine

• put the rld file in a flash memory and download it in the machine(In laser work).

• Turn on the machine and set the origin of the cutting.

• from File >> upload the file>> see the estimated time >> see cutting track

• Press enter to start cutting

• Under supervision of the instructor we uploaded the file on the machine after checking the required modifications such as speed an power.

2-Using machine

• First step we need to check from the hight by using a focus as a standard.

• Second check is the origin of the plywood material.

• As long as we change any parameters we should reset teh origin again.

• Finally close the transparent safety cover and press start the process. 

SD card challenge

One of the challenges was the SD card as the 3d printer needs a SD card to upload the file for printing.

Highlighted solution:

We share another group in it however, One of the team member uploaded the file on the SD card improperly, that gives an error on the 3d printer screen and whole printing process was rjected. The instructors gave us all support to check the problem and to print our model.

Instructor help:

1- our instructor required to redefine the printer which is PRUSA MK 3 on the Cura software instead of the wrong printer had been added by our friend in the group.

2- Saving the file again and check all parameters are suitable for printing such as time and grams of PLA.

3- Finally, we printed the model in a perfect way.

Documentation before implementation:

It was a great experience to face some challenges as I decided to document all the mistakes to avoid occurring them again during the final project to save both materials and time. 

It was a nice trial to have a challenge to make this T-rex and Scale to set printing time of 15 minutes maximum

Also with Dalmatian dog, to make 2 copies in addition to changing the parameters for cutting and scanning.

I downloaded some files as a DXF files to be cut by lasre and others as a StL to be printed 3d. I went to some one close to my home (workshop for laser cutting fabrication). I will try to cut them by the weekend.