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 assignment was to pick a 3D and 2D model from an opensource CAD library and prepare the files for digital fabrication then visit the lab to operate the machines and fabricate our beautiful models.

So for 3D printing I choose a figure of a cute Gnome and for laser cutting I choose a wall plaque with an inspiring quote "You can change the world".

Gnome Model

you can change the world DXF file

Tool Chain

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

Software :

Ultimaker Cura 5.1.1

For slicing the 3D model

RDWorksV8

For turning the DXF file to RLD file

Machines :

ElMalky CO2 laser cutting machine

For laser cutting

PRUSA i3 MK2 3D Printer

For 3d printing

Materials :

Plywood 3mm Sheet

To fabricate the plaque by laser cutter

E-Sun PLA Filament

To fabricate the Gnome by 3d printer

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?

For the laser cutting I downloaded the dxf file from 3axies website then export it to RD work and and set up the settings as follows:

Scan: (Speed 300) (Power 15).
Cut: (Speed 30) (Power 65).

Setting up parameters in RDWorks

Laser cutting simulation in RDWorks

For the 3d printing I downloaded the STL file from thingiverse and set up the parameters as follows:
- Importing the STL file.
- Scaling the model to meet the requirements.
- infill 10 %.
- Support (touching build plate) .
- Build plate adhesion (skirt).
- Nozzle temp (215) build plate temp (60) .

After Slicing

Slicing Parameters

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?

For laser cutting after finalizing setting up the parameters of the file in RDWorks I downloaded the file into the laser cutting machine and operate the machine as follows:

Choose my file from the screen.
Adjust the focus.
Track the frame.
Make sure that the frame is inside the sheet of wood.
Run the file.

For 3d printing :

I transferred the Gcode file into the SD card and operate the machine as follow :

insert the SD card into the printer.
Choose the unloaded option to change the filament.
Using a flush trip pliers to cut the new color filament into a sharp end so the extruder can take it easily.
Choose loading the new filament.
After confirming the filament is clean I start printing.
Choose print from SD card.
Choose my file and started printing.

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)

For laser cutting some areas are burnt I think it’s because of some curves or texture in the wood sheet in this area. so I learned to keep in mind to fix the wood sheet well in the machine bed with tape and to reduce the scanning power a little bit in the next time.

For the 3d printing it was perfect I was worried about the overhangs and making less supporting but it didn’t need and it works well.

Final Project

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

WOW!

What is the coolest thing that you've learned this week? What is something that you will never forget from this week?

Weekly Digest [OPTIONAL]

Tell us about any other cool things that you've made this week: in the Hands-on activity, tutorial examples, exercises, or any other cool mini-project that you tried out aside from the assignment.

Assignment Design Files

Gnome Model (STL)

Gnome Model (Gcode)

You can change the world (DXF)

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