Week 1# - Journal

For Laser cutter, I transferred the file from my computer to the laser machine using a USB drive. After confirming everything was set, including the speed, power settings, and dimensions, I downloaded the file to the machine.

Next, I fixed the plywood sheet in the machine with small pieces of wood. Then, I adjusted the machine's nozzle to the right corner of the plywood sheet and set the origin. I then pressed 'frame' to ensure everything was aligned correctly.

Once everything was prepared, I pressed 'Start'.

After completing the laser cutting, I found that we could use some tools from the lab, such as a sanding machine, to have a better finishing for the piece. 

After preparing the file and slicing it using Cura, I adjusted the temperature and cooling settings of the machine with the lab specialist. I set the temperature to 215 degrees and the cooling to 60 degrees. Then, I transferred the file from the computer to the memory card to be inserted into the 3D printer.

I selected the file using the turning knob and pressed 'select'. Then, I chose 'start printing' and waited for the first layers to be printed.

After the printing, the piece needed some touch-ups such as sanding and using a heat gun to make the layers smoother. 

The 3D printing did not go well. I saw that coming from the first layers, but I let it continue to see the final results. Here are some possible reasons for the failed 3D print:

1. The temperature of the machine was higher than needed, and the speed was fast, not allowing the layers to cool down enough.

2. I removed the support, as I thought it wouldn't be needed, under the consultation of the fab lab specialist. 

I did not have enough time in my slot to redo it, so I tried to handle the situation. I asked the lab specialist for help, and she guided me to improve the finishing. I used a heat gun to make the layers smoother and more cohesive. It wasn't perfect, but at least it was better than before. I also tried to sand it with the help of one of my peers, but it was very hard, and that didn’t work well.

For the laser cutter, I had a region I wanted to be 'Scan,' but the machine did not read it. I asked the lab specialist for help, and she explained that to make a 'Scan,' the shape must be enclosed, but mine was open. then I made it speed cut instead of scan.

I really enjoyed the fabrication challenge in the end-of-week session. It was my first time preparing files for fabrication and making matching keychains for me and my peers with our hands was so cool.