Week 1 - Journal

Machines 

1. I started by watching all the tutorial videos available on the portal, which guided me through the steps needed to download and prepare my files.

2. For the 3D design, I selected a model from www.thingiverse.com.

3.  Downloaded the file as an STL file. I then opened it in Ultimaker Cura.

4. Following the instructions, I adjusted the settings—such as infill, support, adhesion, and resolution—before slicing the model. I ensured the printing time stayed within the 90-minute limit as outlined in the rubric.

5. I then saved the sliced file as a G-code file.

3D Printing Parameters:

• Resolution: 0.2 mm

• Infill Density: 20%

• Support: Normal (touching build plate)

• Adhesion: Enabled

• Time for printing 1 hr 17 min , 10 grams. 

2D Design Process:

1. I selected my 2D design from the CAD library at 3axis.co and downloaded it as a DXF file.

2. I used RDWorks to adjust the cutting power, speed, and set the perimeter of the design. 

3. I colored the cutting areas with black which were the eyes of the cat and around the shape and the fast-cutting sections red, avoiding the use of the scanning option as it's not needed in my design. 

4.  Saved the final file in rld format.

5. The dimensions I used were:

   • Y-axis (height): 200 mm

   • X-axis (width): 50 mm

                                                                               Using Ulti Maker Cura

Using RDWorksV8

1- First step I booked a slot for printing and visited the lab to do.

2- The lab specialist reviewed my design, which I had to export it as rld file, but advised me to convert it to a plt format since the printer couldn't recognize the original file. 

3- Check the power and speed as power was 350 and speed 12. 

3- I then downloaded and saved it again.

4- I press start on the machine then press file then enter.

5- Adjusted the arrows and checked the area I want to print in.

6- I checked the focus as I found it's needed by using small piece of 3mm wood and scrolling the laser down until it's close enough then scroll the roll back. 

6- Press origin then frame.

7- Close the cover of the machine and finally press start to cut my design. 

1- Following my visit to the lab, I had to change the selected printer as I used another model. 

2- I thoroughly reviewed all related settings again, such as resolution, refill status, and other necessary adjustments as unfortunately I saved it as gcode only, so I had to do all the setting again and finally I made it, and I was so proud of the outcome. 

3- I set up the printer to start printing after cleaning the bed.

4- I choose unload to remove the previous filament and chose the color I like then preheat to easily remove it.

5- Press load until the color is shown.

6- Insert SM card and choose the file.

7- Press starts. 

8- The machine bed started to heat and adjust the dimensions for printing.

9- I checked the adhesion to make sure the shape it attached to the bed.

10- After the time I left the design to cool for seconds then removed it from the bed of the machine. 

I asked for help from my colleagues to edit the size of the ruler also the Fab lab specialist helped me with adjusting the power and speed of the laser cutter again in order to work properly. 

I got stuck with adjusting the measurements of my design on RDWorkV8 app, so I asked my colleagues and got help to do that by telling me to press on the lock icon then adjust the dimessiosn.

I Pressed on the lock and adjusted the setting for printing. 

The coolest part seeing our design turned to be a real prototype. 

Using Ultimaker Cura and RDworks by myself to edit designs was a big achievement. 

The dog keychain and T-Rex were the final products of our teamwork.