Conan’s Detective Badge.
For this week's assignment, I created a cup coaster featuring the character Conan Edogawa from the anime series Detective Conan. I chose this idea because I love the character and wanted to make something personal.
I downloaded an image of Conan and used Inkscape to trace it into a vector. Then I saved it as a .DXF file and imported it into LaserCAD, where I adjusted the settings for cutting and engraving. Finally, I saved the file as .rld and prepared it on a flash memory for laser cutting at the Fab Lab.
In addition to the coaster, I also found a 3D-printed version of Conan’s Detective Badge.
Inkscape – to trace the image of Conan and convert it into a vector format suitable for laser cutting.
LaserCAD – to prepare the design, set cutting and engraving paths, and save the file in the proper format (.rld).
Cura – to slice the 3D badge model and prepare it for 3D printing
Inkscape edits
programme's settsettings
For the 2D cup coaster, I started by selecting an image of Conan Edogawa. I imported the image into Inkscape, then used the Trace Bitmap function to convert it into a vector graphic. I cleaned up the design, kept only the necessary outlines, and made sure the file was suitable for laser cutting by using strokes only. I exported the design as a .DXF file and opened it in LaserCAD, where I set the cutting and engraving paths before cutting Laser Modes and Parameters: Cut (outer lines):
Speed: 10.00 mm/s
Power: 70.00 %
Cut (inner engraving):
Speed: 300.00 mm/s
Power: 50.00 %
saving it as a .rld file for the laser cutter.
For the 3D Detective Badge, I found an open-source model on MakerWorld that matched my needs. I downloaded the STL file, then opened it in Cura to prepare it for 3D printing. In Cura, I adjusted the slicing settings such as print quality, infill, and supports to ensure a clean and accurate print. After slicing, I saved the file and printed it using PLA filament on a 3D printer. Print Settings: Profile: Super Quality – 0.12 mm
Layer Height: 0.12 mm
Wall Thickness: 1.2 mm
Wall Line Count: 3
Horizontal Expansion: 0.0 mm
Infill Density: 20%
Print Time: 1h 1min
Filament Used: 5g – 1.60 m
Machine Preparation
Laser Cutter Check – Ensure the machine is clean, the lens and mirrors are free from dust, and the cutting bed is level.
Material Placement – Secure the coaster material (e.g., wood, acrylic) flat on the laser cutter bed.
Focus Adjustment – Set the correct focal height of the laser head using the focus gauge.
Ventilation & Safety – Turn on the exhaust fan and air assist to remove fumes, and wear safety glasses.
Fabrication Process
Load the File – Open the prepared .rld file in LaserCAD.
Check Paths – Verify that cutting and engraving paths are correctly assigned to their respective layers.
Set Laser Parameters – Apply the cutting (10 mm/s, 70% power) for outer lines and engraving (300 mm/s, 50% power) for inner details.
Test Cut – Perform a small test cut on scrap material to confirm settings.
Start Job – Begin the engraving first, then the cutting to prevent shifting of parts.
Post-Processing – Remove the finished coaster, clean off any residue or burn marks if needed.
2. 3D Detective Badge (FDM 3D Printing)
Machine Preparation
Printer Check – Ensure the build plate is clean and free from debris.
Filament Loading – Load PLA filament into the extruder and purge old filament to ensure smooth flow.
Bed Leveling – Manually or automatically level the bed to ensure even first layer adhesion.
Temperature Settings – Set the nozzle and bed to the correct temperatures for PLA (e.g., nozzle ~200 °C, bed ~60 °C).
Fabrication Process
Load Sliced File – Insert the SD card or USB containing the Cura-generated G-code.
Print Start – Begin printing and watch the first few layers to ensure proper adhesion.
Monitoring – Check periodically for filament jams or print shifting.
Completion – Once finished (1h 1min), let the bed cool before removing the badge.
Post-Processing – Remove any supports, sand or trim edges if needed.
I encountered a problem while uploading the file for the laser cutting machine, where an error appeared. I sent it to a colleague who had printed from his device before for printing, then I asked the coordinator, and she told me to change some settings in the program to solve the problem.
my device had to choose the machines name every time
from select mode opoption
Title of Media
I visited many sites during my research and now I know which shapes will require more support and which lines need to be scanned. I learned how to operate the laser cutter and the 3D printer, along with the software related to them, which will help me in the final project.
This week, I did amazing things by dividing the teams for challenges to complete the tasks faster than the second team, helping each other with our projects, and finally creating our own projects.