Week 1- Journal

This week’s assignment focused on learning how Laser Cutting Machines and 3D Printers work, and how we can use them to fabricate different products.

I care deeply about this topic because, as a Mechanical Engineering student, I’m always curious to understand how machines work. Learning about the mechanisms behind laser cutting and 3D printing gives me a stronger foundation in manufacturing technologies, which is essential for both my academic journey and future career.

This knowledge will also be beneficial for my graduation project and other university projects where I want to apply digital fabrication techniques. On a personal level, I found it exciting to use these machines for fun. I will even be able to fabricate the logo of my dream car and a model of the vehicle itself.

This assignment inspired me to start thinking more creatively about how I can turn my ideas into real, physical models, whether for practical use or for expressing my interests.

Laser Cutting

For the laser cutting part of the assignment, I began by researching different .dxf files to find a design that matched my interests. I eventually chose a car logo design from 3axis.co, a website that offers free downloadable vector files suitable for laser cutting.

After downloading the .dxf file, I installed and set up LaserCAD. I then imported the file into the software and positioned the design in the top-right corner of the workspace, which is the standard starting point for the laser cutter we used.

Next, I adjusted the dimensions of the logo to the size I wanted. Using LaserCAD’s tools, I assigned different functions to different parts of the design:

• Cut – black lines

• Speed Cut – blue lines

• Engrave – red lines

These color codes help the machine distinguish between the different laser operations. Finally, I ran a simulation inside LaserCAD to make sure everything was working correctly and that the outcome would match my expectations before starting the actual cut.

Prsche Logo Dxf Link 

Laser Cutting – Porsche Logo:

I started by downloading a .dxf file of the Porsche logo from 3axis.co. After importing it into LaserCAD, I adjusted its position to the top-right corner of the workspace and resized it to the desired scale. I carefully set the color codes:

• Black for cutting

• Red for engraving

• Blue for speed cutting

After cleaning up unnecessary lines and running a simulation to ensure accuracy, I will use the Malky ML64 CO₂ laser cutter to cut the design out of Plywood. The machine followed the exact paths, resulting in a clean and precise logo replica.

3D Printer 

• Preparing the File:
  
  

  • Configured all printing parameters in Ultimaker Cura (e.g., infill density, support settings).
    
    

  • Exported the G-code file and uploaded it to an SD card.
    
    

• Starting the Printer:
  
  

  • Inserted the SD card into the 3D printer.
    
    

  • Powered on the machine and selected the desired file.
    
    

• Launching the Print:
  
  

  • Clicked "Start" to initiate the printing process.
    
    

• Monitoring the Process:
  
  

  • Observed the printer’s performance to ensure smooth operation and quality output.

Yes, we asked for feedback during both the laser cutting and 3D printing processes. Our peers suggested adjusting the laser cutter settings for better results:

• Cut: Speed 10, Power 70

• Speed Cut: Speed 250, Power 50

• Engrave: Speed 250, Power 60

These settings improved the precision and finish of the cut. While working on the 3D print, they also advised us to reduce the layer height to improve print quality. We shared our tips in return, such as using a support. This exchange of ideas helped everyone get better results and avoid common mistakes.

In LaserCAD, we had trouble selecting the small circles in the dog design quickly. After some trial and error, we figured out how to improve our selection technique. We also weren’t sure about the Power and Speed settings, so we asked our mentor for help.  

Solutions: We clicked to choose the lines (line by line) if they are faraway from each others, and using mouse for selecting an area with all the lines inside if they are close together. 

With the 3D printer, we struggled to choose the right temperature for the PLA filament. Our instructor explained how temperature affects print quality, and after adjusting it, the print improved.

Others doing this assignment should test settings first, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.

Solutions: We changed the temperature from 200 degree C to 215 degree C.