Assignment Idea:
I’m designing a pair of glasses in a zigzag shape, inspired by the form of electricity.
Why I Care About This Idea:
I wanted to create something that’s different, unique, and stylish at the same time. I enjoy exploring bold and creative designs that stand out.
What Inspired Me:
The sharp and energetic lines of electricity inspired me. I thought it would be interesting to turn that movement into a wearable design.
Software Used:
I used Fusion 360 to design both the front frame and the side arms of the glasses. It allowed me to create precise, customized 3D models.
Machines Used:
Laser Cutter – for fabricating the front frame. I chose this machine because it offers clean, accurate cuts, which are perfect for flat parts with sharp edges like the zigzag design.
3D Printer – for fabricating the side arms. This allowed for more dimensional and ergonomic shaping, which is ideal for fitting comfortably around the ears.
Why These Tools:
Fusion 360 allowed me to create precise and creative 3D models.
RDWorks was necessary to convert my front frame design for laser cutting.
The Laser Cutter was perfect for creating sharp edges and clean cuts for the front frame.
The 3D Printer was ideal for building the side arms with more volume and detail.
Material used :
3mm thick Plywood sheet For Laser cutting.
Coloured PLA for 3D printing .
3mm thick Plywood sheet
1. Initial Concept:
I started by choosing a unique zigzag design for the glasses, inspired by electricity.
I first sketched the design using a simple paint program to visualize the idea.
2. Front Frame Design (Laser Cut Part):
I opened Fusion 360 and began designing the front frame.
I measured real glasses to get accurate dimensions and ensure realistic sizing.
I adjusted the sketch in Fusion 360 to reflect these dimensions.
I designed only the front face of the glasses frame in 2D.
I added two holes at the edges (right and left rims) to fit M3 screws for attaching the arms later.
I extruded the sketch to create a 2.5D part.
I exported the file as a .DXF format.
I opened the DXF file in RDWorks to prepare it for laser cutting.
I fabricated the front frame using the Laser Cutter.
The dimensions of glasses
The front face of the glasses frame in 2D
Extruded the sketch to create a 2.5D part
Added two holes at the edges
3. Side Arms Design (3D Printed Part):
I measured the arms of real glasses to guide my design.
I used Fusion 360 to create 3D models of the side arms as individual parts.
I made sure to use at least one 3D feature ( Revolve, Loft, Fillet) — not just a simple extrude.
I included an L-shaped extension at the front end of each arm, with a hole for attachment to the front frame using M3 screws.
I exported the arms as .STL files.
I opened the files in Cura software to prepare them for 3D printing.
I then fabricated the arms using a 3D Printer.
✅Make Holes:
Created Sketch on the side face.
Drew a Circle (C) for the hole and identified the size.
Finish Sketch.
Extrude Cut through the body.
✅ Use Offset:
In Sketch, selected shape.
Clicked Offset.
Dragged distance.
Clicked OK.
✅ Make the Joint:
Assemble > Joint.
Hover over the hole edge until you see the center dot (no key needed).
Clicked center of arm hole.
Clicked center of frame hole.
Set Revolute joint.
Clicked OK.
I changed the appearance of the arm to plastic ( Peek) feature.
I made hole by
Selected the face where I wanted the hole.
Went to the Create menu and clicked Hole (or pressed H).
Clicked on the face where the hole should start, and a drag point.
Adjusted the position by typing coordinates or clicking edges to set distances.
Set the hole parameters like diameter 3m.
Clicked OK to cut the hole.
The arm of glasses frame in 3D
The arm of glasses extruded with hole
The arm on Cura
the photo of 3D printer making 3d 2 arms
1. Front Frame (Laser Cutting Process):
After designing the front frame in Fusion 360, I exported the file in .DXF format.
I opened the DXF file in RDWorks, the software used to operate the laser cutter.
In RDWorks, I adjusted the settings such as speed and power suitable for the material I chose (wood).
I placed the chosen material sheet inside the Laser Cutter machine.
I uploaded the prepared RDWorks file to the machine and started the cutting process.
The laser cutter precisely followed the zigzag frame design and created clean, sharp edges.
I collected the cut frame and cleaned off any residue from the edges.
🖨️ Preparation for Laser Cutting:
I exported all 2D parts of the model in DXF format from Fusion 360.
Then I opened the files in the Laser Cutter software to prepare them for fabrication.
I adjusted the settings according to the material and color codes:
Cut (Black):
Speed: 40
Power: 45
Speed Cut (Blue):
Speed: 40
Power: 15
The laser cutting process took only 1 minutes.
The frame of glasses from a software design
to a real physical object
I prepared my design on fusion saved it as a DXF .
I chose my material and checked the recommended speed, power, and frequency settings for its thickness.
I opened RDWorks and imported the file.
I positioned the design within the work area in the software so it fit my material ( wood ).
I placed the material flat on the laser cutter bed and aligned it using the guides.
I adjusted the focus of the laser head to match the material’s thickness, using the focus tool.
I ran a frame/preview to check the cutting path and made sure it stayed within my material’s edges.
I did a small test cut in the corner to check the depth and quality, then adjusted the settings if needed.
I closed the machine lid and started the cutting/engraving job from the software or control panel.
I monitored the process without leaving the machine to prevent fire risks.
I removed the finished piece once the job was complete and the machine had stopped.
I cleaned the bed by removing scraps and, if necessary, wiped the lens for maintenance.
To transfer DXF file to RDWorks for laser cutting, i :
Opened RDWorks on the computer.
Clicked File → Import.
Browsed to the saved DXF file location.
Selected the DXF file and clicked Open.
The design appeared in RDWorks, ready for arranging and setting cut parameters.
2. Side Arms (3D Printing Process):
I finalized the side arms' design in Fusion 360 using features like Chamfer and Fillet to give smooth edges and an ergonomic shape.
I exported the arms individually in .STL format.
I opened the STL files in Cura, where I adjusted the print settings like layer height, infill, and print speed.
I loaded the files onto the 3D Printer, ensuring the filament material (PLA) was properly installed.
I printed each arm separately and waited for the printing process to finish.
Once printed, I carefully removed the parts from the printer bed and did basic post processing to ensure a smooth fit.
🧩 Preparation for 3D Printing :
I exported the bracket file from Fusion 360 in STL format.
I opened the file in Cura to prepare it for 3D printing.
I adjusted the settings as follows:
Infill: 15%
Layer Height: 0.2 mm
Support: Touching build plate (for the face)
Scale: Kept original size
The process of printing took 1 hour and half and the total mass is 8 gram .
How i saved a sketch as a DXF file directly from the Sketch menu.
Opened the design and made sure the sketch was visible in the Browser.
Right-clicked on the sketch name in the Browser.
Selected Save As DXF from the menu.
Chose the location on the computer and saved the file.
The arm on Cura
In Ultimaker Cura, i made can mirror the arm of your glasses:
Opened Cura and loaded the glasses arm STL.
Selected the model by clicking it.
Clicked the Mirror tool on the left toolbar.
Chose the X-axis arrow to flip it left–right.
The arm mirrored instantly.
Moved and rotated it as needed for printing.
I added in Cura by choosing its model and entered the build volume, nozzle size, and filament diameter.
I opened my 3D model file in Cura, and the model appeared on the virtual build plate.
I adjusted the model’s position, rotation, and size to fit the build area and avoid unnecessary supports.
I selected the printing settings—material type, layer height, infill, supports, and adhesion method.
I clicked “Slice” to generate the G-code file for my printer.
I saved the G-code to my SD card (or sent it directly to the printer if connected).
I inserted the SD card into the printer and started the print from the printer’s menu.
I cleaned the base by alcohol.
I monitored the first layers to ensure the print adhered well to the bed.
I took photos and finally .
I let the machine finish printing, then removed and cleaned the finished part.
The 3D printing of arms of glasses
3. Assembly:
After both the front frame and side arms were fabricated, I aligned the holes on each part.
I used M3 screws and nuts to attach the arms securely to the front frame.
I checked the alignment and ensured the arms could move or fold as intended.
Peer Involvement:
- None of my peers were present while I was working on the assignment, so I didn't receive direct input from them during the design or development process.
Seeking Feedback:
I asked for feedback from a technical lab assistant regarding my design.
She was amazed by the creativity and uniqueness of my glasses design, especially the zigzag shape inspired by electricity.
1. Design Adjustment Issue:
While working on the design, I forgot to leave enough space for assembly.
When I tried to edit the sketch, I needed to draw on a different plane but didn’t know how to control or switch the plane after drawing.
I asked my friend Mai 🥰 for help, and she was very kind and clearly explained how to manage the drawing plane in Fusion 360.
2. Mirroring Problem with the Arm:
While designing the side arm of the glasses, I had trouble using the mirror feature — it wasn’t working properly in Fusion 360.
I waited until I could visit the lab and asked Asmaa 😍, the technical lab assistant, for help.
She was really helpful and suggested that I try mirroring the part in Cura instead.
I followed her advice, and it worked perfectly everything went smoothly after that.
In Ultimaker Cura, i made can mirror the arm of your glasses:
Opened Cura and loaded the glasses arm STL.
Selected the model by clicking it.
Clicked the Mirror tool on the left toolbar.
Chose the X-axis arrow to flip it left–right.
The arm mirrored instantly.
Moved and rotated it as needed for printing
Always double check dimensions and leave proper space for assembly before finalizing the sketch.
Learn how to control and switch planes early in the design process to avoid confusion.
If you face issues with mirroring or features in Fusion, try alternative solutions in other software like Cura.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help even small suggestions can solve big problems.
Title of Media
1. Confident Use of Fusion 360:
- I’ve improved my ability to design precise and creative parts in Fusion 360, including using features like extrusion, hole creation, and mirroring.
- These skills will help me build complex and functional components in my final project with accuracy.
2. Problem-Solving and Flexibility:
I learned how to solve design issues, such as plane control and mirroring errors, by asking for help and exploring alternative methods.
This will help me troubleshoot more efficiently in my final project.
1. Mirroring and Duplicating in Cura:
I discovered that I can easily mirror and duplicate objects directly in Cura, which saved me time and helped fix an issue I had with Fusion 360.
It’s a great backup tool for making quick changes before 3D printing.
2. Editing Final Design in RDWorks:
I learned that I can still make simple edits, like adding shapes or adjusting lines, directly in RDWorks after exporting from Fusion.
This gave me more flexibility without needing to go back to the design phase in Fusion 360.
I attended an extra session where we learned about Kumiko art and how it’s used in design.
Each of us chose a unique pattern to create a coaster inspired by this traditional art using Inkscape.
After finalizing our designs, we converted them into DXF format and used RDWorks to prepare them for the laser cutter.
It was an exciting and enjoyable session.
Some of us continued the activity and kept working on drawing even after the session.
My coaster inspired by a snow crystal pattern.