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Ideation
Ideation
Tell us about your assignment's idea for this week. Why do you care about this idea? What inspired you? (Please include images or links to sources of inspiration)
Tell us about your assignment's idea for this week. Why do you care about this idea? What inspired you? (Please include images or links to sources of inspiration)
THIS WEEK, I MADE... \(^ヮ^)/
THIS WEEK, I MADE... \(^ヮ^)/
- Wings of Freedom Emblem
I love anime & manga, and I loved the Attack on Titan series, so when I saw the Wings of Freedom emblem on Thingiverse, I immediately picked it.
If you've watched the series, you'd know what this emblem represents and how integral it is to the story.
The series is my Inspiration for this design, and I would love to have a 3D model of it to use as a key chain medallion or stick it on my laptop as decoration.
- A clock shaped coaster
For laser cutting, I chose this coaster design (from 3axis) because it combines function and decoration. It was originally for a literal clock, but I plan to use it as coffee coaster, I love it's elegant yet simplistic design.
As for my Inspiration, I’ve always liked repurposed design. The idea of turning something that was originally a clock into a coaster appealed to me because it gives new life to a decorative shape. This specific design reminded me of classic motifs I’ve seen in tile patterns and architecture, elegant, symmetrical, and functional.
I wanted something that could sit on my desk and look clean but also have a geometric charm to it. The result is a coaster that feels deliberate and minimal, while still being visually unique.
It's beautiful.
Tool Chain
Tool Chain
Which software/machines/materials did you use in the assignment? Why?
Which software/machines/materials did you use in the assignment? Why?
LASERCUTTING
LASERCUTTING
MACHINE:
MACHINE:
El Malky ML64 Laser Cutter
The El Malky ML64 gave clean results with proper power/speed settings.
SOFTWARE:
SOFTWARE:
LaserCAD
LaserCAD was used to import and prepare the DXF file.
MATERIAL:
MATERIAL:
3mm Boards
3mm wood is a good balance between durability and ease of cutting.
3D PRINTING
3D PRINTING
MACHINE:
MACHINE:
Creality Ender-3 Pro
Ender-3 Pro was available in our lab and performs reliably for 3d printing.
SOFTWARE:
SOFTWARE:
UltiMaker Cura
I used Cura to slice the STL model and set print parameters.
MATERIAL:
MATERIAL:
PLA Filament
PLA was chosen for its ease of use and availability
Design/Preparation Process
Design/Preparation Process
Explain the design and/or preparation process of your assignment. How did you use the tool or software to design and/or prepare your assignment before fabrication/implementation?
Explain the design and/or preparation process of your assignment. How did you use the tool or software to design and/or prepare your assignment before fabrication/implementation?
3D PRINTING
3D PRINTING
I browsed Thingiverse and downloaded the Wings of Freedom STL file: Project Link
The model was a single-piece STL, properly designed for printing.
In UltiMaker Cura, I scaled it up to be around ~40mm in width and ~50mm in height.
I also adjusted the slicing parameters:
Layer Height: 0.2 mm
Infill: 10%
Supports: Not needed as print is stable.
Brim: Not needed as contact surface is large.
Orientation: Default orientation was flat and printable
I previewed the slicing layers to verify the print path before exporting the G-code for the Ender-3.
laser cutting
laser cutting
I downloaded a DXF file of a clock-shaped coaster: Project Link
The file was imported into LaserCAD.
I made a Layer for cutting and another Layer for engraving
I adjusted the settings and parameters for cutting & engraving:
Cut: Speed: 10, Power: 70
Engrave: Speed: 250, Power: 60, Direction: X Uni-Direction
I arranged the design layout to minimize waste by adjusting it to be as close to Origin point as possible.
Finally, I exported it to the El Malky laser cutter.
Development/Implementation Process
Development/Implementation Process
Explain the development/implementation process of your assignment. How did you use the machine/tool to manufacture or implement the design of your assignment?
Explain the development/implementation process of your assignment. How did you use the machine/tool to manufacture or implement the design of your assignment?
laser cutter
laser cutter
Everything went as planned regarding the laser cutting part.
I simply connected the machine to the laptop, sent the .dxf file after double checking everything's ok, Adjusted the origin point and hit "Box" to check if the dimensions are correct.
Then hit "Start", As you can see, it cut the wood cleanly and produced a well made design.
3d printer
3d printer
As for the 3d printing.
After exporting the .stl file as .gcode, I inserted the memory card into the machine, selected my design, and started it, It took a while but printed cleanly as well.
I'm very happy with how it looks! I can turn it into a medallion or stick it to my laptop as decoration.
Community of Learning
Community of Learning
Did you ask for feedback? What are the ideas that others have contributed or suggested? What was someone else’s idea that you built upon? How did you help your peers? How did your peers help you?
Did you ask for feedback? What are the ideas that others have contributed or suggested? What was someone else’s idea that you built upon? How did you help your peers? How did your peers help you?
I was 3D printing a cute dinosaur, but sadly it came out with some parts loose, especially on its chin, a peer suggested that it might be because of the lack of supports added, which introduced 90 degree overhanging, causing some of the PLA to not have a stable base to print upon, This helped me not make the same mistake again in my future prints.
Overcoming Challenges
Overcoming Challenges
When you got stuck, what/who did you turn to? At what point did you have to pause to research or learn more before moving on? What are some mistakes, pitfalls, or challenges that others can avoid if they were doing this assignment?
When you got stuck, what/who did you turn to? At what point did you have to pause to research or learn more before moving on? What are some mistakes, pitfalls, or challenges that others can avoid if they were doing this assignment?
Laser cutting issue: I accidentally swapped the layers for cutting & speed cutting, causing the Initial cut to be incorrect, thankfully my Instructor caught on quickly and advised to stop, explained the issue and how to fix it by simply swapping the color of the layers, re-adjust the origin point to be under the flawed cut, and start anew.
After doing as instructed, the new cut was clean and completed successfully!
Always make sure your layers match up exactly to what you want to cut/speed cut/engrave, and ask for help if you're unsure.
Final Project
Final Project
How can you use the skills and knowledge that you've acquired this week in your final project?
How can you use the skills and knowledge that you've acquired this week in your final project?
I learnt plenty on how to use and operate (safely) the machines to 3D print and laser cut materials. As well as the necessary software like LaserCAD & UltiMaker Cura. which will certainly be helpful in creating prototypes and models for my final project
WOW!
WOW!
What is the coolest thing that you've learned this week? What is something that you will never forget from this week?
What is the coolest thing that you've learned this week? What is something that you will never forget from this week?
I've always wanted to learn how to use a 3D Printer and what the process was actually like, This week I got a chance to use both the 3D Printer & Laser cutter.
Weekly Digest [OPTIONAL]
Weekly Digest [OPTIONAL]
Tell us about any other cool things that you've made this week: in the Hands-on activity, tutorial examples, exercises, or any other cool mini-project that you tried out aside from the assignment.
Tell us about any other cool things that you've made this week: in the Hands-on activity, tutorial examples, exercises, or any other cool mini-project that you tried out aside from the assignment.
I learned how to make a Ruler! It was a great exercise to get used to the FusionCad's tools.
Assignment Design Files
Assignment Design Files
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