Week # 1- Journal

I will design a mandala coaster using Laser cutter machine
I love drawing mandalas, that's why i chose this project
I thought about doing it from inside using engrave tool then color it like in the picture.

Link to my idea:
https://3axis.co/laser-cut-wooden-mandala-decor-dxf-file/yon0vqk7/

I will design Tortoise key chain and mobile stand using 3D printer machine. I chose this idea as i love animals and i need a stand to my mobile :)

Link to my idea
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2236323

I will use El Malky ML64 CO2 laser cutter in designing my mandala coaster, because this project is 2D and is made of wood.
The Mandala design will be drawn using cut and and engrave tools that are included in the laser cutter machine. Plywood with 3mm thickness will be a good choice for my design.

I will use LaserCad software in my designing as it's used for designing and doing adjustments of .dxf extension files for the purpose of Laser Cutting 

I will use Creality Ender 3 3D Printer in designing my tortoise keychain, as this design is 3D and is made of PLA material.

I will use Ultimaker Cura software in my designing as it's used for designing and doing adjustments of .stl extension files for the purpose of 3D printing.

First, I downloaded *.dxf file from an open source (3axis.co) then i opened it using lasercad software

Second, I selected all the picture and moved it to the top left corner.
Then i chose the black color for the borders and cut mode to cut the outer border of the coaster.

Next,  i chose the red color for the inner design, i want to grave it,  so i chose engrave mode and adjusted the parameters.

Laser cutter Parameters:
cut: power 65, speed 10
Engrave: power 40, speed 200

Finally to save the file, i pressed file -- export -- *.dxf file, then i saved it on my flash memory.. now it's ready for fabrication 

First, I downloaded *.stl file from an open source CAD library (thingiverse) then i opened it using ultimatecura software, i chose the printer type (creality ender 3/ ender 3v2), material PLA, 

Second, I adjusted the picture so that the maximum area will touch the bed. Then i chose the parameters for default (layer height) to be 0.2 and the infill to be 20

Third,  I won't need support and adhesion for my design as the shape is supported and a large part is touching the floor.

Then, i pressed slicing, the time is 54 minutes, weight is 6 gm

Finally to save the file, i pressed save to disk -- *.gcode file, then i saved it on my flash memory.. now it's ready for fabrication 

First, I sent the file .dxf to the laser cutter machine memory card
Second, i adjusted the box of my cutting work and made it on the top left to prevent wasting of wood and made sure that the cutting wont get outside the wood, and adjusted the origin

Then i closed the laser door and started my cutting

First, I sent the file .stl to the 3D printer memory card, chose my file and pressed start
Second, i cleaned the bed, waited for the nozzle to be heated

Then i started my printing

I checked the file with the operator

he also helped me to adjust the origin and the box of cutting

he told me to check laser assist button to cool the compressor and preven smoke from laser lens

the result was good alhamdulelah

As for 3D printing, he adjusted the distance between the bed and nozzle before printing

after printing, he told me to wait until the temp. go down to 30 degrees before taking the model.

Now i learnt how to adjust files and implement designs using laser cutter and 3D printers and i will use this in my final project.

I will  design the candy box by laser cutter and the candy jar by 3D printing

i enjoyed learning and applying on laser cutter and 3D printing. thank you.

I will start working on "style your trash" project with students next week, so i'm searching for ideas.

Students will design a prototype using at least 80% recycled materials.