Week 1 - Journal

3D printing:

The idea of 3D printing a blue French horn came from one of my favorite shows, How I Met Your Mother. In the show, Ted Mosby and Robin Scherbatsky’s relationship was full of ups and downs, but the blue French horn became a symbol of their connection and Ted’s big romantic gestures.

This project is my way of celebrating their story. It reminds me of how love can be challenging but also meaningful. Working on this blue French horn made me think about how objects in stories can have special meanings that inspire us in real life.

Laser cutting: 

I have loved bicycles ever since I was young. Riding a bike has always been more than just a way to get around—it’s been a way to have fun, feel free, and stay fit. Some of my happiest memories are of cycling through quiet streets or challenging myself on uphill rides.

One of my most cherished bicycles was "Bleela," a bike that brought me so much joy and countless adventures. Unfortunately, it was stolen, leaving me with a bittersweet feeling whenever I think of it. To honor the memories I had with Bleela, I’ve decided to create a laser-cut coaster. It’s a small but meaningful tribute to a bike that was a big part of my life.

3D printing:

Software: I used Ultimaker Cura because it is a great 3D printing software; it’s user-friendly and packed with powerful features for all skill levels. Its slicing engine ensures precise and efficient prints. 

Printer: Prusa i3 Mk3/Mk3s

Material: PLA filament

Laser cutting: 

Software: I used RDworksV8 because it helps achieve clean and accurate results. Its integration with many laser cutting machines also makes it a versatile choice for different projects, from simple cuts to detailed engravings.

Material: Plywood

3D printing: 

To create the blue French horn, I started by browsing an open-source library for 3D models. After exploring various options, I found a well-designed model in the correct format (.STL) that fit the project’s needs.

Next, I prepared the 3D model for printing using slicing software. I carefully adjusted the parameters to ensure optimal results:

• Orientation: Positioned the model to minimize overhangs and achieve a smooth finish.

• Supports: Added supports only where necessary to provide stability during printing.

• Layer Height: Set to achieve a balance between detail and printing time.

• Infill: Chosen to provide enough strength without wasting material.

• Brim: Added to improve adhesion and prevent warping during the print.- then removed because the surface area of the design is fairly large. 

These settings ensured the model would print efficiently while maintaining quality and durability.

Design link

3D printing: 

To create the blue French horn, I started by browsing an open-source library for 3D models. After exploring various options, I found a well-designed model in the correct format (.STL) that fit the project’s needs.

Next, I prepared the 3D model for printing using slicing software. I carefully adjusted the parameters to ensure optimal results:

• Orientation: Positioned the model to minimize overhangs and achieve a smooth finish.

• Supports: Added supports only where necessary to provide stability during printing.

• Layer Height: Set to achieve a balance between detail and printing time.

• Infill: Chosen to provide enough strength without wasting material.

• Brim: Added to improve adhesion and prevent warping during the print.- then removed because the surface area of the design is fairly large. 

These settings ensured the model would print efficiently while maintaining quality and durability.

Design link

3D-Printed Blue French horn:
Using Ultimaker Cura, I adjusted the following settings;

• Layer height: 0.2 

• Printing temperature: 205

• Infill Density: 20

Then, I sliced my model and recorded the time and grams it needed (3 grams and 30 minutes) after that I exported it as a gcode file. 

I added the file to the SD card for the 3D printer. 

-To change the filament colour into white I followed the following steps: 

1) Chose unload filament. 

2) Chose that the current filament is PLA. 

3) Added the new filament. 

4) Made sure that the colour of the filament is the correct colour. 

-To print my file, I followed the following steps: 

1) Placed the SD card inside the machine. 

2) Chose my file from the SD card. 

3) Waited for the printer to reach 60 °C and to calibrate. 

4) Waited to the printer make the very first layer. Just to make sure that my design is placed correctly. 

It was just a matter of time before I had the French horn in my hand. 

-Support removal: 

After that I had the chance to remove the support using the needle nose plier. 

Note: I then coloured the French horn using acrylic colours to turn it into blue to make sure that it is telling the story of Ted and Robin. 

Laser cut bicycle coaster:
Using RDworks, I had already decided which areas will be scanned, cut or speed cut. 

Cut areas, had speed of: 40 and power of: 45

Speed cut areas, had speed of: 300 and power of: 10 

Scan areas, had a speed of: 300 and the power of: 30/15 

(I changed the power of the scan aiming for two different colours or shades of brown however, the colour change was insignificant) 

I turned on the laser cutter and then made sure that I inserted my plywood sheet inside of it and kept it steady using the connectors. 

I pressed "download" in RDworks and named the file "bicycle". 

I then went to the laser cutter and moved the nosle until it reached the place where the printing would start, I then pressed "origin" 

I pressed "frame" to see where the design will be placed and to make sure that it is within the plywood. 

I made sure I closed the glass door of the laser cutter and then pressed "start". 

It took 3 minutes and then the coaster was ready. 

During the development of my projects, I sought guidance from my instructor and peers. We had previously practiced creating similar models as a team, which helped build my confidence and skills. Through this teamwork, we made a few mistakes, but those experiences allowed me to learn and make improvements to my initial designs.

The amendments I made were as follows:

• Laser Cutter Settings:
  I adjusted the "power" settings while engraving with the laser cutter. This change allowed me to create different shades on the wood, giving the engravings more depth and variety in color.

• 3D-Printed Model:
  I removed some of the supports in the 3D-printed design. This adjustment ensured a smoother finish for the PLA model and reduced the need for extra post-processing.

The laser cutter and 3D printer are essential tools for my final project, which aims to create an interactive learning board for visually impaired students. Without these tools, it would be challenging to construct the precise and tactile elements that are crucial for the board's design. The laser cutter will allow me to craft intricate, raised textures for the board’s surface, while the 3D printer will help create customizable components like buttons, shapes, and textures that students can interact with. These tools will ensure the project meets the specific needs of visually impaired learners by offering a hands-on, sensory-rich experience, which would be impossible to achieve without such technology.

Observing the 3D printer working and relating it to the "slicing" feature on Ultimaker Cura.