Week  1- Journal

This week, I’m working on wooden earrings and a small vase 3D printed in red PLA filament. I wanted to create something simple, useful, and unique. The idea just came to me I love combining creativity with things people can actually use. we should follow the criteria like choosing and adjusting the 3D design to be less than 90 min including supports and everything after downloading the file form open source and saved as a STL format .For  the laser cut we need to find the file from open source and saved as a DXF format.  

Here is an example of the design source for the earrings:

Free Laser Cut Earring Templates (DXF Files) for DIY Jewelry - TemplatesArea 

And here’s the source for the vase design:

Free STL file AC-FREE-VASE-001 🌺 ・3D printable model to download・Cults 

Laser Cutting for Wooden Earrings

• Software Used: RD Works 

• Machine Used: A laser cutter 

• Materials Used:

  • 3mm Wooden Sheets

3D Printing for the Decorative Vase

• Software Used: Cura

• Machine Used: A 3D printer (Prusa i3 Mk3/Mk3s) 

• Materials Used:

  • PLA Filament: Red PLA 

Design and Preparation Process for the Assignment

3D Printing Process

1. Exploring Open-Source Designs:
   I searched Google for open-source 3D models and selected a vase design from Cults3D.com, ensuring it was in .STL format, compatible with 3D printing software.

   • Source of STL File: Cults3D

   • SLT File: please click HERE 

2. Model Preparation:
   After downloading the STL file, I imported it into Cura for slicing. Adjustments made included:

   • Layer Height: Set to 2mm (standard).

   • Infill: Grid

   • Time: 1:30 min

   • PLA: 19 gm

   • Prim: Not needed

   • Raft: Not needed

   • Supports: Not needed, as the design could be printed without overhang issues.

3. Printing Setup:
   I exported the sliced file as G-code and transferred it to an SD card. Using a red PLA filament, I loaded the file into the 3D printer. The print took 1 hour and 30 minutes, consuming 19 grams of PLA filament.

Laser Cutting Process

1. Exploring Open-Source Designs:
   For the laser-cut wooden earrings, I found a design on TemplatesArea.com, ensuring it was in .DXF format, suitable for laser cutting.

   • Source of DXF File: TemplatesArea

   • DXF File: please click HERE.

2. Model Preparation:
   I transferred the DXF file to a USB flash drive and imported it into the laser cutting software at the Fablab PC. Adjustments made included:

   • Duplication: I duplicated the design to create multiple earrings.

   • Resizing: Adjusted the dimensions for a perfect fit.

   • Laser Settings: Set the speed to 40 and power to 45 to cut through the 3mm wooden sheet effectively.

3. Cutting Process:
   After placing the 3mm wooden sheet in the laser cutter, I fixed it with clips and adjusted the origin point. I checked the frame to ensure the cutting path was correct. After confirming that the vacuum system was operational, I started the cutting process and filmed the operation.

4. Time : 1 min

   • Post-Cutting:

     • Removed the clips and returned them to their place.

     • Retrieved the finished earrings, closed the vacuum, and shut the laser cutter door.

Development/Implementation Process of the Assignment

3D Printing Process

You can enjoy the process by clicking HERE.

1. Machine Setup:
   I transferred the prepared G-code file to an SD card and inserted it into the 3D printer. Using a red PLA filament, I ensured the filament was properly loaded and the nozzle.

2. Printing Execution:
   After selecting the file on the printer’s interface, the machine began printing the vase.

   • Settings Applied:

     • Layer Height: 2mm (standard).

     • Infill: Grid

     • Supports: Not needed.

     • Raft: Not Needed

     • Prim: Not Needed

3. The printer completed the vase in 1 hour and 30 minutes, consuming 19 grams of PLA filament. The print quality was smooth, and the final product matched the digital model precisely.
   After the printing process was complete, I carefully removed the vase from the print bed to avoid damage. No further cleanup was necessary due to the high-quality finish achieved during fabrication.

Laser Cutting Process

You can enjoy the process by clicking HERE.

1. Machine Setup:
   I uploaded the DXF file from my flash drive to the Fablab PC connected to the laser cutter. After confirming the design, I:

   • Adjusted the speed to 40 and power to 45 to suit the 3mm wooden sheet.

   • Fixed the wooden sheet on the cutting bed using clips to ensure stability.

2. Cutting Execution:
   I adjusted the origin point on the machine and verified the frame to confirm the cutting path was accurate. The vacuum system was turned on to maintain safety and cleanliness during the process.

   • The laser cutter executed the cuts and engravings smoothly, completing the earring designs with precision.

After the cutting process was finished, I:

2. • Removed the wooden sheet and the clips.

   • Closed the machine door and turned off the vacuum system.

I asked the specialist for help whenever I had a problem, and she was very helpful. After finishing my 3D print, or actually, while it was still printing, I discovered that the vase had an infill inside it, which caused it to turn from a vase into a statue. The specialist explained that I needed to change an option before printing, which is why it didn’t turn out as a vase, as I had originally intended. 

This week’s skills directly support my Grap Crap project. I’ve learned to efficiently select and prepare open-source designs in STL and DXF formats, optimizing them for 3D printing and laser cutting. Mastering Cura slicing and laser cutter settings ensures precise fabrication of components like the robot's frame and parts.

Additionally, I improved in material and time management, calculating PLA usage and cutting parameters, which will help me stay within budget and meet deadlines. Peer feedback taught me to refine designs and workflows, ensuring better results. These skills will enhance the technical and operational aspects of my final project.

The coolest thing I learned this week was how to seamlessly combine laser cutting and 3D printing to bring digital designs to life. It was fascinating to see how precise settings in Cura and the laser cutter could transform open-source designs into real objects with perfect accuracy.

Something I’ll never forget is the moment I held the finished wooden earrings and 3D-printed vase, realizing how powerful these tools are for turning creative ideas into tangible products.

Visiting Jet Solar factory and learn more about sustainability.