MakerSpace training journey
September 18, 2022:
Online safety module
The online training modules gets us started with an introduction of all the equipment and resources available at the makerspace. There is also a debrief of how to responsibly handle the machines and tools, the materials available at the front desk and procedure to follow incase there is a safety hazard. Some of my key thoughts were:
- Back in my undergrad school, we didn’t have so much emphasis on training students on basic prototyping techniques. The Design Lab in this aspect, has made learning inclusive across all schools and levels which I really appreciate.
- Reusing scraps – so useful!
- What if materials are not available at the makerspace? Can they recommend where they’ll be available?
- Can I store my projects there as it is being developed?
Notes from the ultimaker online training portion
- Basic understanding of the mechanism of the device is necessary to start building design. Its not only “upload and print”. Setting nozzle size, print height and density plays a crucial part in getting the desired outcome within a reasonable print duration.
- Materials used with Ultimaker – PVA, PLA, TPU
- Associated software – Cura. Accepted file formats – .stl, .obj, 3mf.
- Know common troubleshooting such as remember to set z coordinate to zero.
A project idea I want to try with 3D printing:
One of the first things I want to make in the Ultimaker are small components to make a ribbed skeletal structure for soft robotics projects. Its a fascination I had for a while
Its function – being able to build any structure through assembling it like Lego pieces.
In-person training -September 26, 2022
Notes from the in-person training:
- One of the many ways the MakerSpace can help students are through various workshops and trainings geared towards earning a specific Digital Badge. I found this option to be incredibly helpful especially to enhance not only our resumes but also a student’s confidence in areas such as Design Thinking, Electronics Foundations, Rapid Prototyping and Fabrication, among many.
- I found the environment of the MakerSpace to be very friendly towards first timers who are getting into practical work. They offer mentors to guide students with their individual projects and offer consultations towards which of the resources in the space would be best suited for the work.
- Going around each of the stations in the space, I realized I could make any project (wearables, crafts, robotics etc.) within the space. It also helps that for international students like me, we can use the tools available in the space rather than having to buy them all at once.
- One of the ways we can support the MakerSpace is by tapping in every time we enter. This will help them get more funding to enhance the space with newer and better resources.
All about the UltiMaker:
The UltiMaker is one of the easiest 3D printers in the space to get started with for quick prototyping. I was able to identify which material to use for my purpose. For example, for softer build I would have to choose TPU, for more rigidity, I would pick PLA. It was also worth noting that we would have to choose the advanced 3D printers when we need a bigger bed size for printing, more than 12 hours of print time and better finishing or less noticeable difference between the layers of print. Additionally, a substitute to 3D printing can be done through milling machines which is termed subtractive manufacturing, but it can be more wasteful compared to the printers which are additive in nature.
Next, we moved onto preparing a 3D object model in CURA for printing. It was helpful to learn how to transfer the file through USB to the machine and finally start printing. Its very important to make sure the there is enough material to last throughout the print duration on the UltiMaker and supervise the first 30 minutes to make sure the printing initiated without errors.
Above, the left image is of preparing the object in CURA and the right one shows two versions of the UltiMaker 3D printer. I am excited to try out quickly prototyping the abovementioned project idea through the Ultimaker.
Finally, I was fascinated by the collection of scrap material to be reused for projects in the space that will really help students to iterate through the many (inevitable) failures that may happen during the prototyping process. I also loved hearing from the Assistant Manager, Liz, during a presentation in one of my other classes about how the Prototyping fund welcomes all ideas and projects even if they do not turn out to be successful in the end. It was personally very encouraging for me to hear since I have had many failures about seemingly sound project ideas during my time as an engineering student. I love that the MakerSpace gets students excited to try out the resources available in the space without fear of failure and has set a precedent of support and learning through curiosity.
The above images are some of the scraps left over from the UltiMaker and the Laser cutting machines.
Training on the Epilog Laser Cutters
The laser cutter training started off with the online portion that gave us a preview of the process of cutting from Illustrator to the Epilog machine. During the in-person training, I got to learn that the Epilog mini has a smaller bed size compared to the fusion, which also has the rotary function. It was also helpful to know which materials were prohibited due to the potential fire hazards and toxic fume emissions. Since PLA, PVA were listed, which are used to print with the UltiMaker, I made a note to plan prototyping sequences with these restrictions in mind.
List of prohibited materials in the laser cutter
Epilog mini with a bed size of 24″x12″
Epilog Fusion with a bed size of 40″x28″ with rotary function.
Once we got the briefing on the machines, it was time to prepare a sample file in Illustrator. We ran through line width for cutting (0.001mm), fill techniques for engraving, and what each of the selections during export will perform, especially by matching the provided guideline for each material used for cutting.
Next, we prepared the machine by sending the job file, turning the air compressor and filter on, focusing the bed position and finally selecting the right file to start the cutting process. Its important to never leave the job unattended since there is always a risk of fire, but also not to stare directly at the laser.
Matching the settings in Illustrator compatible with the material I will use.
Focusing the bed position with the material in Epilog Mini before cutting starts.
For me, the fun part was seeing all the samples from previous students and realizing the potential of creating layered 3D objects to engraved images with the laser cutter. I am especially excited to try out building a time capsule container for my Ideation and Prototyping class (which will be documented and updated by end of this week)