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Z-Suite: Import

Open Z-Suite and upload your file into the workspace:

1. Select System
On the start screen, select the model of your printer which will be used.

 

2. Upload
Use the “+” icon or the drag-and-drop option to upload a model. You may do so with models saved in an .stl or an .obj format.

 

3. OPEN
Browse to your file location, select and click OPEN.

 

4. Prepare
Your model is now within the workspace. To select the model, click the right mouse button. You can save your model at any time by clicking SAVE PROJECT.

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08, Monday

Today’s class was dedicated to Environmental Health & Safety’s: Fire Extinguisher Identification and Use Training. To retain access to the eFab Lab and the Laser Equipment, you must complete this training. If you missed today’s session, you can visit:

https://cmu.bioraft.com/node/284572/sessions/

… and sign up for the next available session. If you participate in training outside of this class-time, you must email me with the EH&S Training Certificate.

 

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05, Wednesday

In today’s class, we reviewed how to export a Rhino File for laser processing. After which, we introduced LaserCut: a Laser preparation program, that allows you to import your prepared geometry and begin designating specific elements for specific processes (cutting, engraving, scoring). The LaserCut interface is shown in the Laser Processing Introduction (Slides 15-20); but it’s more thoroughly reviewed in the LaserCut Tutorial. We also reviewed IDeATe’s Laser Equipment Policies. The end of class was more ‘Rhino play-time’, but we also began training on Laser Equipment operation/procedure. You should be thinking about Project 1, and either preparing the suggested project geometry, or developing your own project.

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Contact

Need Help? Here are (4) Solutions in order from ‘most-preferred‘  -to-  ‘please-just-help-me-I’m-freaking-out‘:

OPTION 1

1. Figure it out yourself:

FIRST, make an overly-cautious determination on your troubleshooting process.

STOP, if troubleshooting on your own involves increased potential/exposure to equipment or facility hazards. For the sake of the community, the equipment and your own personal safety- seek help via options 2, 3, or 4.

OTHERWISE, if you’re having trouble with ANY process, try figuring out the problem on your own. Are you sure your file is in the right format? Are all switches in their correct position? Is your USB Drive plugged in? This is the most valuable method to learn and retain knowledge.

BONUS POINTS given to those who inform me of their experience, and how they ‘figured it out on their own‘.

OPTION 2

2. CONSULT YOUR COMMUNITY:

FIND a friend or a colleague that is familiar and experienced with the process. Ask for their help!

NO FRIENDS? Your in college, it’s time you start meeting new people and establishing new relationships. Look around the room, introduce yourself and ask politely.

STILL having trouble finding someone? Go to IDeATe Lending (A29) and ask if they know the answer. Try and find an IDeATe Tech Advisor, they are the ones in blue shirts that say: “TECH ADVISOR”

BONUS POINTS given to those who inform me of their experience, and provide the FIRST & LAST Name of their new friend.

OPTION 3

3. schedule an appointment:

OPEN-HOURS ASSISTANCE is offered by our IDeATe Tech Advisors, Monday thru Friday from 4:30pm – 5:30pm; because your apart of the IDeATe Community, you can also ask for their help between 5:30pm – 7:30pm!

SCHEDULE an appointment with me. I’m more than happy to help you- however, casual-office-drop-in’s are difficult to accomodate. It’s best if you contact me via email, and schedule an appointment. Email: pzali@cmu.edu

BONUS POINTS given to those who schedule appointments for assistance. Must inform me of app’ts with Tech Advisors.

OPTION 4

4. ASK OUR ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

CONTACT our IDeATe Administrative Team if your issue fits one of the following criteria:

  • Equipment malfunctions, break-downs, problems
  • Card Access issues
  • Material/Equipment Requests or Suggestions
  • Spatial/Facility problems
  • Lending/Borrowing Issues
  • Material Charges, Late Fees, or IDeATe related Student HUB billing details

Email: HELP@ideate.cmu.edu

… and a member of our team will follow-up quickly!

BONUS POINTS given to those who provide valuable & constructive criticisms or feedback on how to improve the IDeATe Facilities, Equipment or Community experience.

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CheatSheet

These are the commands that we reviewed during our first (2) meeting times.

Text Command Drop Down Menu What?
Line Curve > Line > Single Line Single Segment Lines
Length Analyze > Length Length Measurments
Extend Curve > Extend Curve > Extend Curve Extend Curve
Polyline Curve > Polyline > Polyline Polylines
Hide/Show Edit > Visibility > Hide/Show
Rectangle Curve > Rectangle > Corner to Corner Rectangles and Squares
Lock/Unlock Edit > Visibility > Locking
Polygon Curve > Polygon > Center, Radius Polygons
Circle Curve > Circle Circle
Ellipse Curve > Ellipse Ellipse
Offset Curve > Offset > Offset Curves Offset
Distance Analyze > Distance Measuring Distances
Fillet Curve > Fillet Curves Fillet
FilletCorners Curve > Fillet Corners Fillet Corners
Chamfer Curve > Chamfer Curves Chamfer Curves
Explode Edit > Explode Explode
PointsOn/PointsOff Edit > Control Points > Control Points on/off
Move Transform > Move Move
Sel(variable) None > None Selection
Group/Ungroup Edit > Groups > Grouping
What Geometry Definition
Join Edit > Join Join
CloseCrv Curve > Curve Edit Tools > Close Curve Close Curve
Trim Edit > Trim Trim
Split Edit > Split Split
Scale Transform > Scale > Scale 3-D scale
Copy Transform > Copy Copy
Mirror Transform > Mirror mirror
Curve Curve > Freeform > Control Points Control Point Curve
InterpCrv Curve > Freeform > Interpolate Points Interpolate Curve
Arc Curve > Arc Arcs
Rotate Transform > Rotate Rotate
Point/Points Curve > Point Object Points
Text Dimension > Text Block Text
Dim Dimension > Linear Dimension dimension
Hatch Dimension > Hatch Hatch