62-478 Spring 2017
In today’s class, we continued our discussion on 3D Modeling for 3D Printing. Specifically, we revisted: What defines a Surface; What defines a Solid; How to pull Curves from Surfaces; and How to create surfaces from curves.
We also introduced some Rhino Solid operations. After which, we explained how to export 3D Geometry as a Stereolithography [.stl] File Type. Lastly, we introduced the Zortrax M200 3D Printer and the Zortrax Z-Suite.
In today’s class, we introduced 3D Printing Technologies and Processes. After the presentation, we began introducing and discussing 3D Modeling in Rhinoceros 3D. Specifically, we discussed: What defines a Surface; What defines a Solid; How to pull Curves from Surfaces; and How to create surfaces from curves.
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.
In today’s class, we finished our discussion on common Rhino Commands. We also introduced Laser Processing & Equipment (Slides 1-14). Lastly, we discussed File Preparation & Geometry requirements for Laser Scoring, Cutting, and Engraving. The final 30 minutes of class was dedicated to ‘playing’ in Rhino. We also introduced Project 1.
Need Help? Here are (4) Solutions in order from ‘most-preferred‘ -to- ‘please-just-help-me-I’m-freaking-out‘:
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‘.
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.
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.
CONTACT our IDeATe Administrative Team if your issue fits one of the following criteria:
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.
In today’s class, we continued our discussion on the most common Editing, Analysis, and 2D Modeling Commands. It’s helpful for you to begin understanding decimal conversions for Standard and Metric measurements. As an additional resource, here are the commands that we went over during class.
In today’s class, we provided instructions on how to log into the Macbook Laptops. We continued by introducing the Rhinoceros 3D Modeling Interface, and ended by introducing the most common Editing, Analysis, and 2D Modeling Commands. It’s helpful for you to begin understanding decimal conversions for Standard and Metric measurements.
In today’s class, we reviewed the Syllabus and introduced the IDeATe Facilities & Resources. If you missed class, you should schedule a 30 minute meeting with me to review.
Course: Digital Tooling [DigiTool]
Course #: 62-478
Course Time: 12:30pm – 1:50pm
Days: Monday, Wednesday
Instructor: P. Zach Ali
Contact: pzali@cmu.edu
Location: IDeATe@Hunt Library, Fabrication Lab [A5]
Provide an applied overview on various methods of Fabrication within the Digital Realm. Create a fundamental understanding of available fabrication technologies and techniques. Expand on safety and efficiency of relative workflows.
Students enrolled in this course will:
1. Utilize Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CAD) Software Environments (Rhinoceros3D) to develop 2D and 3D Geometry
2. Successfully prepare CAD Files for Computer Aided Machining (CAM) Application Environments
3. Develop advanced understanding of safe and efficient work methods
Topics covered in class:
1. [CADD Environment] Fundamental Commands + Operation, Technique, 2D Curve + Line Geometry, 3D Surface + Solid Geometry
2. [Laser Processing] File Preparation/Development for Laser Cutting and Engraving; Safe and Efficient Work Methods for CO2 Laser Equipment
3. [3D Printing] File Preparation/Development for 3D Printing, successful production, and various work methods on varying 3D Printing Technologies (FDM, SLA)
4. [CNC Routing/Milling] File Preparation/Development for Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) Milling Equipment; Safe and Efficient Work Methods for 3-Axis Equipment; Post Processing Techniques
The Course begins by introducing all Users to the Facility and various work-flows.
Digital Fabrication relies on Digital Development- within the second week, students begin to work in a CAD Environment. From this stage, we transition into development of 2D Geometry, and use this information to prepare files for Laser Cutting /Engraving.
Moving forward, we introduce 3D Geometry creation, development & editing. This information not only influences proper modeling techniques, but also applies to 3D Printing. 3D Printing processing environments are discussed, and Users will 3D Print various forms using (3) different 3D Printers.
With continued 3D Modeling Experience within a CAD Environment, we begin to cover Computer Aided Machining Environments. Specifically, File Preparation Techniques for successful Processing on a 3-Axis CNC Router.
Equipment training will cover Policy, Procedure, and Safety. All Users will be expected to exhibit proper Equipment Utilization under Supervision before they are approved for continued access.
Course Instruction follows a specific outline to maximize Student progress. All topics are Introduced, Discussed, Assigned, Assisted, then Reviewed. During Introduction Phases, specific and similar processes and technologies are introduced. Discussion begins to elaborate on the specific process and technology relative to the IDeATe Facilities and capabilities. Discussion includes Policy, Procedure, and Safety Instructions. After Discussion, a small Project is Assigned. Between the Assignment Date and Checkpoint Date, the Student may schedule one-on-one Assistance with the Instructor, on an as needed basis. We end our training with the Review Phase, during which, the Instructor reviews the Project in entirety, and offers solutions, comments, or advice to improve technique for future use.
[Attendance] Attendance and on-time arrival is critical, and also accounts for 28.5% of your Grade.
[Distractions] User of Cell Phones, pagers, and all other communication devices is prohibited during class time.
[Assignments] All assignments are due by the end of the course. Assignments are not solely graded on successful, final products. Instead, they are graded on your ability to process and incorporate class-time instruction. Your ‘Understanding’ of Course Content is essential for success within any Field.
[Holidays/Sickness/Emergencies] Please notify me as soon as possible, if you are going to miss a class due to Religious Holiday, Sickness, or Emergency. I require a Doctor’s Excuse for Sick Days. I will provide assistance with missed instruction dates to any Student whom has notified me in timely manner. I do not recognize Field Trips as acceptable excuses.
[Disabilities] Students with disabilities should contact me immediately to privately discuss academic accommodations. Please be prepared to provide the University Accommodation Letter.
[Expenses] Previously, IDeATe Courses charged a Course Fee. The Course Fee Policy/Structure, has been eliminated. Students will not be charged for taking this course. There are, however, Consumable Charges that are affiliated with Course Projects. This course, involves (2) Projects, and the estimated costs for these projects will range between $34.00-$48.00.
[Policy] The Equipment within the IDeATe Facilities features unique Policy per specific Process. It is important that all Users follow Equipment specific Policy and Procedure at ALL TIMES. Encouraging this culture is essential within this environment.
30% [Attendance & Participation] : Attendance to Class Sessions, and Open Lab Days. Demonstrates a will to learn the process.
47% [Laser Processing] : Demonstrate a full understanding of the Process, from Concept to Operation.
i. File Preparation : 2D Lines & Curves, Common Commands, File Setup in Rhinoceros 3D.
ii. Understanding : File Transfer, Preparation, and Submission through LaserCut.
iii. Operation : Equipment Operation, Policy, Safety, and Procedural Requirements.
iv. Documentation : Documenting the Success or Failure of the Project.
23% [3D Printing] :Demonstrate a full understanding of 3D Printing Processes.
i. File Preparation : Working with Curves to create Surfaces, Surfaces to Create Solids, and Mesh Verification in Rhinoceros 3D.
ii. Understanding : File Transfer, Processing in secondary application, Printing.
iii. Documentation : Documenting the Success or Failure of the Project.
23% [CNC Routing] : *Optional – Class time attendance is not required. Project is not required. Participation in training will accrue bonus points.
i. File Preparation : Creating/Using correct geometry for CNC Routing purposes.
ii. Understanding : When to use 2-Axis vs. 3-Axis Operations, Programming Machining Operations, Post Processing, Tool Libraries, Operation of Equipment.
iii. Documentation : Documenting the success or failure of the project.