FabLab Safety
We learnt about Fab Lab safety specifically for those Fab Labs found in SP.
Tools and Documentation
We learnt about the essential software tools for a digital fabricator and how to document our work.
| Purpose | Choice | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Text Editor | Atom | A great software for new coders + it is free |
| Graphics Editor | GIMP | A platform used by many + it is free |
| Vector Editor | Inkscape | Heard about it before thus wanted to try it out |
| Screen Capture | PicPick | Just for backup as my laptop already had one built in |
| Image Resizer | - | Have not found one of preference |
| CAD System | Fusion 360 | Pro CAD, Educational License available |
| IDE | Arduino | Standardised |
| Browser | Chrome | Most frequently used and most comfortable with |
(you can click on the title links to see more)
We learnt about Fab Lab safety specifically for those Fab Labs found in SP.
We learnt about the essential software tools for a digital fabricator and how to document our work.
We learnt some simple html and also the basics of a webpage.
We were introduced to computer graphics (eg. raster and vector) and did basic modeling using extrude in Autodesk Fusion 360.
We used more modeling functions in Fusion 360 such as revolve and sculpting. We also modelled a knight chess piece.
We learnt about preparing our designs for cutting operations by using Fusion 360 to get the vector profiles then check out DXF files in LibreCAD. We used a laptop stand to practice.
We are to design a music box made using lazer cutting, and one that is easily modified using the use of parameters.
We leant about electricity and common electrical components like switches, resistors, LEDs etc. We started working on simple circuits involving the breadboard and Arduino Uno on TinkerCAD.
We started working with the Arduino software and TinkerCAD to do start working on coded programs and circuits.
We learnt how to use the Laser cutters in the FabLabs and laser cut the music box we were told to design in week 6.
We learnt about the 3D printers in the FabLabs. The 3D printers we used were Ultimaker 2+. We printed our first piece with the model we made in week 5 - knight chess piece.
We learnt about the Digital I/O and Analog I/O and how to implement them in circuits that included push buttons and LEDs.
We learn about the different sensors and actuators that are available and how to program some of them to work.
We started working on our module project and brain storming some ideas. I then decided on what project to do and submitted an overview of what our projects would cover and what components we would need.
I started designing and creating all the components needed for my project in Fusion360. They were the housing and other smaller components needed.
I started to print and laser cut my parts that i designed. I filed down acrylic parts that didnt fit and reprinted 3D parts that didnt fit.
I started to work on the internal component - the circuit. I started to solder everything together and work on the programming of the Arduino Nano.
Putting everything together using glue and making sure that everything worked fine. Doing the documentation needed and also preparing the submission documents.
We are requireed to present our semesters work with a 1 min video and a presentation slide. And we are DONE!