I'll help you create new pages for week 0 and week 1, and update the index.html to link to both. Let me first examine the current index.html to understand the structure and see where the week 1 link is located.

Now I can see the structure. I need to create a todo list to track the tasks, then create the week 0 and week 1 pages, and update the index.html to include a link for week 0. I can see that week 1 is already linked in the weekly documentation section (line 104-107), but there's no week 0.

Let me start by creating the week 0 page. I'll base it on the styling and structure from the index.html file.

  
  
  
  
  


  

    

      ← Back to Home
    


      

        
      
      

        
Week 0
        
Course Introduction & Setup · HTMAA 2025
      
      
    


      

        
Course Introduction
        
Welcome to How to Make (Almost) Anything! This week focuses on course orientation, safety training, and setting up the foundation for the semester ahead.
        

          📚 Course orientation
          🛡️ Safety training
          ⚙️ Tool setup
          📋 Documentation
        
      
      

        
This Week's Goals
        

          

            Complete safety training

            Shop orientation, machine checkouts, PPE requirements
          
          

            Set up documentation workflow

            Git repo, web hosting, weekly documentation structure
          
          

            Explore the lab space

            Familiarize with tools, materials, and workflow
          
        
      
    


      

        
Assignments
        

          

            Course agreement

            Review and sign the course agreement
          
          

            Safety training

            Complete all required safety modules
          
          

            Documentation setup

            Create personal documentation site
          
          

            Final project proposal

            Initial ideas and research direction
          
        
      


        
Resources
        

          

            Course website — MAS.863
          
          

            Lab location — EDS 38‑501
          
          

            Safety protocols — Machine checkouts, PPE requirements
          
          

            Documentation examples — Past student projects for reference
          
        
      
    


      
Reflections & Notes
      
This section will be updated throughout the week with thoughts, learnings, and progress updates.
      

        
Notes will be added here as the week progresses...
      
    


  

Now let me create the week 1 page:

  
  
  
  
  


  

    

      ← Back to Home
    


      

        
      
      

        
Week 1
        
Principles & Cutting · HTMAA 2025
      
      
    


      

        
CAD/CAM, Laser, Vinyl
        
This week focuses on the fundamentals of digital fabrication: computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), laser cutting, and vinyl cutting. We'll learn the complete workflow from design to finished parts.
        

          🎨 CAD design
          ⚡ Laser cutting
          📄 Vinyl cutting
          🔧 CAM toolpaths
        
      
      

        
This Week's Goals
        

          

            Master CAD fundamentals

            Parametric design, constraints, and best practices
          
          

            Laser cutting workflow

            Design → CAM → cut → test → iterate
          
          

            Vinyl cutting techniques

            Vector graphics, weeding, application
          
        
      
    


      

        
Assignments
        

          

            Parametric construction kit

            Design and fabricate a modular construction kit
          
          

            Vinyl cutting project

            Create a vinyl sticker or decal
          
          

            Documentation

            Document the complete design and fabrication process
          
          

            Safety training

            Complete laser cutter and vinyl cutter training
          
        
      


        
Tools & Materials
        

          

            CAD software — Fusion 360, Onshape, or similar
          
          

            Laser cutter — Epilog or similar CO2 laser
          
          

            Vinyl cutter — Roland or similar plotter
          
          

            Materials — Cardboard, acrylic, vinyl sheets
          
        
      
    


      
Project Gallery
      
Photos and documentation from this week's work.
      

        
        
      
    


      
Process Documentation
      
Step-by-step documentation of the design and fabrication process.
      

        
Design Process
        

          
Research and ideation for construction kit design
          
Create parametric CAD model with adjustable parameters
          
Generate CAM toolpaths for laser cutting
          
Test cut on cardboard to verify fit and function
          
Iterate design based on test results
          
Final cut on appropriate material
        
      
    


      
Reflections & Learnings
      
Key insights and challenges encountered during this week.
      

        
Reflections will be added here as the week progresses...
      
    


  

Now I need to update the index.html file to add a week 0 link and update the existing week links to point to the actual HTML files. Let me update the weekly documentation section:

  
  
  
  
  


  

    

      

        
      
      

        
Saleem A. Al Dajani
        
MIT CEE PhD @ AbuGoot and Gladyshev Labs 
 
        HTMAA 2025 · Making + AI for Aging & Longevity
      
      
    


      

        
Welcome
        
This is my home base for How to Make (Almost) Anything. I’m documenting weekly assignments, fabrication experiments, and a final project that bridges making with aging & health analytics.
        

          🛠️ Digital fabrication
          🧬 Bioprinting
          📈 Sensing & ML
          🎛️ Embedded systems
        
        

          Start with Week 1 →
          Explore projects
        
      
      

        
Now
        

          

            Final project directions

            (A) Bioprinting rejuvenated tissue to measure function/compatibility. (B) A multimodal aging biomarker device (face, voice, ECG/HR/SpO₂/VO₂ max; possibly EEG/fNIRS).
          
          

            Focus this week

            Set up documentation workflow, safety training, shop access, and first toolchain tests (CAD → CAM → cut/print).
          
          

            Local time

            Loading…
          
        
      
    


      

        
Weekly Documentation
        
          
Week 00 · Course introduction
          Setup, safety, orientation
        
        
          
Week 01 · Principles & cutting
          CAD/CAM, laser, vinyl
        
        
          
Week 02 · Electronics production
          PCB milling, soldering
        
        
          
Week 03 · Embedded programming
          MCUs, toolchains
        
        
          
Week 04 · 3D printing & scanning
          Meshes, tolerances
        
        
          
Week 05 · Molding & casting
          Elastomers, resins
        
        
          
Week 06 · Electronics design
          KiCad, EDA
        
        
          
Week 07 · Inputs
          Sensors & signals
        
        
          
Week 08 · Outputs
          Actuators, drivers
        
        
          
Week 09 · Networking
          BLE/Wi‑Fi, protocols
        
        
          
Week 10 · Machine Design
          Mechanisms, teams
        
        
          
Week 11 · Wildcard
          Special processes
        
        
          
Week 12–13 · Final project
          Integrate & demo
        
      


        
Lab Links & Logistics
        

          

            Class site — MAS.863
          
          

            Home base — EDS 38‑501 (hours: Sun 1p–12a; Mon–Thu 9a–12a; Fri 9a–5p)
          
          

            Safety & training — machine checkouts, PPE, material inventory
          
          

            Workflow — design (CAD) → toolpaths (CAM) → fabricate → test → iterate → document
          
        
      
    


      

        
Bioprinting Rejuvenated Tissue
        
Print muscle‑like constructs, benchmark mechanical properties, and study compatibility (old↔young cell mixes). Outputs: jigs, perfusion, test rig, imaging + data.
        

          molding & casting
          micro‑fluidics
          mechanical tests
        
      
      

        
Aging Biomarker Device
        
Collect face + voice + vitals (ECG/HR/SpO₂/VO₂max; maybe EEG/fNIRS) for edge inference + on‑device logging. Emphasis on open, reproducible sensing.
        

          embedded
          signal processing
          privacy‑aware ML
        
      
      

        
Toolchain Starter Kit
        
Minimal templates for week docs (Markdown → HTML), BOM tables, parametric CAD files, and reproducible build recipes.
        

          templates
          BOM
          parametric CAD
        
      
    


      

        
Scratchpad
        

          
Design doc: problem → constraints → experiments → results → risks → next steps.
          
Document failures first; post photos, tool settings, and source files weekly.
          
Target 1 new process/week (laser, PCB mill, composites, etc.).
        
      
      

        
Checklists
        

          
✔️ Git repo + web hosting set up
          
⬜ Shop safety & machine training
          
⬜ BOM tracker + suppliers
          
⬜ Sensor test harness (ECG/PPG)
        
      
    


      
Reading & Inspiration
      
Fabrication, sensing, and health tech; plus a few works‑in‑progress from my broader research.
      

        
HTMAA Archive — past projects & processes for reference.
        
OpenAI × Retro — lab/AI synergy inspiration.
        
Trackio — simple experiment tracking (WIP).
      
    


      
Contact
      
sdajani [at] mit.edu · Google Scholar
    


      
Bio
      
I am a PhD student in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), with joint affiliations at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH, part of Mass General Brigham) and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC, part of Beth Israel Lahey Health) at Harvard Medical School (HMS), where I am a member of the Abudayyeh-Gootenberg Lab and the Gladyshev Lab. I am also affiliated with the Mesoscale Nuclear Materials (MNM) Group in the Short Lab within the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT. My research integrates the mechanics of materials under extreme conditions with machine learning to advance health, aging, and longevity science. I am committed to developing rigorous research skills, effective scientific communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration at the interface of science, engineering, and artificial intelligence.
    


      
Ethical AI Usage 
      
Session transcripts where ChatGPT helped refine designs, code, and plans for this course. Dropping links under each week for now, we'll see how categorization evolves! 
      

        

          
Week 1 
          
 
            
Drafting email for registration approval  — 09/07/25 
            
HTMAA homepage structure & styling — 09/10/25 
            
Final project idea brainstorming  — 09/09/25 
            
Final project research alignment with advisor  — 09/07/25 
            
Adding and signing course areement to my class repo  — 09/11/25 
          
        
        

          
Week 2 
      
Documenting any use of AI for parametric construction kit assignment here! 
          

            
None yet  — DD/MM/YY 
          
        
      
    


  

Perfect! I've successfully completed all the tasks. Let me check for any linting errors in the files I created and modified:

Excellent! I've successfully completed your request. Here's what I've accomplished:

✅ Tasks Completed

1. Created week0.html - A dedicated page for Week 0 with: - Course introduction and setup content - Consistent styling matching your index.html - Navigation links to other pages - Sections for assignments, resources, and reflections

2. Created week1.html - A dedicated page for Week 1 with: - Principles & cutting content (CAD/CAM, laser, vinyl) - Project gallery section that references your existing training images - Process documentation structure - Consistent styling and navigation

3. Updated index.html - Added the Week 0 link to the weekly documentation section: - Added "Week 00 · Course introduction" with description "Setup, safety, orientation" - Updated Week 1 link to point to week1.html instead of the anchor - Both weeks now link to their respective HTML files

🎯 Key Features

The pages are now ready to use! You can navigate between them using the links in the weekly documentation section of your index page, and each week page has its own content structure that you can customize as needed.

I'll add the mirror images from the week0 folder to the week0 page as a final project sketch section. Let me first check what images are available in the week0 folder and then update the page.

Perfect! I can see there are two mirror images. Now I'll update the week0.html page to include a final project sketch section with these images.

  
  
  
  
  


  

    

      ← Back to Home
    


      

        
      
      

        
Week 0
        
Course Introduction & Setup · HTMAA 2025
      
      
    


      

        
Course Introduction
        
Welcome to How to Make (Almost) Anything! This week focuses on course orientation, safety training, and setting up the foundation for the semester ahead.
        

          📚 Course orientation
          🛡️ Safety training
          ⚙️ Tool setup
          📋 Documentation
        
      
      

        
This Week's Goals
        

          

            Complete safety training

            Shop orientation, machine checkouts, PPE requirements
          
          

            Set up documentation workflow

            Git repo, web hosting, weekly documentation structure
          
          

            Explore the lab space

            Familiarize with tools, materials, and workflow
          
        
      
    


      

        
Assignments
        

          

            Course agreement

            Review and sign the course agreement
          
          

            Safety training

            Complete all required safety modules
          
          

            Documentation setup

            Create personal documentation site
          
          

            Final project proposal

            Initial ideas and research direction
          
        
      


        
Resources
        

          

            Course website — MAS.863
          
          

            Lab location — EDS 38‑501
          
          

            Safety protocols — Machine checkouts, PPE requirements
          
          

            Documentation examples — Past student projects for reference
          
        
      
    


      
Final Project Sketch
      
Initial concept sketches for the final project - exploring ideas for bioprinting rejuvenated tissue and aging biomarker devices.
      

        
        
      
    


      
Reflections & Notes
      
This section will be updated throughout the week with thoughts, learnings, and progress updates.
      

        
Notes will be added here as the week progresses...
      
    


  

I need to add the CSS for the image gallery to the week0.html page since it's not currently defined. Let me add that:

  
  
  
  
  


  

    

      ← Back to Home
    


      

        
      
      

        
Week 0
        
Course Introduction & Setup · HTMAA 2025
      
      
    


      

        
Course Introduction
        
Welcome to How to Make (Almost) Anything! This week focuses on course orientation, safety training, and setting up the foundation for the semester ahead.
        

          📚 Course orientation
          🛡️ Safety training
          ⚙️ Tool setup
          📋 Documentation
        
      
      

        
This Week's Goals
        

          

            Complete safety training

            Shop orientation, machine checkouts, PPE requirements
          
          

            Set up documentation workflow

            Git repo, web hosting, weekly documentation structure
          
          

            Explore the lab space

            Familiarize with tools, materials, and workflow
          
        
      
    


      

        
Assignments
        

          

            Course agreement

            Review and sign the course agreement
          
          

            Safety training

            Complete all required safety modules
          
          

            Documentation setup

            Create personal documentation site
          
          

            Final project proposal

            Initial ideas and research direction
          
        
      


        
Resources
        

          

            Course website — MAS.863
          
          

            Lab location — EDS 38‑501
          
          

            Safety protocols — Machine checkouts, PPE requirements
          
          

            Documentation examples — Past student projects for reference
          
        
      
    


      
Final Project Sketch
      
Initial concept sketches for the final project - exploring ideas for bioprinting rejuvenated tissue and aging biomarker devices.
      

        
        
      
    


      
Reflections & Notes
      
This section will be updated throughout the week with thoughts, learnings, and progress updates.
      

        
Notes will be added here as the week progresses...
      
    


  

Now let me check for any linting errors:

Perfect! I've successfully added the mirror images from the week0 folder to the week0 page. Here's what I've done:

✅ Changes Made

1. Added Final Project Sketch Section - Created a new section in week0.html that displays the mirror images as initial concept sketches for your final project

2. Added Image Gallery CSS - Included the necessary CSS styling for the image gallery to ensure the images display properly with: - Responsive grid layout that adapts to different screen sizes - Rounded corners and borders matching your design theme - Proper spacing and alignment

3. Image Integration - Added both mirror1.png and mirror2.png from the week0 folder with descriptive alt text

The images are now displayed in a clean, responsive gallery format that fits well with your existing design. The section is positioned before the "Reflections & Notes" section, making it a prominent part of your week 0 documentation where you can showcase your initial final project concepts.

I'll add a comprehensive training section to week1.html with all the training images and videos, and organize your notes into a clear, structured format. Let me first check what training media files are available and then update the page.

Perfect! Now I'll add a comprehensive training section to week1.html with all the media files and your refined notes organized by tool.

  
  
  
  
  


  

    

      ← Back to Home
    


      

        
      
      

        
Week 1
        
Principles & Cutting · HTMAA 2025
      
      
    


      

        
CAD/CAM, Laser, Vinyl
        
This week focuses on the fundamentals of digital fabrication: computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), laser cutting, and vinyl cutting. We'll learn the complete workflow from design to finished parts.
        

          🎨 CAD design
          ⚡ Laser cutting
          📄 Vinyl cutting
          🔧 CAM toolpaths
        
      
      

        
This Week's Goals
        

          

            Master CAD fundamentals

            Parametric design, constraints, and best practices
          
          

            Laser cutting workflow

            Design → CAM → cut → test → iterate
          
          

            Vinyl cutting techniques

            Vector graphics, weeding, application
          
        
      
    


      

        
Assignments
        

          

            Parametric construction kit

            Design and fabricate a modular construction kit
          
          

            Vinyl cutting project

            Create a vinyl sticker or decal
          
          

            Documentation

            Document the complete design and fabrication process
          
          

            Safety training

            Complete laser cutter and vinyl cutter training
          
        
      


        
Tools & Materials
        

          

            CAD software — Fusion 360, Onshape, or similar
          
          

            Laser cutter — Epilog or similar CO2 laser
          
          

            Vinyl cutter — Roland or similar plotter
          
          

            Materials — Cardboard, acrylic, vinyl sheets
          
        
      
    


      
Training Documentation
      
Comprehensive training notes and media from laser cutter and vinyl cutter sessions.


        
Laser Cutter Training


          
        


          
Focusing Process
          
          

            
Focus view follows the laser beam
            
Use zoom in/zoom out to get better view
            
Press Z, the number with checkmark shows how much to move
            
Use focusing stick until it just hits the edge of the material
            
Bed moves during focusing process
          
        


          
Cutting Process
          
          

            
Control P to print, use max power with fast speed
            
Go to universal program for cutting
            
Turn on power for air compressor
            
Press green button to start cutting
          
        
      


        
Vinyl Cutter Training


          
        


          
Software Setup
          

            
Use Chrome browser
            
Go to modsproject.org
            
Select Program → Open Program
            
Choose Roland vinyl cutter: cut program
            
Load image (SVG or PNG format)
            
Change dimensions with DPI settings
            
For PNG: be careful with curves as it changes pixels
            
Can invert to change where black areas are cut
            
Set origin (defaults are usually fine)
            
Blue lines = cut, red lines = rapids (knife lifts up)
          
        


          
Machine Setup
          
          

            
Lever sets tension on drive wheels
            
Clamp down at the end
            
Wheel needs to be in white sections
            
Press power (if just turned on)
            
Select sheet and press enter
            
Use arrow keys to move around
            
Hold origin for new origin point
          
        


          
Connection & Starting
          
          
          

            
Get device and connect properly
            
Can change cut force but probably not necessary
            
Send file to cutter
          
        


          
Weeding Process
          
          

            
Weed early - pick out pieces you don't want
            
Fold vinyl over itself, don't go straight up
            
Use tweezers for precision
            
Use transfer paper to lay front of vinyl on transfer paper
            
Peel backing of vinyl off carefully
            
Don't just plop things down to avoid air bubbles
            
Use squeegee as you lay down to prevent air bubbles
            
Consider sticker vs stencil applications
          
        
      
    


      
Process Documentation
      
Step-by-step documentation of the design and fabrication process.
      

        
Design Process
        

          
Research and ideation for construction kit design
          
Create parametric CAD model with adjustable parameters
          
Generate CAM toolpaths for laser cutting
          
Test cut on cardboard to verify fit and function
          
Iterate design based on test results
          
Final cut on appropriate material
        
      
    


      
Reflections & Learnings
      
Key insights and challenges encountered during this week.
      

        
Reflections will be added here as the week progresses...
      
    


  

Let me check for any linting errors:

Perfect! I've successfully added a comprehensive training section to week1.html with all the training media and your refined notes. Here's what I've accomplished:

✅ Training Section Added

Laser Cutter Training

Vinyl Cutter Training

🎯 Key Features

The training section now serves as a comprehensive reference guide that you can use throughout the course, with both visual demonstrations (videos) and detailed written instructions for each step of the laser cutting and vinyl cutting processes.

I'll add a refined laser cutter characterization group assignment section to the week1.html page with your notes organized into a clear, structured format.

  
  
  
  
  


  

    

      ← Back to Home
    


      

        
      
      

        
Week 1
        
Principles & Cutting · HTMAA 2025
      
      
    


      

        
CAD/CAM, Laser, Vinyl
        
This week focuses on the fundamentals of digital fabrication: computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), laser cutting, and vinyl cutting. We'll learn the complete workflow from design to finished parts.
        

          🎨 CAD design
          ⚡ Laser cutting
          📄 Vinyl cutting
          🔧 CAM toolpaths
        
      
      

        
This Week's Goals
        

          

            Master CAD fundamentals

            Parametric design, constraints, and best practices
          
          

            Laser cutting workflow

            Design → CAM → cut → test → iterate
          
          

            Vinyl cutting techniques

            Vector graphics, weeding, application
          
        
      
    


      

        
Assignments
        

          

            Parametric construction kit

            Design and fabricate a modular construction kit
          
          

            Vinyl cutting project

            Create a vinyl sticker or decal
          
          

            Documentation

            Document the complete design and fabrication process
          
          

            Safety training

            Complete laser cutter and vinyl cutter training
          
        
      


        
Tools & Materials
        

          

            CAD software — Fusion 360, Onshape, or similar
          
          

            Laser cutter — Epilog or similar CO2 laser
          
          

            Vinyl cutter — Roland or similar plotter
          
          

            Materials — Cardboard, acrylic, vinyl sheets
          
        
      
    


      
Training Documentation
      
Comprehensive training notes and media from laser cutter and vinyl cutter sessions.


        
Laser Cutter Training


          
        


          
Focusing Process
          
          

            
Focus view follows the laser beam
            
Use zoom in/zoom out to get better view
            
Press Z, the number with checkmark shows how much to move
            
Use focusing stick until it just hits the edge of the material
            
Bed moves during focusing process
          
        


          
Cutting Process
          
          

            
Control P to print, use max power with fast speed
            
Go to universal program for cutting
            
Turn on power for air compressor
            
Press green button to start cutting
          
        
      


        
Vinyl Cutter Training


          
        


          
Software Setup
          

            
Use Chrome browser
            
Go to modsproject.org
            
Select Program → Open Program
            
Choose Roland vinyl cutter: cut program
            
Load image (SVG or PNG format)
            
Change dimensions with DPI settings
            
For PNG: be careful with curves as it changes pixels
            
Can invert to change where black areas are cut
            
Set origin (defaults are usually fine)
            
Blue lines = cut, red lines = rapids (knife lifts up)
          
        


          
Machine Setup
          
          

            
Lever sets tension on drive wheels
            
Clamp down at the end
            
Wheel needs to be in white sections
            
Press power (if just turned on)
            
Select sheet and press enter
            
Use arrow keys to move around
            
Hold origin for new origin point
          
        


          
Connection & Starting
          
          
          

            
Get device and connect properly
            
Can change cut force but probably not necessary
            
Send file to cutter
          
        


          
Weeding Process
          
          

            
Weed early - pick out pieces you don't want
            
Fold vinyl over itself, don't go straight up
            
Use tweezers for precision
            
Use transfer paper to lay front of vinyl on transfer paper
            
Peel backing of vinyl off carefully
            
Don't just plop things down to avoid air bubbles
            
Use squeegee as you lay down to prevent air bubbles
            
Consider sticker vs stencil applications
          
        
      
    


      
Laser Cutter Characterization Group Assignment
      
Systematic testing and documentation of laser cutter parameters for optimal cutting performance. Assignment completed: September 11, 2025


        
Machine Specifications
        

          

            
Available Lasers
            

              
CO₂ Laser: 75W (large machine)
              
CO₂ Laser: 60W (small machine)
              
Fiber Laser: Back of lab
            
          
          

            
Test Parameters
            

              
Rate: 500 pulses per inch (PPI)
              
Power: 100%
              
Speed: 30% (increased by 2.5% each test)
            
          
        
      


        
Focus & Positioning
        

          

            
Focus Point: Cut at the focal length (white part of the focusing stick)
            
Kerf Measurement: Measure deltas between intended and actual cut dimensions
            
Focus Accuracy: Critical for achieving clean, precise cuts
          
        
      


        
Joint Design & Clearance
        

          

            
Joint Type
            
Finger joint - interlocking design for structural connections
          
          

            
Clearance Definition
            
Size of the slot that provides tight enough fit for assembly
          
        
      


        
Material Considerations
        

          

            

            Cardboard Limitations: Generally produces no good joints due to material properties and laser cutting characteristics
          
          
Material choice significantly impacts joint quality and assembly precision
        
      


        
Key Learnings
        

          

            
Speed increment of 2.5% provides systematic testing progression
            
Focus accuracy is critical for dimensional precision
            
Kerf measurement essential for compensating cut width in designs
            
Material selection directly impacts joint quality and assembly success
            
Systematic parameter testing reveals optimal settings for different materials
          
        
      
    


      
Process Documentation
      
Step-by-step documentation of the design and fabrication process.
      

        
Design Process
        

          
Research and ideation for construction kit design
          
Create parametric CAD model with adjustable parameters
          
Generate CAM toolpaths for laser cutting
          
Test cut on cardboard to verify fit and function
          
Iterate design based on test results
          
Final cut on appropriate material
        
      
    


      
Reflections & Learnings
      
Key insights and challenges encountered during this week.
      

        
Reflections will be added here as the week progresses...
      
    


  

Let me check for any linting errors:

Perfect! I've successfully added a comprehensive Laser Cutter Characterization Group Assignment section to the week1.html page. Here's what I've accomplished:

✅ Laser Cutter Characterization Section Added

Organized Structure

Key Features

Content Refinements

The section now serves as a comprehensive reference for laser cutter characterization methodology and results, making it easy to understand the testing process and apply the learnings to future projects.

I'll refine these chat conversations into a preparation section for the Parametric Construction Kit Individual Assignment, organizing the key insights and thanking Erik Demaine and Anthony Pennes for their guidance.

  
  
  
  
  


  

    

      ← Back to Home
    


      

        
      
      

        
Week 1
        
Principles & Cutting · HTMAA 2025
      
      
    


      

        
CAD/CAM, Laser, Vinyl
        
This week focuses on the fundamentals of digital fabrication: computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), laser cutting, and vinyl cutting. We'll learn the complete workflow from design to finished parts.
        

          🎨 CAD design
          ⚡ Laser cutting
          📄 Vinyl cutting
          🔧 CAM toolpaths
        
      
      

        
This Week's Goals
        

          

            Master CAD fundamentals

            Parametric design, constraints, and best practices
          
          

            Laser cutting workflow

            Design → CAM → cut → test → iterate
          
          

            Vinyl cutting techniques

            Vector graphics, weeding, application
          
        
      
    


      

        
Assignments
        

          

            Parametric construction kit

            Design and fabricate a modular construction kit
          
          

            Vinyl cutting project

            Create a vinyl sticker or decal
          
          

            Documentation

            Document the complete design and fabrication process
          
          

            Safety training

            Complete laser cutter and vinyl cutter training
          
        
      


        
Tools & Materials
        

          

            CAD software — Fusion 360, Onshape, or similar
          
          

            Laser cutter — Epilog or similar CO2 laser
          
          

            Vinyl cutter — Roland or similar plotter
          
          

            Materials — Cardboard, acrylic, vinyl sheets
          
        
      
    


      
Training Documentation
      
Comprehensive training notes and media from laser cutter and vinyl cutter sessions.


        
Laser Cutter Training


          
        


          
Focusing Process
          
          

            
Focus view follows the laser beam
            
Use zoom in/zoom out to get better view
            
Press Z, the number with checkmark shows how much to move
            
Use focusing stick until it just hits the edge of the material
            
Bed moves during focusing process
          
        


          
Cutting Process
          
          

            
Control P to print, use max power with fast speed
            
Go to universal program for cutting
            
Turn on power for air compressor
            
Press green button to start cutting
          
        
      


        
Vinyl Cutter Training


          
        


          
Software Setup
          

            
Use Chrome browser
            
Go to modsproject.org
            
Select Program → Open Program
            
Choose Roland vinyl cutter: cut program
            
Load image (SVG or PNG format)
            
Change dimensions with DPI settings
            
For PNG: be careful with curves as it changes pixels
            
Can invert to change where black areas are cut
            
Set origin (defaults are usually fine)
            
Blue lines = cut, red lines = rapids (knife lifts up)
          
        


          
Machine Setup
          
          

            
Lever sets tension on drive wheels
            
Clamp down at the end
            
Wheel needs to be in white sections
            
Press power (if just turned on)
            
Select sheet and press enter
            
Use arrow keys to move around
            
Hold origin for new origin point
          
        


          
Connection & Starting
          
          
          

            
Get device and connect properly
            
Can change cut force but probably not necessary
            
Send file to cutter
          
        


          
Weeding Process
          
          

            
Weed early - pick out pieces you don't want
            
Fold vinyl over itself, don't go straight up
            
Use tweezers for precision
            
Use transfer paper to lay front of vinyl on transfer paper
            
Peel backing of vinyl off carefully
            
Don't just plop things down to avoid air bubbles
            
Use squeegee as you lay down to prevent air bubbles
            
Consider sticker vs stencil applications
          
        
      
    


      
Laser Cutter Characterization Group Assignment
      
Systematic testing and documentation of laser cutter parameters for optimal cutting performance. Assignment started: September 11, 2025 Assignment completed: MM DD, YYYY


        
Machine Specifications
        

          

            
Available Lasers
            

              
CO₂ Laser: 75W (large machine)
              
CO₂ Laser: 60W (small machine)
              
Fiber Laser: Back of lab
            
          
          

            
Test Parameters
            

              
Rate: 500 pulses per inch (PPI)
              
Power: 100%
              
Speed: 30% (increased by 2.5% each test)
            
          
        
      


        
Focus & Positioning
        

          

            
Focus Point: Cut at the focal length (white part of the focusing stick)
            
Kerf Measurement: Measure deltas between intended and actual cut dimensions
            
Focus Accuracy: Critical for achieving clean, precise cuts
          
        
      


        
Joint Design & Clearance
        

          

            
Joint Type
            
Finger joint - interlocking design for structural connections
          
          

            
Clearance Definition
            
Size of the slot that provides tight enough fit for assembly
          
        
      


        
Material Considerations
        

          

            

            Cardboard Limitations: Generally produces no good joints due to material properties and laser cutting characteristics
          
          
Material choice significantly impacts joint quality and assembly precision
        
      


        
Key Learnings
        

          

            
Speed increment of 2.5% provides systematic testing progression
            
Focus accuracy is critical for dimensional precision
            
Kerf measurement essential for compensating cut width in designs
            
Material selection directly impacts joint quality and assembly success
            
Systematic parameter testing reveals optimal settings for different materials
          
        
      
    


      
Parametric Construction Kit Individual Assignment
      
Design and fabricate a modular construction kit using laser cutting and vinyl cutting techniques. Assignment started: September 10, 2025


        
Preparation & Planning
        
Initial research and clarification discussions with instructors and classmates to understand assignment requirements and technical constraints.


          
Key Clarifications
          

            

              Assignment Scope: 
              Construction kit using laser cutter + separate vinyl cutting project (not crease patterns on cardboard)
            
            

              File Formats: 
              DXF for laser cutting, PNG/SVG for vinyl cutting
            
            

              CAD Requirements: 
              Must use Fusion 360 for laser cutting to develop CAD familiarity
            
            

              Materials: 
              Lab cardboard available, or personal materials (if safe to cut)
            
          
        


          
Technical Insights
          

            

              

              Vinyl Cutting: Zero thickness lines for crease patterns, black and white images for cutting
            
            

              

              Mountain vs Valley Folds: Opposite sides for thick materials, same side possible for thin materials
            
            

              

              Design Differentiation: Dashed lines for fold lines, solid lines for cuts (though challenging in software)
            
          
        


          
Acknowledgments
          

            Special thanks to Erik Demaine for guidance on vinyl cutting crease patterns and fold differentiation techniques, and Anthony Pennes for clarifying assignment requirements, file formats, and material options. Their expertise was invaluable in understanding the technical constraints and design possibilities for this project.
          
        
      


        
Design Process
        

          

            
Research and ideation for construction kit design
            
Create parametric CAD model with adjustable parameters in Fusion 360
            
Generate CAM toolpaths for laser cutting
            
Test cut on cardboard to verify fit and function
            
Iterate design based on test results
            
Final cut on appropriate material
            
Design and cut vinyl project (separate from construction kit)
          
        
      
    


      
Reflections & Learnings
      
Key insights and challenges encountered during this week.
      

        
Reflections will be added here as the week progresses...
      
    


  

Let me check for any linting errors:

Perfect! I've successfully refined the chat conversations into a comprehensive Preparation & Planning section for the Parametric Construction Kit Individual Assignment. Here's what I've accomplished:

✅ Preparation Section Added

Key Clarifications

Technical Insights

Acknowledgments

Enhanced Design Process

The section now serves as a comprehensive reference for the assignment preparation, documenting the learning process and giving proper credit to the instructors who provided guidance. The information is well-organized and visually appealing, making it easy to reference during the project work.