3D Printing: #

For this assignment, I decided to 3d print an container that would pair with the desk organizer I welded this week. I designed this object in Fusion 360 and gave it an overhang to ensure that it couldn’t be made subtractively. I measured the dimensions of the desk organizer and constructed the object accordingly. To add some decoration to the container, I decided to bring in the paisley image from Week 1 and use it as a cut out on the back side of the container wall. To do this I exported the paisley image as a dxf file from Ilustrator, brought it into Fusion, resized it, moved it to the back wall of the container, and extruded the image.

The Final Product: #

Click Here to Download Container STL File

3D Scanning: #

To complete the 3d scanning assignment this week, I used two 3d scanning programs - Revo Scan and Polycam. Although Revo Scan seemed like it would be a better system due to the dedicated camera and rotating platform, Polycam turned out to be the best option.

MIG Welding at Metropolis: #

This week I learned how to use the MIG (metal inert gas) welder in Metropolis. While this wasn’t associated with HTMAA, I am now in the habit of documenting my work so I figured I’d include some notes here.

In order to use the welder, you first plug it into the wall, and turn the switch on in the back. At this point, the exhaust system should be turned on, and you should be wearing eye protection, and one of the teal welding shirts. You then turn the gas supply on and uncoil the ground cable and welding cable. Pull the welding trigger to ensure the PSI is between 15-20 and adjust with the other knob if necessary. Snip the wire that has been extruded back to 1cm and remove any built up debris on the nozzle if necessary. Determine the voltage and wire speed based on the guage of your metal and adjust the settings accordingly. The guage guage will show you the thickness of your metal and you can then use this information to refer to the chart on the binder, which is located on the right-hand side of the welder.

Next, put on a pair of gloves and a welding helmet (the shade setting should be set to 11 and the other setting should be at a similar orientatio; they should both be at about 1 o’clock). Depending on the size of the object you are working on, attach the ground cable clamp to object you are working on or the table (make sure the cable is clamped to an area free of paint, debris, or some coating). Bring one or both of the exhaust arms close to where you will be welding.

Once you are ready to weld, check you surroundings, yell “WELDING” to inform others in the room, and lower your helmet. As you weld, stablize your welding arm and make sure the nozzle is about 1cm from the object. You will hear a different noise if you begin to drift farther away. When welding a seam, slowly move the nozzle back and forth, or in loops, in order to layer the new material. You can tack you material in place in the corners to ensure that it doesnt move before you complete a seam. Occassionaly dunk the object into water to cool it down. Check to see if the object is cool by holding your bare hand over it and feeling for radiant heat. When finished, sweep, vaccuum, and turn off all equipment and return everything to where you found it.