General Exploration/Maker 8

General Exploration/Maker 8 is a course that has been designed to introduce students to using their ‘head & hands’ to produce physical artifacts using a variety of software, tools and equipment.  Students will use a laser cutter/engraver, learn to solder and make a small electronic circuit board

Lantern Project

Students will design a small lantern and then cut it out on the Laser Engraver.  Once completed a small electronic circuit that fades different colours will be made and placed inside.

Using Inkscape to Draw the Lantern’s Sides

Using the Laser to Cut the Lantern’s Sides

  1. How To Move Your Design From Inkscape To The Laser’s Software
  2. Laser Operation Guide – Paper Design Verification
  3. Focusing and Cutting – a video walkthrough

Making the Electronic Circuit Board

3D Printing the PCB Holder 

   Click the link to the right and follow the guide…Lantern Project 3D Printing Guide

Finally Project Assembly

  1. Sand the smoke from the laser off of the outside of all pieces using 120 grit sandpaper (do not sand the edges).  Use correct technique by sanding ‘with the grain’.
  2. Have your teacher spray a clear coat on the outside of all pieces
  3. Once dry, LIGHTLY ‘dust’ all sprayed surfaces using 180 (again, sand ‘with the grain’)
  4. Cut pieces of translucent tracing paper and glue stick these to the inside of all lantern pieces except the bottom.
    • Paper should not overhang edges 
    • Glue is to be applied to the wood, then wood is to be pressed onto the paper
    • Using a cutting board and utility knife, trim off excess paper as/where needed
  5. Carefully assemble the sides and top of lantern. It is intended to fit snugly and ‘snap’ together so this may take a bit of work.
  6. Using two #4 x 1/2″ flat head Robertson screws, attach the circuit board holder (circuit board already installed) to the bottom of the lantern.
  7. Complete the Project Self-assessment, then bring this and your lantern to your teacher for final marking.
  8. After marking, insert the bottom to complete the lantern

How to 3D Model Using Autodesk Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is a ‘3D Modelling’ program that can generically be refered to as a ‘CAD’ program (Computer Assisted Design).  It is professional level software, used by engineers, and designers every day.  We will be exploring this software and learning how we can use it to draw object for making.

Setting Up an Account and Obtaining An Education License

You will need to setup an Autodesk account and apply for a Fusion 360 free education license.  All Autodesk software is free to students if they verify their educational status. Follow the directions in class to…

  1. Set up an Autodesk account (does not provide free access, only trial access)
    • use your school district email address:  ‘student#learn71.ca
    • be sure to not use your exact birthdate (use your month and year, but another day)
  2. Verify your email when prompted going to your email and clicking the verification button in the mail sent to you by Autodesk.
  3. You will now have a free 30 day trial and this is all that we need.  If you would like the free 1 year educational use, now or at any time, see me and I can set you up.

Getting Started With Fusion 360

Keep in mind the useful features built in to YouTube when working through tutorials (something you will be doing often).— Pause, rewind, slow down & speed up

Design/Make a Key Fob 

Model a Lego Block

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Puzzle Cube – extra for fun

click for larger image

For each piece (component), start with a 1/2″ x 1/2″ cube, then copy and paste the number needed, then join to form the completed piece.  See pictures below to determine cubes required and shapes to make.

Safety Unit – Tools/Procedures

edge lit acrylic stand