Month: February 2020

First I searched for a relevant object I could print on thingiverse, downloaded the image onto my laptop and opened it on Cura – an open source 3D printer slicing software.I then duplicated the earring, made them both a bit bigger and sliced them. In the print settings I changed the quality to low to make the print process faster, then adjusted the printing temperature and plate temperature to ensure the best print quality for this design. I managed to decrease the time it would take to print these by 20 minutes. I actually never got to print these on the day as this 3D printing process takes along time to produce the objects and as everyone in the class had to print something it took quite a while to get through everyones designs so I ran out of time but will hopefully be able to print mine off in the next session. I will just need to transfer this work onto an SD card/memory stick, plug it into the 3D printer, adjust a couple of settings, make sure theres enough plastic cable for the print, press start and wait for it to print.

 

 

 

 

–Preparing an object for laser cutting – use 2D vector file (EPS or DXF), make the format as simple as possible, all shapes no  fill and 0.001mm stroke, laser origin is top left. When placing material onto laser cutter consider airflow, align against the rulers, support to distance the material from the bed, flat surface needed – consistent z -height, use masking tape for light objects or to protect surface. Then set the x & y origins and use focus tool to set z-origin. Too much power melts materials and too little doesn’t cut. Speed can affect the cutting process as if too slow can cause combustion and if too fast it won’t cut. If the pulse rate/frequency isn’t right it can cause material to melt or can leave gaps if too far apart. The vector mode is for cutting and the raster mode is for engraving. Then turn on the BOFA extractor – speed approx. 330m3h, and turn on the air compressor. After the cutting has stopped leave the lid closed with the extractor on for 30 secs and then clean the bed carefully under the tap without bending the sheet.

I was absent for this session but have researched and read the notes for this induction and now understand how to use a laser cutter so would be able to in the future using these notes. I would like to experiment by cutting half a shape into some fabric repeatedly then folding and sewing the flap down to create an interesting 3D effect on the surface. This would relate to my geometric surface design project in print right now.

Hi I’m Holly, I am currently studying Textile Design with Business Studies, specialising in print, at the University of Brighton. I’m interested in manipulating fabric & textiles, physically and digitally. Fabric manipulation using dye techniques, such as devore – screen printing, is what I like to focus on within my projects as well as designing digital prints to a brief. In my spare time, I enjoy upcycling my own clothes using different fabric techniques such as bleach & tie dyes. Within this module I would like to experiment using the various machines available to create different surface textures e.g. using the laser cutter to produce geometric patterns by cutting out shapes therefore making the fabric 3d, giving it depth. I’m also interested in creating materials and fabric in labs using food or chemical processes to produce sustainable and ethical materials that can be used within fashion or everyday products.