Lora Wargo: 3D Printer Project

 For the 3D printing assignment, I struggled with finding an idea for this project. I cycled through several different ideas and Fusion 360 designs, but I settled on making a set of 3D printed parts that, when put together, make up a computer. I am a computer science major, so this is something I am interested in and passionate about.

Using the form feature, I did not encounter too many errors besides measuring. I had issues with the measurement tool, so I was not entirely aware of the dimensions for some parts of the project. I used the form feature for Fusion 360 to design all the parts of the set. For the actual printing, I did not encounter any issues with printing the parts, while working on the computer portion.

Looking back, I would have liked to also lasercut a desk to display the parts on. However, due to personal reasons, I was unable to include this addition. In regards to the assignment requirements, I personally would have benefited from doing a more universal template for our required form design. The car tutorial we followed did not feel universal, and I did not feel as though I grasped the program from the tutorial.

Prior to the computer pieces, I had a previous design, which made it through the design and into the printing stage. I designed the parts of a hot air balloon, with the intention of connecting the basket to the balloon via fishing string. However, the balloon misprinted because the base dried and disconnected from the plate before the top finished printing. Upon seeing the printed components, I realized that my idea to modify the parts by drilling holes into them would be more difficult than originally anticipated due to the supports within the structure. As a result, I chose not to continue with that idea and pivot into a new idea and design.