4. Computer controlled cutting

What laser cutter do I have?

At home, I use this huuuuge Unich LXJ1610. It’s about 1600x1000 millimeters and 150 Watt, so yeah. Pretty powerful. What do you use such a powerful machine for though? My father and I use it to engrave wine bottles and make ukuleles. I still have a couple projects that I did at my highschool and have tried doing them on our laser. Although I prefer using the lasers at my school (mainly because we use the newer verision of Corel on them), I really like the one I have at home and I’m super grateful for it!

Why I prefer Epilogs.

I prefer Epilogs over the Unich I have for the few reasons of being exposed to it longer and liking the newer Corel updates. I also believe that the kerf on the Epilog is much more refined than the Unich. Speaking of kerfs, let’s talk about that.

How I tested the kerf

For testing kerf, I used my laser to cut small 1x1 squares out of MDF. I let my laser to different speed rates, power rates, and throughcut rates. I started by changing the power of the laser from 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%… all the way up to 100%. All of my constants were kept at 100 (through power and speed.) Next, I switched to speed. My power and throughcut were kept at 100% and I changed my speed by intervals of 10. Next, I tested my through power. I kept speed and power at 100% and changed the throughcut by intervals of 10 again. When I went to pop out the squares, well, none of them did! I think the thing that was wrong with my laser is that the lense wasn’t clean anymore. It was also a very cheap laser, so thats another reason. Since we’re not a professional FabLab, we don’t have all the right maintinence tools to clean ours. One day, I hope to right a tutorial on how I can properly clean lasers.

Making a box for my Final Project

Here is how I made my box for my final project:

  1. Got my material. (1/8 Cardboard)
  2. Made the design on Corel to fit the parameters.
  3. Grouped all the curves together.
  4. Set the design to be a hairline.
  5. Focused my machine with the little chicklet plastic piece that comes with it.
  6. Hit print.
  7. Changed my settings and feeds to match with my material.
  8. Moved the laser to where I wanted it to cut. (x, y focusing)
  9. Turned my aircompressor and air filter on.
  10. Press start.

Deciding on a laser

What do you think are some key factors for deciding what laser you want to buy? Well, after this test, I have three main factors:

  • Bed Size
  • Laser Quality
  • Price

Bed Size:

What makes bedsize important? Well, what do you plan on doing with your laser? If you have a small laser, you’ll only be able to make small parts or small projects. However, if you get a large laser, you’ll be able to do so many more projects. It makes the whole experience better for people looking to do large projects.

Laser Quality:

Laser quality canreally make or break an engraving or ruin a press fit project because of the kerf. However, if your laser is refined and pre-focused, you don’t have to worry! Its even better if your laser has a super low kerf.

Price:

If you’re just starting to build your FabLab, you’ll definetly want to go with a cheaper laser. This either means you’ll have to sacrifice bed size or laser quality. So, with this new knowledge, use your laser to fulfill whatever niche you have.

Vinyl Cutter

I’ve made multiple proejcts on the vinyl cutter, but my favorite one was this one sticker than I put on my laptop. It peeled off after a while, but y’know, it happens. I used a Roland VersaWorks 64 to get my project done and a couple of scraps. First, I stuck the scrap of white sticker material in my machine, then I clamped it down with the rollers.

More Vinyl Cutting

I also made another sticker for my final project! Its a label for my volleyball mat. First, I picked out a piece of orange scrap material

[Vinyl Sticker]