4. Computer-Controlled cutting

Topics

4.1 Laser Cutting
4.2 Vinyl Cutter

4.1 Laser Cutting

Laser Cutting technology was first invented in 1964 at Bell Labs, New Jersey, by Kumar Patel, an electrical engineer who developed the first Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser. the laser used to cut material such as wood and acrylic, etc. the laser cutting uses laser beam through an optic. the laser beam generated will be directed by the optic and CNC(computer numeric control)

Group Assignment

The group assignment is testing the laser settings for different materials. Here I use different setting to cut 3mmAcrylic.

Findings

Each material has different settings for engraving and cutting. you can see below the different settings to engrave and cut 3mm acrylic. if we reduce power the acrylic cannot be engraved or cut. In the other hand if we increase the power the material will be engraved but it will be burned or damaged and the speed has similar effects as well so the we have to use a suitable power + speed for the suitable material to get the best result. you can use different settings for engraving or cutting individually or by using colours. as an example if you want to engrave you can choose yellow + adjust the settings for this color to engrave but do not forget to choose the same color for the part to be engraved. for cutting you can select red color + the part to be cutting must be red and hairlined thikness as well.

Here you can see the black color has it's own settings to engrave only the black colored letters. If you click on the arrows under the process column, you can select engraving or cutting for each color as per your requirments using co2 or any other type of laser cutting as per the laser cutting machine

You can see the difference of the settings for each line in the following picture

Press-fit Construction Tips

Using Audtodesk fusion 360 Saftware I used to draw two types of puzzles using Parametric Drawing. For thge Parametric design We have Three diamensions 25mm (Side), 8 mm (j1) and 5.679mm (j2). for I used a sketch a circle and use trimming tool to modify the joint between the pieces. here you can see the five Main pieces. and 5

Here I use MDF 3mm thickness. to laser cut any thing the drawing lin thickness must be hairline. you have to choose the proper material and thickness in the laser cut software before start cutting.

4.2 Vinyl Cutter

Vinyl Cutter to be used by controlled blade by the computer. it is used to make stickers and signs but at the moment it is used to cut copper tape into circuit traces