Computer Controlled Cutting


Learning outcomes:


  1. Demonstrate and describe parametric 2D modelling processes.
  2. Identify and explain processes involved in using the laser cutter.
  3. Develop, evaluate and construct the paremetric construction kit.
  4. Identify and explain processes involved in using the vinyl cutter.

Stages:


  1. Parametric design.
  2. Laser cut.
  3. Vinyle cutter.

Group assignment
(click)



I was in the second group, You will find my hands in implmentation pictures xD

Parametric design


I made my design in the fisrt on Iluustratot jus to make a quick idea for my Kit, then i went through Fusion360 to make it parametric.

Here the tutorial to start in fusion to create a parametric design.




And for starting in Ilustrator if you interested.



Let's start ....

A sketch for the idea, I was trying to add some flexable sides, So i made those dotted lines
Start with the basic shapes with it's dimenstions

Adding flexable lines in the straight shape was easy, But in the cercular wasn't, So i made it with cicles.
Fusion360
Offset order was very helpfull in this, around 2 mm betweeneach circle and 2mm cut between dotted lines.

Let's make it parametric and start with the basic shapes sides
Adding parameters for each side

Preparing the parameters ,
Here we can add parameter name and connect it with a specific dimension or other sides dimesion

Modify menu, edit parameters then add the parameters you're going to need
Now the list is ready

Just connecting some details

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Then we need to Export the file into DXF extension, You can make this in both Fusion360, Illustrator or any other CAD software



DXF file
Fusion360 file

Laser cut


Implementatin on laser cutter was easy where i have a backgroun and i will link for resources and explain more.


You can start by downloading the CAM software for laser frome here or here

Also you can go through the tutorial to learn how to start and more, There's alot of tutorial in English and Arabic

Import the DXF file into RD works to start implementation

Set your Power(in pescentage) and Speed(in mm/s) based on your machine specs and lasertube WATT


Press(double click) on the layer up-right> Add poer and speed(I've use 30mm/s speed with45% power it based on my machine laser tube ability as i've mentioned)


Now lets start


The result


RD works file

(click)

Vinyl cutter


Vinyle was the most interesting task let me show you the journey and explain more in that.


Videos for the whole process on the machine

  1. CutStudio tutorial or Follow my instractor explaining May Eldardery

  2. How to Start with the machine.
  3. Measuring material befor processing
  4. Processing.
  5. Finished.



Cut studio steps


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Selecting our machine "Roland GX-500", Getting the sheet dimensions from the machine.

aa
sheet dimenstions will appear
File>import to import the image (extensions jpg, PNG, BMP )
Here where i've impoted another design
Right click> outline image and slect how much details you want the delet the source image and the lines will remain for cutting
After the cutting shown in the videos cover get with with the design and cover it with the tape and add it on the surface you want to put on
Slowly and with this angle (parallel to the surface) remove the tape.
The result, The dots and the rest of the design in the next photos
I made the same thing with the rest of the design


Put and remove slowly
This is other design i've made for the company to cover the glass offices walls
With the same technique, But without tape just add all the design and remove the unwanted parts and leave the details you want





CutStudio file



Done

  1. Creating a construction kit design.
  2. Create a parametric design
  3. Laser cut
  4. Vinyle cut

New Learned

  1. Creating a parametric design.
  2. Make a two colored sticker.
  3. Document with videos.

Enjoyed with

  1. Creating a very enjoyable parametric design and make the parameters connected!
  2. Dealing with the stickers and fixing technics.
  3. Playing with my flexable construction kit.