Computer-Controlled Cutting
Let's Design!
This assignment is so fun ! We will start using the MACHINES!! Computer Controlled Cutting assignment, is divided into two parts. The first part is a group assignment. We are asked to characterize our laser cutter’s focus, power, speed, rate, kerf, and joint clearance. The second part is an individual assignment. I have to design a parametric press-fit construction kit and print it with the use of a laser cutter. I also have to use a vinyl machine.
I did a lot of research about different laser cutter machines to know more about their components and characteristics. I used many different types such as Epilog, Mophorn and Full Spectrum. I noticed that the easiest laser cutter to work with is Full Spectrum.
Group Assignment :
In the group assignment, we did some tests by using full spectrum laser cutter machine. First, I will talk about Full Spectrum characteristics and components. We got these information from the full spectrum manual.
You can check the group assignment from this link : Group Assignment.
![](images/assignment4/week4-1-comp.png)
![](images/assignment4/week4-2-comp.jpg)
Full Spectrum Characteristics :
Full Spectrum Parts and Components :
![](images/assignment4/week4-3-comp.jpg)
Individual Assignment :
Laser Cutter Machine
In this assignment, we were asked to design a parametric press-fit construction kit. This entails building shapes and combining them together to become a fixed object. This assignment promises to be so much fun. I used OnShape as a parametric tool to design the press- fit kit. I did some tests to make sure all the shapes fitted well. Because we just have started a new year, I decided to make a 2020 calendar in a creative way!!
To design the object we need to draw 3 main shapes :
Let's make it!
1. Open a new document in Onshape software.
![](images/assignment4/week4-4-comp.jpg)
![](images/assignment4/week4-5-comp.jpg)
2. The unit can be changed to centimeter (cm).
![](images/assignment4/week4-6-comp.jpg)
![](images/assignment4/week4-7-comp.jpg)
3. To design the object in a parametric way, I'm going to create variables that allow me to control the dimensions easily later. Create variables > Go to variable icon > Specify a name and numeric value > Use # with the numeric field and the variable name > Identify the dimension.
![](images/assignment4/week4-8-comp.jpg)
I used the following variables :
4. Choose the sketch and plane to start designing. I chose the top plane.
![](images/assignment4/week4-9-comp.jpg)
5. Draw the first part of the object, which is a circle then change the dimension by using the variable #CircleD = 10 cm.
![](images/assignment4/week4-10-comp.jpg)
6. Use corner rectangle with variables #JointW = 0.225 cm and #JointL = 2 cm to be fit with the other joints. then using a circular pattern to make 6 copies around the shape.
![](images/assignment4/week4-11-comp.jpg)
7. After that is done, subtract the joint from the circle by using extrude.
![](images/assignment4/week4-12-comp.jpg)
8. Draw the second part of the object which is square shape, and use the variable #SquareL = 15 cm to change the dimensions then draw 2 joints. Afterwards, subtract them by using extrude.
![](images/assignment4/week4-13-comp.jpg)
![](images/assignment4/week4-14-comp.jpg)
Assemble the object !
Go to the assembly window > Then insert > Choose the objects > Start assemble the objects together.
![](images/assignment4/week4-15-comp.jpg)
![](images/assignment4/week4-16-comp.jpg)
![](images/assignment4/week4-17-comp.jpg)
Inkscape
I decided to write the text of the calendar by using Inkscape software.
Now, let's cut the shapes! How ?
Change the printing settings by using Fill and Stroke.
1. To engrave the text > Make the text fill.
2. To cut the outlines > Make the outline stroke paint > Change the color to Red color > Change the stroke style to 0.035 mm.
![](images/assignment4/week4-18-comp.jpg)
3. To resize the page > Select the design > Go to file > Document properties > Resize page to content > Change the values (Top, Left, Right and Bottom).
4. To export the design from Inkscape to RetinaEngrave > Go to file > Print > Choose Full Spectrum Engineering Driver > Print.
![](images/assignment4/week4-40-comp.png)
How to use RetinaEngrave 3D software ?
1. Open the RetinaEngrave 3D software.
2. Connect the machine to the computer by using ethernet cable and make sure it’s connected with the same IP.
3. Put a check mark on ignore thin vector.
4. Change the speed and power for raster and vector layers based on the material settings schedule.
Recommended Power Settings for Material Test:
![](images/assignment4/week4-19-comp.png)
Raster :
I wil make the speed (100) and the power (25).
![](images/assignment4/week4-38-comp.jpg)
Vector :
I wil make the speed (30) and the power (100).
![](images/assignment4/week4-39-comp.jpg)
Now, let's start cutting the design !
![](images/assignment4/week4-35-comp.jpeg)
![](images/assignment4/week4-36-comp.jpeg)
The finsl result !
![](images/assignment4/week4-37-comp.jpeg)
Vinyl Cutter Machine
What is a vinyl cutter machine ?
A vinyl cutter is a type of computer-controlled machine. Just as a printer controls a nozzle, the computer controls the movement of a sharp blade over the surface of the vinyl material. This blade is used to cut out the designs from sheets. To cut out a design, a vector-based image must be created using vector drawing software.
GCC Expert 24 Vinyl Cutter Machine
In TalentS LAB, we have GCC Expert 24 vinyl cutter machine.
![](images/assignment4/week4-20-comp.jpeg)
Specifications :
Blade and blade holder of cutting plotter:
There are three popular types of blade :
![](images/assignment4/week4-24-comp.jpeg)
What are the materials ?
We can use different materials such as:
![](images/assignment4/week4-25-comp.jpeg)
Now, let’s design a sticker !
I used Inkscape to design the sticker. This design represents my life during the FAB Academy course. I used trace bitmap to change the icons from raster to vector.
![](images/assignment4/week4-26-comp.jpg)
Let’s cut it !
I’m going to use GreatCut software which is the software for the vinyl cutter.
![](images/assignment4/week4-27-comp.jpeg)
How to use it ?
1. Open the software.
![](images/assignment4/week4-28-comp.jpeg)
2. Drop the SVG file.
3. Go to print > Change the pressure and Speed > Press on output to start the cutting.
![](images/assignment4/week4-29-comp.jpeg)
Let’s learn how to use the vinyl machine !
1. Connect the machine to a computer using a USB cable.
![](images/assignment4/week4-23-comp.jpeg)
2. Use the power switch to turn it on.
![](images/assignment4/week4-21-comp.jpeg)
3. Open the grid drum.
![](images/assignment4/week4-30-comp.jpg)
4. Put the vinyl sheet.
5. Put the primary pinch roller on the sticker to help hold the material during cutting.
6. Close the grid drum.
I was faced with a difficulty when I used the machine. The first cut got damaged, and then I tried to solve that by changing the pressure and speed with different numbers. This still did not make the machine cut the design as it should.
![](images/assignment4/week4-31-comp.jpeg)
I changed the cutting blade to a new one and the cut was just as I wanted it.
![](images/assignment4/week4-32-comp.jpeg)
Start Cutting !
![](images/assignment4/week4-33-comp.jpeg)
Now, I am going to use transparent tape to remove the sticker and stick it on the laptop.
The Final Result !
![](images/assignment4/week4-34-comp.jpeg)