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3. Computer controlled cutting

This week I measured the properties of the laser cutter and created a parametric press-fit construction kit based on those characteristics. I also used the vinyl cutter to create a logo to be used in the final project.

Weekly Assignment Requirement

Group assignment:

  • Characterize your lasercutter’s focus, power, speed, rate, kerf, joint clearance and types

Individual assignment:

  • Cut something on the vinylcutter
  • design, lasercut, and document a parametric construction kit,accounting for the lasercutter kerf,which can be assembled in multiple ways, and for extra credit include elements that aren’t flat

Have you answered these questions?

  • linked to the group assignment page
  • Explained how you parametrically designed your files
  • Documented how you made your press-fit kit
  • Documented how you made your vinyl cutting
  • Included your original design files
  • Included your hero shots

What I’ve done this week

Group assignment:

Individual assignment:

  • Create parametric construction kit
  • Create stickers for the trash box that will be created for the final project

Create parametric construction kit

This time, I used cardboard (3mm) to create a parametric press-fit construction kit.

In creating parametric press-fit construction kit, I wanted to make a kind of molecular structure model.

This time, I used parametric design in Fusion360.

By quantifying the elements of a design in parametric design, you can generate a number of different patterns and easily modify them later.

Parameters can be added as follows

Select “Modify” => “Change Parameters”

Select “+” next to “User Paramaters” Enter the name and value here. In FabAcademy, I will use “mm” for Unit from now on.

The parameters were set as follows

As a result of measurement with Kerf Check Parts Generator, I found that (joint clearance = 2.65 and kerf = 0.35) in group work

As for kerf, it was a little hard for me to understand, so here is an image

Kerf can also vary depending on the processing position

kerf is the laser vanishing point.

Also, kerf varies slightly with position (A, B in the image)

The sketch is also shown below

Export sketch in dxf format

Open it in Adobe Illustrator on a PC connected to the laser cutter, duplicate the parts, and line them up.

Cut with a laser cutter

Select “File” => “Print”, Set the printer to “Trotec Engraver v10.7.1” and click “print”.

The Job Control application is launched and the following screen is displayed

Use the optimal values found in the group work and cut

Cut using the following values

Power Speed Hz
28 1 1000

After cutting the cardboard for a while at this value, I had to press it with my finger after cutting to get it to come off.

The following values were cut without any problems even after a while of continuous use

Power Speed Hz
30 1 1000

To cope with this, I increased the power a little or slowed down the speed and was able to cut without any problem.

I also learned that if we use the lasercutter for a long time, the lens may get dirty and may not be able to cut even at the target value, so it is important to maintain the lens periodically.

Here are the cut parts.

Let’s assemble it

It can be expanded🔥

The height of the joint part is 6mm, which is 14mm shorter than the kerf checker (20 mm), so the joint clearance could be made a little tighter.

But I was able to assemble it without any major problems.

Create stickers for the trash box that will be created for the final project

This time, I cut the four different logos created in Week02.

I used Silhouette CAMEO4+ I have download Silhouette Studio for Mac Ver.4.4.552

First, set the black cutting sheet in the machine.

Insert the cutting sheet a little into the machine and use the lever to hold the sheet.

Press the button to put in the cutting sheet, and the cross-keys will appear, allowing you to use the cross-keys to control which position on the cutting sheet you want to cut from.

Import the logo created in week02.

Connect my laptop to the cutting machine via USB.

Click “SEND” in the upper right corner of the screen.

First, I did a test cut to see if it would cut well.

Select “Sticker Paper”, Auto(cut), set parameters, click “TEST”

The test cut went well, as shown in the following picture

I was able to cut it at the following values

Level Force Speed
3 14 8

When the test cut is successful, click the “SEND” at the bottom right of the screen to cut the logo.

The following video shows the machine cutting the sheet👍



Here’s the sticker I cut!

These stickers will be attached to the trash boxes that will be created for the final project!

What I Learned

  • I was able to learn more about the characteristics of the laser cutter.

  • This time, I used cardboard for laser cutting, and was able to learn the parameters for cutting cardboard , but the parameters change depending on the material, so I would like to learn about that as well.

  • The vinyl cutter was almost the first machine I used, but I was able to easily cut the logo I created.

  • Cutting machine

    • Final Project Logo [dxf]
    • Final Project Logo (Silhouette Studio file) [studio3]

  • Fusion360

    • Press Fit Construction Kit Circle [ai]

    • Press Fit Construction Kit Circle [dxf]

    • Press Fit Construction Kit [f3d]

    • Press Fit Construction Kit [stl]

    • Press Fit Construction Kit bridge [ai]

    • Press Fit Construction Kit bridge [dxf]

  • Laser check

Appendix

Last update: April 20, 2022