Computer controlled cuting¶

Group Assignment¶

This week we learned maintanance of our laser cutter (Epilog mini 24 40w) We calibrated focusing, and did some test cuts.

Also we measured kerf thickness using two methods.

Here are the photos to document the measurement of kerf. 11 rectangles of 10 mm width were cut and their total width was measured. The result was 108.52 mm. According to my calculations (you can check them, I am not sure): 110 - 108.52 = 1.48 mm missing from the total 10 diameters in between each pair of rectangles + 2 half diameters between the rectangles and the measurement tool = 11 diameter. So: 1.48 / 11 = 0.135 mm KERF.

Then, with micrometer:

9.860 mm. So 10 - 9.860 = 0.140 mm KERF

The two values are not exactly the same but close.

You can find all work we’ve done here

Vinyl cuting¶

Idea¶

I will cut the logo of FabLab where i do my FabAcademy - FabLAb Dilijan

Making Vector File¶

For first lets get the image of logo from official website

Scroll down until you see colored logo in left corner

Right click then click “Save image as”

I am using CorelDraw, so let’s import that picture to CorelDraw, and make it vector. You must click “Trace Bitmap -> Outline Trace -> Line Art”

I am putting “Detail” at maximum point

Then Select all your logo and click “Ungroup”

I use it to delete everything except form i need to cut,

then i drawn a rectangle to know what size is my logo

Now by selecting aeverything in page I can scale it by changing only one parameter, other parameters will change automaticly, if lock i locked

Then by selecting everything and selecting “Hairline” it will make outlines for objects

then in right part you can see colors and in the top of them it is white square with black cross, select it, and you will get this

Export it in .svg or .esp format. I use .esp

Software¶

I use CutStudio program, there is opportunity to make CutStudio extention in CorelDraw and in Adobe Illustrator, but i use CutStudio program by itself

For installing program and drivers i used printers CD disc, but you can get it from official website

Cutting¶

I will use different colors for logo - red, blue and green.

Also i decided to make white part and to cut of the elements of logo and fill them with colored ones. (to save original positions of elements)

Start with putting the vinyl piece into printer and holding it with holders (Holders must be in white lines)

Select what you are cutting roll, or piece, so machine knows what dimensions he must take. It will take Length and width if yo select “Piece” and only “Width” if “Roll”