3. Computer controlled machining
Goals for the week:3
![](../images/weekthreeimages/parameters.png)
When I started to design my laser cutter project I created Parameters of the material (card board) in 4.15mm and the kerf in 0.565mm.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/gapboxone.png)
After creating the parameters I made a gap in between of the top line of my design. I did that by using the rectangle tool and modifying the measurements to the parameters I made.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/hexagonform.png)
I then made my design into a hexagon like shape with the same gap lengths. I did that by using the circular pattern tool and setting the quantity to 6.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/gaplenthw.png)
As shown in the image above after creating the gap lengths I used the trim tools to make the gaps in the shape.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/extrude.png)
As the sides of the shape have the same gap length I used the extrude tool to have a better view of it in a 3d like model.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/fusiondxf.png)
When I've finished the design in Fusion 360 I exported as a dxf. I did this by right clicking the sketch folder on the left hand side of the screen and clicked on the dxf file to export it.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/makingadobe.png)
I then gone onto Adobe Illustrator and created a new file for the dxf file.I made it in millimeters to help compress the design.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/adobeexport.png)
After making the file I dragged the dxf file into Adobe Illustrator. As I dragged the design file into Adobe I checked the dxf/dwg options by having the measurment in millimeters,the layout as model, and the center artwork icon checked.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/adobe.png)
As everything was set I had rearrange the design in the left corner to help center it when sending it to the last printer.Then I copied and pasted the design in three roles of four equallying twelve in total.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/epilogue enragver.jpg)
The design I made had to have the right frequency , power , and speed. With the help of the website called Epilog Dashboard I made the speed 30 ,the power 40 , and the frequency 10. I then made sure the Beziers on and Air Assist.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/printsettings.jpg)
When the design is sent to the laser cutter printer I made sure the print layers were visible and printable layers and the scaling was on do not scale.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/laserprint.jpg)
I then made sure the laser printer was on and operational. I did this by turning on the machine and wait a couple mintues.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/greenlight.jpg)
As the printer is starting I also turn a button to the right and wait for a green light to shine to indicate it's ok to use the machine.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/menu.jpg)
After the printer turning on the little pannel began to initalize the epilog on the website.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/cardplace.jpg)
As the printer is almost ready I placed the material to be cut into the printer. The material our lab was cardboard.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/laser.jpg)
In the image above shows of a red dot laser showing where the design will be cut. There is also a metal triangle on the side to help measure the distance between the laser and the material.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/rearrange.jpg)
After setting the distance between the material and the laser I rearranged it to save material for others. I did this by moving the laser after the previous project.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/vent.jpg)
When the laser was rearranged I turned on the ventalization to help with getting rid of the toxic fumes.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/jobmenu.jpg)
On the panel on the laser cutter I set the job to 600 dpi.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/start.jpg)
I then clicked start on the panel to begin the process to cut out the design.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/cutout.jpg)
As you see when the cut out of the design is done it automatically stops.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/replace.jpg)
After the design was cut I took out the card board exterior from the bottom of the laser cutter.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/remain.jpg)
In the laser cutter after the cardboard is removed is the the design. I then take them out and start figuring out what to build of it.
![](../images/weekthreeimages/final.jpg)
When all the steps are completed and building the design itself here is the end product.