WEEK3 Computer-controlled cutting
WEEK3 Computer-controlled cutting
Group Assignment
characterize your lasercutter’s focus, power, speed, rate, kerf, joint clearance and types
Group assignment Page
Indivisual assignment
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
cut something on the vinylcutter
UNIVERSAL LASER SYSTEMS
The laser cutter model VLS Desktop VLS2.30 has been introduced at Fablab Kannai.
Specifications
Model: VLS Desktop VLS2.30
Laser Type: CO2 laser, air-cooled
Work Area: 16 x 12 inches (406 x 305 mm)
Maximum Material Thickness: 4 inches (102 mm)
Laser Power Options: 30 watts
Cooling: Air-cooled, no additional coolant required
Engraving Speed: Up to 30 inches per second (762 mm/s)
Cutting Speed: Depends on material, thickness, and laser power
Resolution: User-controlled from 75 to 1200 dpi
Software Compatibility: Universal Laser Systems software with support for importing from various graphic formats (e.g., JPG, PDF, AI)
Connectivity: USB 2.0 interface for direct connection to a PC
Power Requirements: 110 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, single phase
Safety and Certification: CE certified, complies with FDA regulations
Accessories Included: 2.0" focus lens, air assist pump, exhaust fan
Optional Accessories: Rotary attachment for cylindrical objects, honeycomb cutting table for delicate materials
This laser engraving and cutting system is designed for precision work on a variety of materials including wood, acrylic, fabric, paper, and more. Its user-friendly interface and versatile software support make it suitable for both beginners and experienced users looking to create detailed designs and projects.
Precautions
1.NEVER operate system unattended.
2.Properly maintained fire extinguisher should always be in the area.
3.The exhaust system must be activated before the start of the laser processing.
4.Use accepted materials only. Some materials engraved, marked, or cut with the laser can produce toxic and corrosive fumes.
5.DO NOT look directly into laser beam.
The parameters of the laser cutter
Determined by the results of the group assignment.
Parameters Power: 10 / Speed: 60 / PPI: 300
The value of kerf
Material: Cardboard t5mm Reinforced core A/Fluet
The thickness the cardboard is 5.12mm by the digital caliper. We will calculate the kerf value next.
Convertion to .svg file
To use data created on Fusion 360 in Corel DRAW, we will export the data in SVG format. To export to SVG format, we use the Fusion 360 Add-in called "Shaper Utilities."
Laser cutters determine the processing conditions based on the color and line width of the shape.
Red: Cutting(Vector) Blue: Engraving(Raster) Black: Etching
Set the line width to "hairline" for cutting.
kerf value: (100-98.3)/10=0.17
The value of the joint clearance(pitch)
We set 0.1mm for the joint clearance(pitch).
Parameters are set as follows.
I am ready to start my Individual Assignment now.
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.
My Idea
Soccer balls have 12 regular pentagons and 20 regular hexagons.
Designing regular pentagon w/notch and joints.
A soccer ball is made up of 90 edges. Therefore 30 joints will be needed to build a soccer ball.
As someone who has never used a laser cutter before, operating it was a very exciting experience.
Somehow I was able to create what I had imagined.
Individual Assignment 2
cut something on the vinylcutter
Vinyl Cutter
Silhouette CURIO 2
The Curio 2 provides a 12x12 flatbed workspace area with 20mm of vertical clearance. It is equipped with an Electrostatic Bed and power tool options. This allows the Curio to load and use additional material types that other machines in its class cannot.
Full 12-inch workspace
Electrostatic cutting surface – No cutting mat required!
20mm height clearance for thicker materials
Smart Detection to measure material thickness automatically
Heat Pen
Power Engraver
Leather Punch Tool
Embossing Tool
Pen Holder
The use of Curio requires the installation of the Silhouette Studio 4.5 software on your PC.
Download site: https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software
I have downloaded the following picture for my vinyl cutter assignment.
The Silhouette Studio 4.5 software has a function to convert raster data to vector data, so preparation is very easy.
I somehow managed to cut it successfully.
I will try making an original glass piece using a sandblaster.
To blast the human and ball parts, I will stick the area around the sticker onto the glass.
I will mask the areas not to be blasted with tape.
Sandblasting in progress.
Turned out well.
