Computer-Controlled Cutting

After completing last week's assignments and gaining proficiency in using CAD software, we dived into the world of creating parametric designs for Computer-Controlled Cutting. One of the key insights we gained from this experience is the significance of utilizing parametric modeling techniques when developing our products. By incorporating parametric design principles, we can ensure that our creations are easily modifiable in the future, allowing for seamless adjustments and updates whenever necessary. This approach empowers us with the flexibility to adapt and refine our designs, thereby enhancing their overall functionality and versatility.

How to create a parametric design?

For the successful creation of a parametric design, it's essential to have a good grasp of the fundamental concepts of 2D sketching. This includes understanding the importance of applying restrictions appropriately and the crucial role of accurate dimensioning.
For instance, consider the square in the following example. This square is a simple geometric element that has been defined with precise dimensions, specifically, each side has been set to measure 50 mm. This is a basic demonstration, but it showcases the critical role of precise dimensioning in sketching and, consequently, in parametric design. In creating complex designs, such principles and techniques will be applied in much more complicated ways.

The downside of using only predefined dimensions is that if we would like to change the sides of this square in the future, we would need to edit the sketch manually (something that may be difficult in more complex designs). With this in mind we can have a parametric design with the use of user parameters.

Parameters in Fusion 360

To add our parameter to the sketch we need to edit the dimension and select our “variable”, if done successfully you will see a fx next to the measurement

Another neat trick is that we can add equations to the parameters, for example to the height of this figure, lets make it to be always 2 times the width by adding the next parameter:

My press-fit parametric construction kit

To create my construction kit I had one idea in mind… Could I create a kit that is flexible and could conduct electricity? This sounds like a crazy but cool idea to try in this week’s assignment but will time be in my favor?.

To start I decided to use a “lattice living hinge” and sketch it in fusion 360 using only parametric measurements. You can find a lot more info about it in our Group assignment page. The most important thing is the equation that defines the number of links and width based on the degrees and thickness of the material

To make this design first I needed to add the equation to the parameters in Fusion 360. This was an extremely tiring process as it was my first time using complex equations in Fusion 360 and I found out that a lot of errors where thrown at me because units didn't match.

After the parameters have been defined, the sketch is made based. The different dimensions will be defined based on the lattice hinge design from the previous figure. As the design is parametric, only one link is needed with all the parameters.

After the link has been successfully designed, we use a rectangular pattern to add the number of links needed according to the thickness and degrees of our intended design. After this, our lattice hinge is fully designed in a parametric style. As an example, we can have a 90° vs a 180° side to side comparison.

To complete the assignment, a press-fit design is needed. For this, I want to include a snap type joint to make sure users can create their unique sets. for this, I finally created a combination of different joints to adapt to the needs of the project.

To create the piece that will help join all the hinges, I created a parametric base that can change the number of sides as well as the size of the sides. It was made through the following parameters.

The final part is to design is the snap joinery.

To do the Computer controlled Cutting a laser cutting machine was used with a laser power of 50% at 40 mm/s was recommended according to the test sheet that the group assignment got. The laser cut was quite easy and fast, a few changes were made last minute due to some kerf not being accounted for.

Individual pieces

Get all the individual pieces, you will need one of each kind

First step

get the lattice hinge end in the middle of the seatbelt style part

Second step

Join the polygon piece with the seatbelt piece

Third step

Add the stopper to make sure the joints wont come out

Final step

Repeat all the steps on the second polygon piece on all sides

To assemble the presskit there is no glue needed nor anything else, the friction and snap systemalong can hold the material. As I am a coffee lover I created a coaster kit that can be lasercut in different shapes and to be adjusted to the desired angle according to the kit.

As an extra semi-intentional design, the flexible designs can be used to create other figures as the user can experiment with them:

Vinyl cut

For the task of creating a vinyl cut, I opted to use the logo of a cafeteria that I am the proprietor of. The creative process involved using a software known as Silhouette Studio, which necessitated the use of a png image file.
To generate the path for the vinyl cut, the png file was imported into the software, and a variety of parameters had to be established. These parameters were critical to the process, as they determined the precision and quality of the cut.
In my particular case, I used a set of parameters that were recommended by our instructor. Additionally, I also found a useful resource on the website of Green Stik Materials Crafts. They provided a comprehensive guide for the Silhouette Cameo 4, which included recommended cut settings. You can find the guide here.

For the material I was using, I found the Pattern Vinyl settings to be the most appropriate. However, in accordance with the recommendations made by our on-site instructor, I adjusted the force settings to adapt to the specific requirements of our Fab Lab's machine