Week 03: Computer Control cutting

Vinyl Cut

Roland GX

First, we needed to start the machine by pressing the button (the blue light indicates that it is on). We inserted the roll into the holder.

To start make sure to click the button to turn it on and make sure the light is blue.

Put the roller at the back and move the papper with the arrow and indicators.

Align the paper between the layers, adjusting the rollers to the edges of the plane.

Lift the locks to prevent it from moving.

We import the image into the "Cut Studio" program and send it to cut with "Cut" on the top bar.

Insert the image in EPS 8 and place it at the bottom on the left. Example of how it turns out:

PORTATIL VINIL Cutter

We downloaded the Silhouette Studioprogram, then opened it on the computer and accepted the terms. Load the image in PNG format and place it on the top left edge.

This is how the interface should look loke with all the instructions

Before start we have to turn the machine till the light turns un in green then we place the sheet and insert in de edge with the arrows in the machine.

Then onnect the device to our computer, and paste on transfer paper. I used masking tape to keep it in order.

once we have the image we should place the PNG format in the sheet and adjust the image to the height of the paper you are using.

We send it to print with the "Print" button and wait for the image to be processed. Cut a vinyl square and insert the grid into the machine with the buttons.

Then I went to the application, selected the PNG file, and clicked on SEND.

This is how the cut should look like, now we need to separate the pices we dont need.

Personally I used tape and press the image in the paper so once you take it off carefully you only have the loose pieces. It also helps to keep the shape organized.

Stick it on a solid surface. For textiles, you need heat.

Image Creation

First, I searched the internet for an image.

Then I inserted the image in Photopea and then in File> Adjust> Free transform I adsjust the height of the image.

To convert this image in PNG I erase the background using the pincel Select + all the image in red, then refine edges, refine. The other image will stay intact in a layer below. If you like you an erase it or just hide it.

Finally to save the document, Clik file Save as> PNG > then this window will pop up and depending on the quality you would like to have you move the bar, in this case I select 900 x 900 and 98% quality. Then click Save and the archive will appear at your downloads

Click to see original image:

Laser Cut

First sketches:

Piece Design

First, I experimented with different figures until I found one I liked.

Once I got familiar with the program, I started taking measurements to create equations to parametrize every line.

Then, I decided to use a mirror function so that it had four corners and four entrances.

As you can see, I decided to redo the edges before applying the fillet to the plane.

I added more cuts and dimensions to better measure the objects. Then, I adjusted the equations to create different figures and change materials.

Based on the initial plans, I made the second piece and applied the same equations.

Once I was happy with my object, I saved the files in DXF format.

SolidWorks has the option to select which plane you would like to save as a 2D object.

So I selected the current or top plane and deleted the side drawings within the popup page until I ensured there was only one stroke.

After figuring out which material I was going to use, I adjusted the thickness of the object in the equations to match the material exactly.

I added the kerf after testing and repeated the offset process with the different sizes of pieces.

Also at the end I had to mark all the edges at 90 degrees so that when I altered the sice of the kerf or the high wont get altered.

Errors I encountered

There were errors in the equations due to an excess of measurements, which prevented the model from modifying correctly when I adjusted the material or height. Additionally, there were many unsealed corners. I resolved these issues by repeating the models several times.

What is Kerf?

Kerf refers to the width of the cut or the material that is removed by a cutting process. When using a laser cutter, for example, the kerf is determined by the width of the laser beam.

What’s Cutting Kerf and Why Is It Important?

Definition of Cutting Kerf

The term "kerf" originated from woodworking and traditionally referred to the width of the saw blade or the material removed during a cut. In modern fabrication, particularly with laser cutting, kerf refers to the material that is vaporized by the laser beam.

Factors Influencing Kerf

• Type of Cutting Tool: Different tools (laser, saw, plasma cutter) have different kerf widths.
• Material: Different materials (wood, acrylic, metal) respond differently to the cutting process.
• Cutting Speed and Power: These settings affect how much material is removed.

Importance of Kerf in Fabrication

Precision: When designing parts to fit together, you need to account for the kerf to ensure precise fits. Not accounting for kerf can result in pieces that are too loose or too tight.

Material Usage: Understanding the kerf can help optimize material usage, reducing waste and cost.

Design Accuracy: For intricate designs, knowing the kerf is crucial to maintain the integrity of the design and avoid unintended gaps or overlaps.

How to Account for Kerf

• Measure the Kerf: Perform a test cut on your material and measure the width of the cut. This measurement is your kerf.
• Adjust Design: In your design software, adjust the dimensions of the parts by subtracting half the kerf width from each side of the cut line. This ensures that the cut parts will have the correct final dimensions.
• Verification: After cutting, verify that the parts fit together as intended. Adjust the design if necessary and repeat the process.

Practical Steps:

1. Testing: Always perform a test cut to determine the kerf for your specific machine and material.

2. Adjustment: Use the kerf value to adjust your design files. Some design software allows you to set the kerf offset automatically.

3. Verification: After cutting, verify that the parts fit together as intended. Adjust the design if necessary and repeat the process.

Cutting MDF

The machine we use to cut was the CFL-CMA1200. Then I added the designs to the program that was previously installed.

Cut examples with the corrections tried several times. The I tried with diferent kerf with .1 mm more, .2 mm more and .4 mm more

After I calculate the final kerf I made the last examples with the same shape just to make sure they hold togheter

Then I tried to build different objects and decided to create more shapes.

Inserted them in the program one more time with measures 75/65/25 and cut them all with kerf 0.123mm and the ensembles 0.005mm.

And lastly I made a set of 3x3, 3x5, 5x5, 5x10 and 10x10.

Final pieces. Changed planes to give a similar look to that of the mouse.

Final Result

Files

• Image PNG
• Archive Image
• Folder Pieces Cut