3. Computer-Controlled Cutting
Computer-controlled cutting technology is a manufacturing process that utilizes computer-controlled machines to accurately and efficiently cut materials. This technology has become a fundamental tool in various industries, including manufacturing, engineering, architecture, and design. The utility of computer-controlled cutting lies in its ability to produce precise and repeatable cuts in a variety of materials, ranging from metals and plastics to wood and textiles. Computer-controlled cutting allows manufacturers and designers to create precise parts and components that are difficult to achieve with traditional cutting methods. This versatile technique can be used for a wide range of applications, including the manufacture of machine parts, prototyping, the production of architectural elements, and the development of apparel and textile products. Computer-controlled cutting is an innovative technology that has revolutionized the way materials are cut and manufactured. It brings precision, efficiency, and versatility to a wide range of industries and applications.
Research
This week, we will cover two types of computer-controlled cutting:
- Laser cutting
- Vinyl cutting
Computer-controlled cutting with CO2 laser machines is a highly efficient and versatile state-of-the-art technique in the manufacturing industry. This method utilizes a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to make precise cuts in a wide variety of materials, including metal, wood, acrylic, leather, and other non-metallic materials. The use of CO2 laser machines has become essential in these sectors due to their efficiency and versatility. This method utilizes a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to make precise cuts in a wide variety of materials, including metal, wood, acrylic, leather, and other non-metallic materials.
CO2 laser machines can cut a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, plywood, acrylic, leather, and fabric. These materials are ideal for laser cutting due to their ability to absorb laser energy and produce clean, precise cuts. Laser technology enables detailed and complex cuts, resulting in high-quality end products.
The CO2 laser machine operates by emitting a highly concentrated laser beam that is focused on the material to be cut. The material is heated and vaporized at the designated point, resulting in a precise and clean cut. The computer controls the direction and intensity of the laser, enabling customized cuts based on the programmed design. This process ensures high precision and repeatability in part production, leading to improved manufacturing efficiency and quality.
Image taken for: https://creativalab.io/products/accesorio-rotatorio-para-beamo
On the other hand, computer-controlled cutting is a specialized solution for the industry when it comes to vinyl and similar flammable materials that cannot be laser cut. In situations where laser cutting is not safe due to the flammability of the materials, computer-controlled cutting becomes a crucial technique. This process involves the use of special software-controlled tools to precisely cut vinyl and other materials that pose flammability risks when exposed to high temperatures.
Computer-controlled cutting technology provides a safe and efficient alternative for handling flammable materials, ensuring accurate and risk-free results. This method allows for the creation of complex and detailed shapes in materials such as vinyl without compromising the safety of the work environment. It has become an invaluable tool for industries that work with flammable materials and require precise and controlled cutting for their manufacturing processes.
Image generated by Microsoft Bing Image Creator
Laser cutting
In order to utilize the laser cutting machine, I initially conceived of creating a preliminary iteration of the wave flume palette, which will ultimately serve as the foundation for my final project.
The design of the paddle was created in InkScape and exported as a .svg file.
The initial design of the palette, with reference to the supports to be incorporated in week 5.
The ULB Fab Lab contains two laser cutting machines: the Epilog Laser Fusion Pro and the Lasersaur. The Epilog Laser Fusion Pro is a professional machine with its own software. In contrast, the Lasersaur was designed and assembled by the members of the Fab Lab ULB, in collaboration with a web controller.
To cut the palette, the Lasersaur was employed, as it possesses greater cutting power than other available options. The resulting cut can be observed in the accompanying image.
Following the application of heat to the paddle using a heat gun in order to conform to the broken lines of the design, the following result was obtained.
Vinyl cutting
In order to utilise the vinyl cutter machine (Silhouette Cameo 3), files in the .dxf (Drawing Exchange Format) must be loaded. This can be accomplished with relative ease through the use of InkScape. Initially, the design is created and subsequently saved in this format. For the purposes of this experiment, I elected to create an overlay template for an electronic board, with the intention of applying a protective layer of paint. The results of this endeavour can be observed in the documentation of week 4.
In fulfillment of the group assignment, the parameters of the Lasersaur were characterized. The results may be accessed here.