Group Assignment Laser Cutting and Scanning

During this week's group assignment, our focus was on Laser cutting and scanning. We worked in team to explore and conduct trials on the laser cutting machine. The primary objectives of the group assignment were as follows:

Understanding the Laser Cutting Machine:

• Comprehensive exploration of the laser cutting machine and its specifications.
• Gaining insights into the technical details and capabilities of the machine.

Operational Knowledge:

• Acquiring practical knowledge on how to operate the laser cutting machine effectively.
• Learning the step-by-step process of setting up and running the machine.

Safety Precautions:

• Understanding and implementing safety measures associated with operating the Laser Cutting Machine.
• Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a secure working environment.

Optimization Parameters:

• Determining the optimum speed and power values for the laser cutting machine.
• Calculating the Kerf value, a crucial parameter for achieving precision in cutting, across various materials.

These optimized values now serve as valuable references for our individual assignments and projects. Having established the optimal speed, power, and Kerf values, we can parametrically modify our CAD models based on these findings.

Laser Cutter

A laser cutter is a computer-controlled device that utilizes a laser beam to precisely cut or engrave materials. It works by directing the focused laser beam onto the surface of the material, which then either melts, burns, or vaporizes the material, leaving a clean and accurate cut. Laser cutters are versatile tools commonly used in various industries, including manufacturing, crafting, and prototyping. They can cut through a wide range of materials such as wood, acrylic, plastic, fabric, and metal, depending on the laser's power and the material's compatibility. Laser cutting is valued for its precision, speed, and ability to produce intricate designs, making it a popular choice for creating detailed patterns, prototypes, and customized products.
At our Vigyan Ashram Fablab, we are having a C02 Laser Cutter, so we have did a trail and experimenting on the same.

C02 Laser Cutter Machine

A CO2 laser engraving and cutting machine is a versatile tool used for engraving and cutting various materials using a high-powered laser beam. The “CO2” in the name refers to the type of laser it uses, which generates the laser beam by exciting carbon dioxide gas. This cutting-edge technology employs a sealed carbon dioxide gas mixture as its laser medium, generating a focused and powerful beam of infrared light. The CO2 laser cutter is particularly adept at slicing through materials like wood, acrylic, leather, and certain metals with exceptional accuracy, leaving clean edges and intricate designs. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to vaporize or melt the material in its path, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from crafting intricate designs to industrial manufacturing processes. The machine's user-friendly interface and computer-controlled precision make it an indispensable tool for professionals and hobbyists alike, revolutionizing the way materials are shaped and customized.

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Individual Assignment

Parametric Designing in Fusion 360:

Parametric design, a fundamental aspect of computer-aided design (CAD) software, offers a powerful toolset that significantly enhances efficiency by eliminating the need for manual redesign when altering design dimensions. This innovative approach allows design engineers to establish relationships among various attributes, ensuring that modifications to one dimension automatically propagate throughout the entire design. In essence, parametric modeling empowers designers to define entire classes of shapes, providing flexibility beyond specific instances.

The relevance of parametric modeling becomes particularly evident in laser cutting operations, where precision is paramount. Addressing the kerf in laser cutting, which necessitates adjustments in design elements such as slots for press fits, underscores the importance of parametric modeling. Slot dimensions are contingent upon variables like material thickness and kerf, both subject to change based on factors like material type, speed, power settings, and more. Rather than manually adjusting each dimension, parametric modeling enables the designer to dynamically link the slot width to material thickness and kerf.

In the context of laser cutting, where the need for precise slot dimensions is critical, mastering parametric modeling becomes an essential skill. This is exemplified through practical application in software like Fusion 360.

Parametric Modeling in Fusion 360:

1. Initiated the parametric design process by creating a rectangular shape with slots along its periphery in Fusion 360.



2. Defined parametric equations within the "Modify" and "Change Parameters" menu to establish a dynamic relationship between slot width, material thickness, and kerf.





3. Utilized the parameters table to introduce equations that considered the interplay of material thickness and kerf in determining slot dimensions.



4. Explored the flexibility of the parametric model by modifying the material thickness through the "Modify Equation" menu. Witnessed the seamless adjustment of all slot width dimensions with a simple alteration in the parametric equation table.

Model Assembly in Fusion 360:

Actual Cutting and Joints

By incorporating parametric modeling into the design workflow, the ability to swiftly adapt to changes in material properties, laser cutting settings, and other parameters becomes a reality. This not only enhances efficiency but also ensures precision and accuracy in the final laser-cut components. Parametric modeling in Fusion 360 emerges as a valuable skill, offering a time-saving and versatile approach to design iteration and optimization.

Observation from actual Cutting

Observation of Cutting Cardboard: During laser cutting on corrugated cardboard sheets, I have noted a distinct difference in the outcomes based on the orientation of the cardboard. When the sheet is placed vertically, the laser cutting tends to cause the flutes to open up. However, when the cardboard sheet is positioned horizontally, a more favorable result is achieved, with the laser creating cross cuts that maintain the integrity of the flutes. This observation suggests that horizontal placement is preferable for achieving the desired cutting outcome on corrugated cardboard.

Vinyl Cutter

A vinyl cutter serves as an ideal entry-level device for crafting signs. It operates by directly cutting computer-designed vector files containing patterns and letters onto a roll of vinyl. The vinyl, mounted and fed into the cutter, is connected to the computer via a USB or serial cable.

Fablab VA Vinyl Cutter Deatils

Graphtec CE6000-60 Plus series Vinyl Cutter

Vinyl Cutter Assessories