3. Computer controlled cutting

This week I have also been a bit behind schedule because of a family emergency but trying hard to catch up. I took a look at the laser in our Fablab and did some experimenting with the laser and the Vinil cutter. I did not complete the group assignment but did some of it.

Group Assignment:

Do your lab´s safety training.

characterize your lasercutter's focus, power, speed, rate, kerf, joint clearance and types

Individual Assignment:

cut something on the vinylcutter.

design, lasercut, and document a parametric construction kit, accounting for the lasercutter kerf, which can be assembled in multiple ways.

Extra credit: Include elements that aren´t flat.

🔒 Safety Procedures in Our Fab Lab

In our Fab Lab, we follow clear safety procedures to ensure a safe and responsible working environment for everyone. These rules apply to the use of all machines, materials, and shared spaces.

🧑‍🔧 General Safety

✔️ Always receive training before using any equipment.
👥 Never work alone when using machines.
🧼 Keep your workspace clean and organized.
🚫 No eating or drinking near machines or electronics.
🦺 Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required, such as:
- 🕶️ Safety glasses
- 🧤 Gloves
- 🎧 Hearing protection (if needed)

⚙️ Machine Safety

💥 Laser Cutter:
- Never leave the machine unattended while cutting.
- Do not cut forbidden materials such as PVC.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby at all times.
🛠️ CNC Milling Machine:
- Wear safety glasses and secure the material firmly.
- Never place hands near rotating tools.
🖨️ 3D Printer:
- Avoid touching hot parts (heated bed and nozzle).
- Use the printer in a well-ventilated area, especially when using ABS.

🔌 Electronics and Power Safety

Turn off power before working on circuits.
Use insulated tools and avoid metal jewelry.
Handle batteries carefully and store them properly.
Be cautious with high-current or high-voltage systems.

🧪 Material Handling

Read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) before using chemicals or adhesives.
Work in ventilated areas when using glue, resin, or solvents.
Clearly label and store all materials safely.

🆘 Emergency Procedures

Know the location of:
- ⏹️ Emergency stop buttons
- 🔥 Fire extinguishers
- ⛑️ First aid kits
- 🚪 Emergency exits
Report any accidents or unsafe conditions to the lab supervisor.

Research

Looking at Fusion 360 Did some drawing in Fusion 360.

Useful links

Autodesk - Fusion 360

Laser Cutting

My First Laser Cutting Process After thinking about what I wanted to make, I decided to design a parametric construction kit in Fusion 360. I used parameters so I could easily change the thickness and size of the parts later if needed. Once my design was ready, I exported it as an SVG file and opened it in Inkscape. There, I arranged all the pieces to fit nicely on the material and prepared it for laser cutting. I also made sure the lines were the right thickness so the laser would recognize them as cuts. After that, I saved the file as a PDF, which I could open on the computer connected to the laser cutter. At the laser machine, I set the power and speed for the material I was using. I also had to set the focus (height) and choose the origin point (zero point) before starting the cut. Then I sent the file to the laser, and it started cutting my design!

Drawing parametric construction kit in Fusion 360. Sketch view.

Here I have finished the sketch after some changes, getting ready to cut.

When I started assembling the kit, it started to look like a figure so at the end it needed a head. So, back to Fusion 360 and drew a head for the figure.

Cutting my parametric construction

Pieces out of the laser

Made a head for my figure.

Finally allt put together.

My figure with a pile of chips.

My figure, tried to remove background.

Click the button above to get the Fusion 360 file for the figure.

Vinil Cutting

This process was preatty simple, I did not want to do anything complex so I did the FabLab logo with the text FabaAcademy 2025. I did that in Inkscape and saved as a PDF document. I took that file over to the vinil cutter, selected a piece of vinil for the project, alligned it in the cutter and pressed Cut. The rest is history and the pictures speak for the rest I think.