3. Computer Controlled Cutting¶
Tasks¶
- Individual: Cut something on a vinyl cutter by designing in vector software
- Group: Complete your lab’s safety training and characterize your laser cutter’s focus, power, speed, rate, kerf, joint clearance, and types.
Softwares Used¶
- Corel Draw
- Silhouette Studio
Vinyl Cutting¶
For my sticker, I wanted a music-related design inspired by one of my favorite artists, Frank Ocean. I chose the album cover from his unreleased album, Nostalgia Ultra, as the centerpiece of my design.
The image had too many colors, so I imported it into CorelDRAW to fix this. I first converted the image into a bitmap and then ungrouped it. This allowed me to work on and modify each individual section.
After adjusting the colors and shading in CorelDRAW, I exported the design and imported it into Silhouette Studio. In the software, I used the “Select by Color” dropdown to separate the car’s pieces by color. Initially, I noticed multiple shades of orange, so I selected them all and unified them into a single color, ultimately reducing the design to just five colors.
I separated each color and, one at a time, copied and printed them individually.
After each color was printed, I had to remove all the unwanted pieces with tweezers in order to add it onto the transfer tape. Afte that, I layered each color on top of the other.
This was the final product after I layered each layer by color.
Group Project.¶
Here is my group website for the group task. My role was to discuss the different joints that Niel discussed. This is what a wrote.
Snap-fit Joint¶
Snap-fit joints are mechanical connections where parts flex and lock together without glue, screws, or additional fasteners. These joints rely on elastic deformation to temporarily bend and then snap into place. A con that can be associated with the use of snap-fit joints is that they are not ideal for high-stress applications.
Chamfer Joint¶
Chamfer joints are edges of the two joined that are beveled before joining. Instead of straight 90-degree edges, chamfered edges are cut at angles is cut at an angle typically 45 degrees. This makes assembly smoother and improves the joint’s strength and improves assembly and strength. The cons of using chamfer joints are that they require accurate cuts for tight fits and thinner edges may reduce load capacity.
Flexure Joint¶
Flexure joints are hinge-like connections that allow movement through the elastic bending of material, rather than mechanical parts. It allows for controlled bending and movement by using thin, flexible, sections in a rigid material, instead of traditional hinges Some detriments that can come with using flexure joints are they can weaken or crack over time, they cannot support heavy forces, and can only bend within a set limit before failure.
Press-fit Joint¶
A press fit joint is where two parts are fitted together by friction, The parts hold together due to the slots being slightly smaller than the inserted pieces, creating a compression friction that keeps the joint secure. Some detriments associated with using Pressfit are that it requires precise tolerances, It may weaken over time, and it may be difficult to adjust after assembly.
Pinned Joint¶
A pinned joint is a connection where two parts rotate around a fixed pin or hinge. This allows controlled movements while restricting other directions. This type of joint is ideal for hinges and moving parts and can handle loads if it is designed properly. However, it requires precise fits. If pieces are too tight, then they might not move and if it’s too loose they may wobble.
Wedge Joint¶
Wedge Joints are angled pieces that are driven into slots to create a tight, secure fit between two parts. The friction from the wedge allowed pieces to be held together without glue and screws. This joint is effective in wood, metal, and plastic. But it is not ideal for thin materials, because it requires thick materials for the wedge to hold.
Snap Joint¶
A snap joint is a connection where parts snap together using flexible features like hooks, clips, or tabs, creating a secure hold. They provide fast and tool-free assembly, they work well with plastics, wood, and metal.
Finger Joint¶
Finger joints are interlocking rectangular tabs that are cut into two pieces that fit together almost link fingers. This increases the surface area, allowing for strong precise connections. However, Improper kerf adjustments can lead to loose or tight joints.
Parameter kit¶
I didn’t know what my first shape should be for my kit so I looked online and found a past fab student, Tafia Sabila Khairunnisa’s, kit and followed her step by step tutorial. I used Fusion 360 when she used Onshape.
I forgot I had add chamfered edges on my kit so I went back and added it.
I then made 2 more shapes. For my second shape I started with making a 3 inch circle. I then created the same .15 x .4 inch retangular slot I made on my first shape.
After that, I used the pattern tool on fusion to create replica of the slot all around the circle.
Finally, I added used the line tool to make chamfered edgedes all around it.
For the last shape I made was a simple rectangle. I first made a 1 x 2 inch rectangle and on the bottom of each side I added the .15 x .40 slot. After that I chamfered the edges.
On teh lazer cutter, I printed one set of my three shapes to see if they fit, and they did!.
After I knew for sure the first set fit without trouble I printed more and made it smaller.
Here are all the things I made using pieces from my kit.
Here are all my files for this week!