Computer-Controlled Cutting

This week we started our groups assignments where we got introduced to the Fab labs safety rules and how to use the the laser cutter. We looked over how the how to clean an focus the laser finding the range where the laser cut the best. We also looked at figuring out the kerf. The kerf is the the material that the laser beam burns away. It was really nice to work with the others and learn how to set up the laser.
What we learned this week in our group assignment:

  • do your lab's safety training characterize your lasercutter's focus, power, speed, rate, kerf, joint clearance and types

    • On our own

  • 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, and for extra credit include elements that aren't flat

    • quick into duction to the laser cutter Fusion edge

    The laser cutter we got to work with is the Fusion Edge from Epilog laser. This model has a selffocusing laser and a its own filter system with air asist. it also have a netwerk conection to a stationnary computer. No need for running back and forth with a USB to ajust settings.

    The laser has a built in touch display where you can also go back to job that you had done before.

    Under the laser there is the filter which needs to be turned on before a job is started.

    vinylcutter

    The vinylcutter is a great example if computered aided cutting (CAC) that combines digital design with precies cutter technique. This allows you as a designer to create intricate shapes, logos, and text that are then cut from materials like vinyl, paper, or fabric. This have found its way into many start ups that deal with signage, custom apparel, and arts and crafts.

    In last week's assignment, I worked with Inkscape to create a custom vector that I can now import into Silhouette Studio. It is worth noting that you can also use Silhouette Studio to create your own designs without the use of Inkscape. If you own the full version of the software, you can also save files as DXF, which can then be used to make laser cutting templates and designs.

    Using Silhouette studio

    In Silhouette, you can create or import SVG or DXF vector files, which you can either purchase or find for free from various sources. Another option in Silhouette is to create your own vector/2D drawing using the tools in the side menus. This is quite intuitive, and you can experiment without worrying about making mistakes. Since I created my own vector in Inkscape last week, I am importing the logo now. If you have an image that you would like to import, simply go to File > Open. Once the image is uploaded, you should see the following image. Once the image is uploaded, you can adjust its size to your liking. If, like me, you’re comfortable working in inches, you can keep the original settings. If not, go to the Edit menu, select Preferences, and then navigate to the General tab where you can change the units of measurement. After uploading the image, you should see the following screen.
    Once you're happy with how you've scaled your image, you can go ahead and set up the printer.




    Getting stared


    Now lets look at what comes with the plotter. you should have:

  • Plotter
  • USB cable
  • power cable and power pack
  • backing plate to apply vinyl paper to

    • When you open the printer, you will see five buttons: Bluetooth, the up arrow key, down arrow key, pause, and power button. Once you have applied the vinyl foil to the backing, you can insert it into the printer by pressing the up arrow key. Make sure the sheet is inserted evenly, as this is important to avoid a misaligned cut.

    After setting up your plotter, you can connect via USB or Bluetooth. In my case, the connection worked automatically with the USB cable. It's important to note that you need to select which plotter you're using, as there are different versions, each with a pre-programmed name in the hardware. In my case, it was the Portrait 3.

    At the top right-hand side of the screen, there’s a button that says 'SEND.' Click this button, and you’ll be guided through a menu to get started. I followed the instructions until I reached the next menu, where I could adjust the settings of the plotter for the vinyl I was using.



    At the end of the guide menu, you'll reach the manual menu, where you can adjust the settings based on the type of material you're cutting. The presets are already configured, and in my experience, they’re sometimes good. However, I recommend always doing a test cut with the material you're using. There's a button at the bottom of the screen that lets you run a 'Generate Test Shape.' If the test cut is too soft, too slow, or not quite right, you can adjust the settings as needed. You can choose a different material from the list depending on what you're using, and modify the cut force, speed, and number of passes. For me, the preset settings worked just fine.


    Since I didn't have a place to stick the sticker, I left it as is and used some clear vinyl to attach it to my laptop for safekeeping. You may have noticed that some of the letters are incomplete—those required a needle to finish. This was just a test run to see if it would work, as I plan to cut a larger version of the logo to apply to a hoodie or T-shirt.

    Parametric design

    What is a parametric design? Parametric design is a computational approach where design elements are driven by a set of parameters. Instead of manually creating each design detail, the designer defines parameters (such as size, shape, or angle) that automatically adjust based on changes made to those parameters.
    How can I make the rule more clear? In my documentation booklet, I did several sketches, gathering ideas until I came up with a final concept. I then predefined the parameters that suited the design. I decided to create a new game, aiming for something simple that anyone could enjoy. The game features a hexagon-shaped tree with numbers 1 through 6

    The games rules

    Game Rules:
  • Objective:
    • The goal of the game is to place your hexagon pieces on the tree without causing it to tip over.

  • Setup:
    • The game features a hexagon-shaped tree with numbered slots, ranging from 1 to 6. Each player will have a set of hexagon pieces.

  • How to Play:
    • Players take turns rolling a die at the start of each turn. To begin, you must roll a 1, 2, or 3. If you roll any other number, your turn is skipped, and you must roll again on your next turn. Once you roll a 1, 2, or 3, you are allowed to place your hexagon piece on the corresponding numbered slot (1 goes on slot 1, 2 on slot 2, 3 on slot 3, and so on). If you roll a 6, you must place your piece on an open 6 slot. If no open slot is available for your roll, you lose your turn and must roll again.

  • Winning the Game:
    • The game continues until all players have placed their pieces. The player who successfully places all their hexagons without causing the tree to tip over wins the game.


    parameters

    In order to create a parametric drawing, it’s important to set the parameters on paper first. This will save time when adding the parameters to the table of contents in the function. I showed last week where this function can be found. In the parameter table, I added the kerf and material thickness, among other parameters. I made sure to preset the kerf and material thickness so that any changes to the kerf or the material thinknes will automatically update all the measurements where it plays a role.



    Once I had the parameters add I went and started a sketch on the XY plan. I than went and added the parameters to the drawing. Here is a image of the completed drawing. Next select the componts on the drawing that you want to copy. Follow the steps in the drawing to copy the pattern in a ciricle. Select the midpoint as your axis.



    Once the 2D drawing is complete, go to extrude and give in the parameter for the material thinkness.


    Next add a parameter to round over the edges. Then select the round over function.

    After redering and adding a couple of touches, like embeddig some writting on the parts and the die. We end up with the following images: