Justyn

3. Group Computer controlled cutting

As part of the Week 3 Computer-Controlled Cutting assignment, I explored vinyl cutting
using an older Cricut Create machine.

Objective

The objective was to evaluate the capabilities of the Cricut Create as a computer-controlled
cutting device and determine whether it could be used for fabrication assignments involving
adhesive vinyl and cardstock materials.

Equipment

- Cricut Create
- Cricut cutting mat
- Adhesive vinyl
- Cardstock paper
- Computer-generated designs

Process

A design was created digitally and imported into the Cricut software. The design was then cut
using adhesive vinyl mounted on the cutting mat. Several test cuts were performed to determine
the appropriate cutting settings and blade depth.

After successful vinyl cutting tests, additional cuts were performed using cardstock paper to
evaluate the machine's ability to produce clean and accurate shapes.

Results

The Cricut Create successfully produced vinyl graphics and cardstock cutouts. The machine
demonstrated acceptable accuracy for lettering and simple geometric shapes. The cardstock
tests indicated that the machine could also be used for lightweight construction-kit style
projects involving slot-fit assembly.

Observations

- Small details that required careful blade adjustment.
- Material adhesion to the cutting mat significantly affected cut quality.
- Cardstock was easier to work with than expected.
- The machine remains useful for introductory digital fabrication despite its age.

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Lab Safety Training

Because I complete my Fab Academy assignments from a home workshop rather than a dedicated Fab Lab,
I developed and documented safety procedures specific to the equipment available in my workspace.

Workspace

My fabrication areas consists of a dedicated workbench used for electronics, digital fabrication,
and prototyping activities. The workspace is kept organized and free of unnecessary clutter to
reduce hazards.

Personal Protective Equipment

Depending on the operation being performed, the following safety equipment is used:

- Safety glasses
- Dust mask when generating airborne particles
- Different types of gloves for various tasks
- Sleeves for abrasive chemicals or sharp tools
- Desktop fan to keep area clear with fresh air
- Doors & windows open for ventilation
- Closed-toe shoes

Electrical Safety

When working with microcontrollers and electronic circuits:

- Power is disconnected before modifying wiring.
- Circuits are visually inspected before energizing.
- USB cables and power supplies are checked for damage.
- Components are tested at low power before final operation.

Cutting Equipment Safety

When operating the Cricut Create and other cutting equipment:

- Hands are kept clear of moving parts.
- Materials are securely attached to the cutting mat.
- The machine is never left unattended while operating.
- Blade changes are performed with power disconnected.

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Characterizing the SHARK HD520 CNC Router

The assignment references several parameters commonly associated with laser cutters, including focus,
laser power, and pulse rate. Since my project was completed using a SHARK HD520 CNC router rather than
a laser cutter, some of these parameters do not directly apply. Instead, equivalent CNC machining
parameters were considered.
L

aser Cutter Parameters vs. SHARK HD520 CNC Router

Focus

- Not applicable to the CNC router.
- The equivalent is setting the correct Z-height and zero position before machining.

Laser Power

- Not applicable to the CNC router. - The equivalent is spindle speed (RPM), which affects cutting performance and material removal.

Laser Speed

- Equivalent to feed rate.
- Feed rate determines how quickly the cutting tool moves through the material.

Pulse Rate / Frequency

- Not applicable to the CNC router.
- Material removal is controlled by spindle rotation and cutting tool geometry rather than laser pulses.

Kerf

- The CNC router produces a kerf equal to the diameter of the cutting tool.
- Tool diameter must be considered when designing slots, pockets, and press-fit features.

Joint Clearance

> - Joint clearance was determined by accounting for tool diameter and material tolerances.
- Test cuts can be used to determine the best fit for press-fit assemblies.

Additional CNC Parameters

Tool Diameter

- Determines the minimum internal corner radius and overall cutting precision.

Cut Depth

> - Controls how much material is removed during each machining pass.

Step Over

> - Affects surface finish and machining time.

Feed Rate

- Influences cut quality and machine load.

Spindle Speed

> - Influences chip formation, surface finish, and cutting efficiency.

One more thing...

While the SHARK HD520 does not use laser-specific settings such as focus, power, or pulse rate,
similar fabrication concepts are controlled through spindle speed, feed rate, tool diameter,
cut depth, and machine setup. These parameters were used to characterize the machining process
and achieve accurate cuts for the project.