3.Computer-Controlled Cutting

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Plan

task: Design, lasercut, and document a parametric construction kit, accounting for the lasercutter kerf, which can be assembled in multiple ways. Cut something on the vinyl cutter

Grupal Task Week 3

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How does a laser cutter work?

A laser cutter uses a precise and concentrated beam of light (laser) to cut, engrave or cut materials. The laser, usually CO2, is generated and focused through a lens that concentrates it into a point. This beam of light has a high energy that vaporizes or melts the material in the contact zone, allowing cutting or engraving with high precision and without “physical” contact.

  • 1. Laser generation: The laser is produced by a power source (such as a CO2 tube).
  • 2. Focusing: The laser is directed towards the piece of material through mirrors and lenses (concave and convex), concentrating on a small point.
  • 3. Cutting or engraving: When it reaches the surface of the material, the laser can cut or engrave the material depending on the power and cutting speed settings.
  • 4. Waste extraction: The process generates vapors or waste, which are expelled by a smoke extraction system from under the bed of the laser cutter.

    • Field Uses in Engineering Uses in Food Uses in Art Uses in Medicine
    Prototyping Precise cutting of parts for functional prototypes, complex structures, and assemblies. Cutting of packaging, labels, and customization of food products. Creation of artistic models and prototypes for sculptures with fine details. Creation of prototypes for medical devices and customized prosthetics.
    Manufacturing Cutting of parts for machinery, structures, and electronic components. Design and cutting of templates for decorative foods, such as cakes and chocolates. Sculpture and modeling of materials such as wood and acrylic. Production of anatomical models or surgical tools.
    Industrial Design Production of customized parts, molds, and dies. Customization of packaging and labels for food and beverages. Creation of personalized items such as jewelry, watches, and decorations. Creation of tools and molds for medical device manufacturing.
    Education Development of didactic projects and research for engineering students. Production of educational materials related to the food industry. Realization of educational and artistic projects in schools and universities. Fabrication of educational models of anatomy or medical equipment for learning.
    Architecture Modeling and cutting of materials for architectural models. Customization of decor for food events, such as menus and ornaments. Design of artistic models and scaled models for presentations. Modeling of medical or surgical designs to visualize structures.
    Digital Manufacturing Customization of products, such as printed circuits or electronic components. Creation of packaging or innovative decorations for product presentation. Painting, engraving, and customization of surfaces on art objects. Fabrication of customized medical devices or implants.

    My work on lasercut

    For this week I designed two pieces for laser cutting, inspired by atomic orbitals, because I always found the topic about them somewhat interesting, so based on their shape I designed two pieces.

    (Orbitals are regions of space around the nucleus of an atom where there is a high probability of finding an electron. They are based on the Schrödinger equation and describe the quantum behavior of electrons in atoms.)

    Solidworks

    For this we will use the global variables but... what is this and how do I create one?

    In SolidWorks, the global variable is a value defined at the document level that can be used in various dimensions and relationships within a sketch or model.

    Steps to create a global function (variable) in SolidWorks:

    Step Description
    1. Open SolidWorks and the model Make sure you have an open piece.
    2. Go to Equations Go to the toolbar and select: Tools → Equations... You can also press Alt + T + Q as quick access.
    3. Create a global variable In the equations window, click "Add". In the column of Name, write the name of the variable (example: Plate_Width). In the column of Value, enter the desired number (example: 50mm). Press Enter to save.
    4. Use the variable in dimensions In a sketch, select a dimension. In the dimension edit box, type the variable name with the prefix = (Example: =Plate_Width). Press Enter and the dimension will be linked to the global variable.
    5. Modify the global variable If you need to change the value, go back to Equations and edit it. When you make changes, all dimensions linked to the variable will be updated automatically.

    Here you can see the dialog window with a table about the global functions.

    what is kerf? And why is so important?

    Kerf is the width of material that is removed during a cutting process, such as using a laser, saw, water jet or plasma. Basically, it is the space or groove left after making a cut.

    Factors affecting kerf:

  • Cutting Tool: Different tools generate different kerf widths. For example, a circular saw has a wider kerf than a high-precision laser.
  • Material: Denser or thicker materials can increase kerf as they require more energy to cut.
  • Cutting speed and power: In the case of laser cutting, slower speed and higher power can make the kerf larger.
  • Type of blade or nozzle: In processes such as plasma or water jet cutting, the diameter of the nozzle affects the width of the kerf.

    • How a Vinyl Cutter Works

    Process Description
    Digital Design The design is created in software such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, or the cutter's proprietary software. The design must be in vector format (SVG, DXF, AI, etc.).
    Machine Setup The vinyl is loaded into the cutter, and parameters such as pressure, speed, and blade depth are adjusted according to the material type.
    Vinyl Cutting The machine moves the material while the blade precisely cuts the design following the vector lines from the file. It only cuts the top layer of vinyl without piercing the backing paper.
    Weeding The excess vinyl that is not part of the design is removed using tools such as tweezers or special hooks.
    Application of Transfer Tape A special adhesive tape is placed over the cut design to transfer it to the desired surface without losing its shape.
    Placement on the Final Surface The design is applied to the surface (glass, metal, wood, plastic, etc.), pressing it with a squeegee to avoid bubbles and ensure adhesion.
    Removal of Transfer Tape The transfer tape is slowly removed, leaving the vinyl precisely adhered to the surface.

  • Material preparation The work area is cleaned.
  • Spray adhesive is applied to the mat and the vinyl is placed in the upper left corner.
  • The mat is inserted into the cutter, which will automatically align the material.

    • Cutting process

    The appropriate cutting head is selected (there are different blades and markers) and the design is loaded from a USB. If the image is not vectorized, it must be edited in software such as Inkscape. The position of the layout on the screen grid is adjusted, ensuring it matches the physical mat. Parameters are configured such as speed and cutting pressure, adjusting them according to the level of detail required. The cut is started and it is checked that the result matches the original image. Lastly, transfer paper is used to adhere the vinyl to the desired surface.

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