4. Computer controlled cutting¶

This week I worked on computer controlled cutting. Specifically I focused on making a parametric kit for a light catcher / wind chime.

Learning Objectives¶

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.

Learning outcomes - Demonstrate and describe parametric 2D modelling processes. - Identify and explain processes involved in using the laser cutter. - Develop, evaluate and construct a parametric construction kit. - Identify and explain processes involved in using the vinyl cutter.

Taken from Andri Semundsson

Machine¶

Laser cutter Fab Lab Reykjavik has three laser cutters, 2x Epilog mini 40 and 1x Epilog Fusion M2 40. For my assignment I used the Epilog mini 40.

Model: Epilog mini 40

Engraving Area: 610 mm x 305 mm (24 in. x 12 in.)
Max. material thickness: 203 mm (8 in.), engraving area: 597 mm x 298 mm (23.5 in. x 11.75 in.)
Laser Wattage: 40 watts

Taken from Andri Semundsson

Initial design¶

I had the design idea for this in a dream. I want to use this method to make a hippie curtin for my room.

Laser Cutting¶

I decided for this application that to start I would try using the pinned joint. Below is a screen shot from the joint Free CAD file provided on the class website.

The joint took a while to make. The current design can support material thickness of 1-4 mm. This is mainly because of the z-height restraint.

Image Ref

I wanted to be able to see the dimensions used. Free CAD doesn’t do parametric design as well as Fusion. I was hard to tell what each dimension actually was.

Below is an image of me “copying” the pinned joint into my design of the wind chime.

The you can see what each support piece looked after I finished modelling the joints.

One thing that may be important to think about when drawing for laser cutting is what size material stock you have. The Fab Lab in RVK has small and large stock. This design is for small stock which is 30 by 60 cm. So, I made sure to draw this into my fusion file to ensure I would not go over.

Laser-cut-kit-obj by anna-reneau on Sketchfab

I exported the fusion file as a DXF to move it into Inkscape to make sure it is prepped for the laser cutter.

Important Note¶

There was one issue. The drawing it’s self was in some weird format. The symbol looked like a fleur de lis. But converting it from object to a path fixed the issue.

Refocus¶

Then I realized that this is not the correct assignment. Ugh so now I can make a construction kit. Because I didn’t look at old work or what ever.

So I basically followed all of the same steps as before, but this time using a basic joint to make my new construction kit. It is similar to lincoln logs.

As you can see my construction kit went together well and was able to be used to make multiple things.

Fab Lab RVK Laser Cutter Instructions PDF

Vinyl - Hero Shot¶

Cutter used¶

Fab Lab Reykjavik has one vinyl cutter the Roland GS-24.

Model: Roland GS-24 - Acceptable media: 50 - 700 mm (2 to 27.5 in.) - Max. material thickness: 1 mm (0.039 in) - Max. cutting area: Width: 584 mm (22.9 in.) - Length: 25 m (984 in.) - Cutting speed: 10 - 500 mm/sec (4 in to 19.69 in/s) (all directions)

Taken from Andri Semundsson

Cut Something on the Vinyl Cutter¶

For the vinyl project I have been wanting to add vinyl to my winter jacket.

What I learned: - Make sure to add sufficient margins when design around scrap - Test small section on material to ensure it will not melt

Process¶

First, I did a test cut to ensure that the pin pressure is correct.

Then I measured the jacket I wanted to use for my textile vinyl. I also measure the area I wanted to put the vinyl in.

Note: Please make sure to pick up the trash. Your Fab Lab staff will hate you if you forget.

I loss about 10 plus mm to the wheels of the machine. Ensure you factor in about 20 mm overall to ensure you design will fit.

Here are some nice process photos to tickle your brain.

Fab Lab Reykjavik has great resources for the machines. Below is the file for the instructions to use the vinyl cutter. These are the documents I used to learn with originally. I think the process is well detailed here.

Fab Lab RVK Vinyl Cutter Instructions PDF

Question¶

How do you document things you already know how to do? The idea is to use supply time management, but then will you learn anything if you are not pushing yourself. Is it possible to use documentation that was produced at the Fab Lab in which you work as proof that you know how to use the machine?

Group Assignment¶

Group Assignment

We made a power speed parameter test for the group assignment. As you can see I loaded 12 color profiles in one go. Previously Andri did a similar project for his group assignment. He has to make 25 or more separate cut files. Overall, not sure color mapping is easier or faster, but it is interesting.

color mapping settings