Personal Reflection: What I Learned Group assignment

This wasn't my first experience with laser cutting, but working collaboratively in this lab environment definitely deepened my understanding of the process. Having used similar equipment before, I approached this assignment with some confidence, but still discovered valuable new insights.

Despite my previous experience, I was surprised by how significantly the 0.2mm kerf affected our joint designs. I've always compensated for kerf in my designs, but seeing the dramatic difference it made in our press-fit tests reinforced the importance of precise measurement rather than estimation.

Circular Design Initial Step

Key insights from this experience:

  • Systematic parameter testing: Creating a proper test matrix yielded more reliable results than my previous trial-and-error approach
  • Material variations: Even within the same material type, I noticed batch differences requiring parameter adjustments
  • Team knowledge sharing: Learning from others' experiences with different materials expanded my fabrication repertoire
  • Documentation discipline: Recording our findings created a valuable reference that will improve future projects

This assignment reinforced fundamentals I already knew while introducing new methodologies I'll definitely incorporate into my workflow. The collaborative testing approach particularly enhanced my understanding of how to optimize cutting parameters across different materials and thicknesses.

How I Created a Parametric Design Plus a Transformer Logo

Circular Design Initial Step

I started by creating two circles that will allow me to create a curved part for curved assembling

Extrusion Process

Extruded the two circles using 3mm cause I will use an MDF with a thickness of 3mm

Creating Cross Joints

Then I created 3mm by 12mm rectangles (I created a value point = 3mm) to make the joints crossed to each other to create a cross

Circular Pattern

Used Circular pattern for the cross 10 times

Extrusion Removal

Then I extruded by removing the cross

Rectangle Joints

Created rectangle joints 12 by 16mm, using the same value of 3mm created a joint on each line of the rectangle

Second Part

Here is the second part

Assembly Process

Assembling started for these two parts

Assembly Progress

Assembly in progress

Assembly Complete

Completed assembly

Autobots Logo SVG

For the Autobots logo, I started by downloading the SVG of the logo here is the link

Logo Joints

Then created rectangles of 3mm by 4mm to make joints for the parts of the Autobots logo

Logo Parts Separation

And separated the parts of the Autobots SVG so that I can transform them with the joints

Extrusion of Logo Parts

Extruded the parts

Mirror Function

Used mirror to copy the parts for the other side of the face

Autolayout Preparation

Used the autolayout to prepare the laser cutting

DXF Export

This is the drawing, I extracted it as DXF to use it in our laser cutter interface

Laser Cutter Interface

Imported the DXF into the laser cutter interface and I had to copy the joint parts as you can see

Cutting Complete

Laser cutter has finished cutting

First Shape

1st shape

Assembly Progress

Assembly in progress

Second Shape

2nd shape

Autobots Joint

Autobots logo joint

Transformed Logo

Transformed into something

How I Created Push/Pull Door Signs Using Vinyl Cutter

how I made push and pull door signs using a vinyl cutter. I'll walk you through my process and show you exactly what I did.

Getting Started

  • First thing I did was to familiarize myself with the vinyl cutting machine and its operations
  • Downloaded the required software for the vinyl cutter
  • Installed the software using the provided CD key
Software Interface

The software interface after installation

Design Process

I started by creating the text elements in the software.

Text Design Process

Creating the text design in the software

Text Design Process

Creating the text design in the software

Text Design Process

Creating the text design in the software

Cutting Process

Before the final cut, I performed a test cut to ensure everything was properly set up.

Test Cut Process

Results of the test cut showing clean edges

Final Cutting

  • Loaded the vinyl material into the machine
  • Double-checked all settings
  • Initiated the cutting process
Cutting Process

The vinyl test for calibration in action

Application Process

After cutting, I carefully removed the excess vinyl and prepared for application.

Vinyl Application

Remove the sign

Vinyl Application

Remove the sign

Final Result

Final Result

The completed push and pull signs installed on the door