Week03: Computer-Controlled Cutting

Individual Assignment:

Design, Laser cut and document a parametric construction kit.
Application of vinyl cutter.

Assignment Problem statement

Design and prototype mobile phone stand and spinning top using MDF.

About the Laser cutting machine

CO2 laser cutting machines are versatile tools used in various industries for precise cutting and detailed engraving on a variety of materials.

How they work:

CO2 laser machines use a gas laser powered by CO2 (carbon dioxide) to emit a focused beam of infrared light. This beam is directed through mirrors or fiber optics onto the material to be processed. The intensity of the beam can be controlled to either cut through the material or engrave its surface.

Materials they can cut:

CO2 laser cutting machines can cut a wide range of materials, including:

Wood: Plywood, MDF, solid wood, etc.
Acrylic: Clear, colored, cast, extruded, etc.
Fabric: Cotton, silk, polyester, leather, etc.
Paper: Cardboard, paperboard, etc.
Plastic: ABS, PVC, PET, etc.
Glass: Engraving only
Stone: Engraving only

Applications:

CO2 laser cutting machines are used in a variety of applications, including:

Signage and advertising: Creating signs, displays, and promotional items.
Prototyping: Making prototypes for product design and development.
Art and craft: Creating intricate designs on various materials.
Fashion: Cutting fabric for clothing and accessories.
Packaging: Creating custom packaging for products.
Woodworking: Cutting and engraving wood for furniture and other products.

Advantages of CO2 laser cutting machines:

Precision: CO2 lasers can produce very precise cuts and engravings.
Versatility: CO2 lasers can be used to cut and engrave a wide range of materials.
Speed: CO2 lasers can cut materials quickly and efficiently.
Non-contact: CO2 lasers do not come into contact with the material being cut, which reduces the risk of damage.

Parametric Modeling

For parametric modeling, I have used Soldiworks for creating polygons that can be generated using equations

Polygon is defined as 3 or more sides, with equal side lengths and inscribed by a circle. So no of sides will determine the angle of the triangle. And the equation i have used is based on the angle of a triangle

No of side = a

Angle of triangle = (360/a)*0.5

Using SolidWorks - For generating a parametric design

Create a new file and start sketching in the front view

Create a triangle as shown in the image with a construction circle radius of 50mm.

And by using Extrude feature - Extrude for 2mm

Make a small cut on the side of the triangle as shown in the image

Using extrude cut - cut the slot in the solid triangle

Define a variable “a” = 6 which denotes the no of sides in a polygon

In first sketch change the angle value into equation driven =(360/”a”)*0.5

Using circular pattern feature pattern the extrude and extrude cut features

No of pattern = “a”

You can create a polygon of any no of sides with this process. You can also refer to the video attached below

CorelDraw

image from CorelDram

CorelDRAW is a vector graphics editor used for creating and editing images. It is developed and marketed by Corel Corporation. CorelDRAW is used for a wide variety of graphic design purposes, including logo design, illustration, page layout, and web design.

CorelDRAW was first released in 1989 and has since gone through many versions. The latest version, CorelDRAW 2021, was released in March 2021. CorelDRAW is available for Windows and macOS operating systems.

Design and fabrication of mobile stand:

Design of various parts