week 3. Computer controlled cutting

Our Group Assignment

Individual assignments
1.Design
2.lasercut
3.Document a parametric construction kit
4.Accounting for the lasercutter kerf, which can be assembled in multiple ways.
5.Cut something on the vinyl cutter.

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.p>

Parametric Construction Kit

I design the Parametric Construction Kit by Freecad and make the kit by 3mm cardboard sheet . Here is my Step by step proecess: FreeCAD Parametric 2D Modelling Workflow Preparation
Open FreeCAD



Switch to Part Design workbench


Create a New Document


Click Create Body → Create Sketch


Choose a plane (e.g., XY plane)


Draw Geometry
Use the Sketcher toolbar to draw:
A rectangle using the “Create rectangle” tool.



Click two opposite corners to place the rectangle.

Apply Geometric Constraints

Ensure that vertical and horizontal constraints are auto-applied (usually automatic).




If not:

Select horizontal line → click Horizontal Constraint.

Select vertical line → click Vertical Constraint.

🔹 Step 5: Apply Dimensional Constraints

Select the horizontal line of the rectangle → click Constrain Horizontal Distance → enter 80 mm.




Select the vertical line → click Constrain Vertical Distance → enter 50 mm.

Now the sketch is dimension-driven and partially parametric.

🔹 Step 6: Create a Spreadsheet for Parameters

Switch to Spreadsheet Workbench.

Click Create Spreadsheet.

Double-click the spreadsheet to open it.




Enter the following:

makefile
Copy
Edit
A1: Length
B1: 80
A2: Height
B2: 50
Right-click cell B1 → Rename Cell → name it Length.



Right-click cell B2 → Rename Cell → name it Height.
Save and close the spreadsheet.
🔹 Step 7: Link Dimensions to Parameters
Go back to Sketcher.



Double-click the rectangle sketch.



Click the horizontal dimension → in the lower input field, type:



mathematica
Copy
Edit
Spreadsheet.Length
Do the same for the vertical dimension:



Copy
Edit
Spreadsheet.Height
Now the rectangle size is controlled by the spreadsheet.



🔹 Step 8: Test the Parametric Behavior
Double-click the spreadsheet.
Change values in Length or Height (e.g., 100, 60).
The rectangle will automatically resize accordingly when you close the spreadsheet.
🟢 Result
You’ve now created a parametric 2D rectangle in FreeCAD, controlled entirely by named parameters in a spreadsheet. This allows easy updates to the design.

Laser cutting

Laser Engraving and Cutting Machine - Accucut

Laser Engraving & Cutting Machines

A CO2 laser engraving and cutting machine is a versatile tool used for engraving and cutting various materials using a high-powered laser beam. The “CO2” in the name refers to the type of laser it uses, which generates the laser beam by exciting carbon dioxide gas.

SIL laser engraving machine is versatile & finds application in signage, indoor & outdoor advertisement, art & craft, gift, shoes, toys, garments, model cutting, papers & packaging, wood & MDF cutting industry, interior, decorators and many more. SIL built laser engraver which is engineered & manufactured in India.

Here are some key features and applications of CO2 laser engraving and cutting machines:

Engraving: CO2 laser machines can etch intricate designs, text, logos, and graphics onto various materials such as wood, acrylic, glass, leather, paper, fabric, and more. They offer high precision and can create detailed and permanent engravings.

Cutting: These machines can also cut through different materials with precision. They are commonly used for cutting thin materials like paper, cardboard, fabric, thin wood, and acrylic sheets. The laser beam is focused on the material, generating intense heat that vaporizes or burns through it, resulting in precise cuts. Material versatility: CO2 laser machines can work with a wide range of materials, including non-metallic materials like wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, rubber, glass, plastic, and more. They are not suitable for cutting or engraving metals, as CO2 lasers are not typically powerful enough to handle metals effectively. Power and speed: CO2 laser machines come in various power levels, typically ranging from 30 to 150 watts. Higher power allows for faster cutting and engraving speeds and enables the machine to handle thicker materials. The power and speed settings can be adjusted based on the material and desired outcome.

Software and control: CO2 laser machines are typically controlled through dedicated software that allows you to import designs, create custom artwork, adjust settings, and control the machine’s movements. Popular software options include CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, and dedicated software provided by the machine manufacturer.

Safety precautions: Working with a CO2 laser machine requires proper safety precautions. Laser safety glasses should be worn to protect the eyes from the laser beam. Adequate ventilation or fume extraction systems are necessary to remove any smoke or fumes produced during cutting or engraving.

CO2 laser engraving and cutting machines are widely used in various industries, including signage, personalized gifts, jewelry making, woodworking, garment manufacturing, model making, and prototyping. They offer precise and efficient material processing capabilities, making them a popular choice for both hobbyists and professionals

Laser cutters produce more complex patterns and finished edges. However, laser cutting in sheet metal prototyping enables quick response to changes, rapid prototyping, shortening of lead times, and saves short-run costs

I plan to design a cellphone stand in cardboard.

Based on my idea here is a step-by-step guide to making a laser-cut cell phone stand out of cardboard. This is a simple and cost-effective DIY project that you can do with access to a laser cutter and design software.

MATERIALS NEEDED
Cardboard sheet (3 mm thick)
Laser cutter Accucut
Design software (freecad)
Ruler or calipers (for measuring phone size)
Sandpaper (optional, for edges)
STEP 1: MEASURE YOUR PHONE
Use a ruler or calipers to get these dimensions:
Width
Height
Thickness
Example:
Phone width: 75 mm
Phone thickness: 9 mm
This helps ensure your stand fits your phone properly.
TEP 2: DESIGN THE STAND
Use vector software freecad i designed the parts.
A simple stand usually consists of:
STEP 3: PREPARE FOR LASER CUTTING
Export the design as SVG or DXF.
Impor tDXF tinto laser cutter software.
Set the material type to cardboard.
Adjust the laser settings (these vary by machine and material thickness):
Run a small test cut to verify settings.



STEP 4: LASER CUT THE PARTS
Place your cardboard in the machine.
Run the job.
Carefully remove the cut parts



Laser start its work


The cut is almost finished in few moments


I carefully removed the lasercut phone stand from the machine.


i remove the cardboard one by one out of the Machine.


Finally i removed both pieces.


I assaembled the parts.


This is my output i finnaly made.

Vinyl Cutter

I used Skycut C24(720mm) vinyl Cutting plotter
1. 800G material cutting force which helps to cut materials like cardstock, fabric etc.
2. Supports multi-languages that cover almost all languages.
3. Less Space covering plotter.
4. Multi-interface which support USB, hard drive and WIFI etc.
5. Large screen for easy handling and avoid troubles.
6. Nice colour finishing which makes it provides shining in the light.
Cutting Blades
It provide various angle of blades based on various type of cutter from small to large, basically we provide the blades range in 30° , 45° , 60°.
Cutting tools
All products comes with capsules type cutting tubes which provides you various function like stability, accuracy and speed for smooth lining up and cutting.
Drawing pen kit with Mat
Skycut provides drawing pen kit and cutting mat for better gripping and cutting purpose, D series comes with 2 drawing pen and cutting mate.
here is a Step-by-Step Procedure to Cut a Sticker Using SignMaster












Open SignMaster Software Launch SignMaster on the computer connected to the vinyl cutter. Create or Import Design You can draw directly using SignMaster’s tools (text, shapes, etc.)


Or import a design (preferably in SVG, DXF, or PNG format).


Convert to Vector (if needed) If you imported an image, use the Trace tool to convert it to a vector path suitable for cutting.


Resize and Position Adjust the size of your design to fit the sticker sheet.


Place the design within the cutting area visible on the screen.


Set Cut Parameters Go to Cutter Settings.


Choose your vinyl cutter model and set:





Speed (e.g., 100 mm/s)


Force (e.g., 80–120 gf depending on vinyl type) Number of Passes (usually 1) Load Vinyl Sheet into the Cutter


Place the vinyl sheet on the cutter's bed. Align it properly and use the rollers to hold it in place. Set the origin point (usually lower-left corner) using the cutter’s control panel.


Send File to Cutter In SignMaster, click "Cut Now" or "Send to Cutter".


Monitor the machine as it starts cutting the design. Weed the Vinyl After cutting is complete, remove the vinyl sheet.


Use a weeding tool to carefully peel off the unwanted vinyl parts, leaving only the sticker design.


Apply Transfer Tape


Place transfer tape over the weeded design to lift it from the backing.


Apply the Sticker


Peel the design using the tape and stick it to your desired surface. Use a squeegee or card to press and remove bubbles. Carefully remove the transfer tape, leaving the sticker in place.,

Files for download and replication