FAB ACADEMY 2025 shivraj.chhirr@gmail.com

Computer Controlled Cutting

brief Insight of this week

This week, our main task was Computer Controlled Cutting, which included both group and individual tasks. The objective of this assignment was to properly document our work and use machines to print designs. We were required to print parametric designs using the laser cutter and vector designs using the vinyl cutter. Our goal was not only to use these machines correctly but also to document the entire process properly so that this technology can be effectively and accurately used in the future. During this, we also learned how to create a precise balance between design and printing, and we gained knowledge about machine setup, operation, and safety standards.


About Computer Controlled Cutting

Overview: - Computer Controlled Cutting refers to using a computer to operate cutting tools or machines. These machines can cut, shape, or carve materials like metal, wood, plastic, or fabric based on digital designs or instructions. It works by sending commands from a computer to a machine like a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) cutter or laser cutter. The machine then follows the computer’s instructions to make precise cuts with high accuracy, reducing human error. This technology is widely used in manufacturing, engineering, and design.


Group Assignment

Throughout this week, our focus was on laser cutting and scanning technologies. We worked as a team and made an effort to deeply understand both of these techniques. The objective of this task was not only to use these machines correctly but also to comprehend their working principles, setup, and operation. The main objectives of this task were as follows:


Click here to visit our group assignment.





Individual Assignment

Exploring Parametric Design Features in Solid work and Fusion 360






Parametric Design in Solid work : -

  • Parametric Design in SolidWorks allows users to create models where dimensions and features are linked. Changes made to one part of the design automatically update the rest, offering flexibility and efficiency for complex projects. This approach ensures easy modifications and precise control over the design process.




    STEP 1:

    First, a circle was created, and its dimensions were set through "Smart Dimension" option

    STEP 2:

    By clicking on the 'Linear Sketch Pattern' option, the second option was selected. Then, the number for the 4 outer parts was entered, and upon pressing Enter, the 4 outer parts were automatically generated.


    STEP 3:

    Next, by clicking on the 'Extruded Boss/Base' option and pressing Enter, the shape of the design was created.

    STEP 4:

    Afterward, I created another circle at the center to form a hole and set its dimensions. Then, I selected the "Through All" option and confirmed, resulting in a visible hole at the center with openings on both sides.


    STEP 5:

    After this, my final parametric design was successfully created and ready.





    Design Assembling in Solid work



    First, I opened the initial parametric design in the assembly part. Then, I copied the same design four times and began the assembly process.

    Afterward, I press-fit each design one by one, completing the entire assembly.





    Parametric Design in Fusion 360

  • Parametric design in Fusion 360 refers to the use of parameters (variables) to define the geometry of your model. This allows you to create designs that can be easily modified by changing the values of these parameters, such as dimensions or angles, without needing to rebuild the entire model.



    • STEP 1:

    Make a rectangle with dimensions 150 mm by 120 mm.

    STEP 2:

    A rectangle was made for the press feet with a width of 3 mm and a height of 10 mm, then trimmed to form four corners.


    STEP 3:

    A 200 mm rectangle was created, and a round shape was applied to the top.

    STEP 4:

    Then, a rectangle was created again for the press fit with a width of 3 mm and a height of 10 mm.


    STEP 5:

    The first design was extruded using the Boss-Extrude feature.

    STEP 6:

    Second design was extruded using the Boss-Extrude feature.




    Design Assembling in Fusion 360



    STEP 1:

    A new page was created for design assembly, and the design was inserted.

    STEP 2:

    Eight parts were created for Design 1, and four parts were created for Design 2.


    STEP 3:

    Both designs were assembled together to ensure that they fit properly according to the measurements.

    STEP 4:

    The final design was assembled.





    Cardboard & Design Size and Kerf Measurement

    As we had explored in our group assignment during the speed pattern testing, we used a power setting of 70 and a speed of 30 on the laser cutter. This resulted in a clean and accurate cut, and we observed a kerf of 0.30 mm. Following the same pattern, I designed my individual assignment with a material thickness of 3 mm. However, I selected cardboard with an actual thickness of 3.33 mm to compensate for the 0.30 mm kerf expected during the laser cutting process. For my individual work, I again set the laser cutter to 70% power and 30 speed, and then initiated the cutting process.



    Cardboard Size is 3.34mm

    Design Size is 3mm




    Kerf Calcuation

    After completing the design cutting, I measured the cut section using a Vernier Caliper. Initially, I had designed the part to be 3 mm thick. However, after cutting, the measured thickness was showing 3.34 mm. This confirmed that we had already checked the cardboard thickness beforehand, which was 3.33 mm. Accordingly, I designed it to be 3 mm, taking the expected kerf into account. As you can see in the images below, the kerf appears to be approximately 0.34 mm — slightly more than the expected 0.30 mm.






    Cutting and Jointing Together



    STEP 3:

    Both designs were assembled together to ensure that they fit properly according to the measurements.

    STEP 4:

    The final design was assembled.





    Vinyl Cutter

  • Vinyl cutter: - is a machine used to cut out shapes, letters, and designs from a sheet of vinyl material. It operates similarly to a printer but instead of using ink, it uses a small blade to precisely cut the vinyl based on digital designs created in graphic software. Vinyl cutters are commonly used for making signs, decals, custom stickers, and even heat transfer designs for apparel. They come in different sizes, from small desktop models for personal use to large industrial versions for professional sign-making. The machine is controlled via software that sends cutting instructions to the cutter.


    Key future of Vinyl Cutter

  • Cutting Precision and Accuracy
  • Plotter Software Compatibility
  • Wide Range of Material Compatibility
  • Adjustable Speed and Pressure
  • Automatic Registration Marks and Contour Cutting
  • Versatile Blade Types
  • Plotter and Cutting Head Movements
  • Connectivity Options
  • Cutting Width and Length

    • Understanding the Operation and Specifications of Vinyl cutter



    Understanding the Operation of Vinyl cutter



    Specifications Sheet



    Roland - VersaSTUDIO GS2-24 Vinyl cutter



    Vinyl Plotter Design, Creation and Cutting Process

  • I chose to use Inkscape for this design because it offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to operate, even for those who may not be very experienced with graphic design software. Inkscape is versatile and powerful, providing a wide range of tools and features for creating vector-based artwork. The fact that it’s open-source also makes it an accessible option.




    • STEP 1:

    First, I opened Inkscape, typed the name, and set its dimensions.

    STEP 2:

    Then, I went to the file menu, clicked on "Open New File," imported the logo into Inkscape, and set its dimensions.


    STEP 3:

    Next, I used the "Trace Bitmap" tool to convert the logo's raster file into a vector format, resulting in a vector logo file.

    STEP 4:

    Afterward, I deleted the raster file and selected the final vector file.

    Exporting DFX file from inkscape.


    To ensure the file is compatible with the plotter machine’s cutting software, it needs to be in a specific format. I’ve exported the design as a DXF file, which is the preferred format for precise cutting and is fully supported by most plotter software.


    Here is the process to download the file in DXF format from Inkscape.




    Importing dfx file into cut studo for macking new file which supprt to vinyl cutter


    Here is the process of DXF file in CUT STUDIO






    Final Design cutting and printing Process



    STEP 1:

    First, the vinyl cutter was powered on, and waited until it was fully operational. Next, the vinyl paper was loaded into the vinyl cutter.

    STEP 2:

    Afterward, the vinyl paper was adjusted using the settings, and the command for printing was set and started printing.


    STEP 3:

    After giving the print command, the final design of the logo was created and then extracted.

    STEP 4:

    Next, the final design of the name was extracted.

    Tools I used for this Assignments


  • Laser Cutter - Machine
  • Vinyl Cutter - Machine
  • Inkscape - Software for 2D and 3D design
  • Fusion 360 - Software for 3D design
  • Cut Studio - Software to generate G-code for vinyl cutter machine
  • RD works - Software to generate G- code for laser cutter machine


    Download Original File's


  • Fusion 360 files

    • 1. Parametric design part 1 in "dxf" formet here

    2. Parametric design part 2 in "dxf" formet here



  • Solid work files

    • Parametric design in SLDPRT formet here