Computer-Controlled Cutting

Updated for 2025 evaluation standards!

• Group assignment:

  • Do your lab's safety training
  • Characterize your lasercutter's focus, power, speed, rate, kerf, joint clearance and types.
  • Document your work to the group work page and reflect on your individual page what you learned.

• Individual assignments

  • Design, lasercut, and document a parametric construction kit, accounting for the lasercutter kerf, which can be assembled in multiple ways.
  • 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.

Have you answered these questions?

• Linked to the group assignment page.
• Explained how you created your parametric design.
• Documented how you made your press-fit construction kit.
• Documented how you made something with the vinyl cutter.
• Included your original design files.
• Included hero shots of your results.

FAQ

What does characterize mean?

Answer: Describe/list the available features and key settings of your laser cutter.

Can I use the Inkscape clone tool for my pressfit kit?

Answer: No. The clone tool is not a real parametric software.

What is valid for a construction kit?

Answer: Something more than a finger joint box that you can assemble in multiple ways. The pieces must stay together without the use of adhesives and not fall apart when lifted.

Is it compulsory to design my own file in vinyl cutting?

Answer: No, but you must acknowledge where you found it.

Is it compulsory to document the settings for the vinyl cutter?

Answer: No, but understanding the vinyl cutter settings will allow you to achieve better results.

Have a question or feedback? Use this quick link to open an issue in GitLab class repo!