Computer Controlled Cutting — CAD
This week, we participated in laboratory training focused on safety aspects for the correct use of the laser cutting equipment and the vinyl cutting machine, with the aim of characterizing power, speed, cutting parameters, and the different types of laser cutting machines.
Tools
Safety training
The training for our Mexico City node was conducted, establishing the necessary guidelines for the remote control, monitoring, and operation of laboratory equipment.
The internal operation of the laboratory equipment, the optical path of the laser cutting system, the alignment of the mirrors, and the use of the laser head were explained in order to understand the technical principles necessary for safe equipment operation.
The operation tutorial available on the node platform was reviewed, describing the steps for safety verification and the system recognition procedure.
Subsequently, the required evaluation was completed and approved to confirm the correct understanding of the contents and to continue in accordance with the guidelines established on the platform.
Based on the training carried out in our laboratory, the corresponding tests were performed on the equipment to characterize parameters such as power, speed, and type of cut.
- Power: Tests were performed by varying the power levels to evaluate their effect on the depth and quality of the cut.
- Speed: Tests were conducted by modifying the head travel speed to analyze its influence on cut continuity and edge finish.
- Cutting and Engraving: Tests were performed to analyze different cutting modes, such as full cutting and engraving, using combinations of power and speed.
Before making the cuts, the proper operation of the laser cutter was verified to prevent failures during the cutting process and to ensure the safety.
The process began with the disassembly of the laser system, including the red dot laser, lens air assist cone, laser head, and laser tube.
The laser cutting table was leveled to ensure a flat surface and uniform cutting.
The mirrors were adjusted and aligned to ensure proper laser beam alignment.
The electrical and cooling systems were verified:
- Voltage regulator: The input and output voltage values were confirmed to be within the appropriate ranges to ensure equipment protection.
- Cooling chiller: The operating temperature of the CO₂ laser was verified. In this case, it was slightly below the optimal range, so the system was filled with distilled water and proper operation of the cooling system was ensured.
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Calibration
The system calibration was performed using the RDWorks software, adjusting power and speed values to generate a test matrix for evaluating the laser.
- Power and speed matrix: A grid combining different power percentages and cutting speeds was generated to identify the optimal configuration for clean cuts without excessive burning on MDF.
- Engrave test: The material response to different engraving power levels was evaluated, focusing on contrast, depth, and uniformity of the engraved lines.
- Text size test: Text was engraved at different font sizes to determine the minimum readable size and assess laser performance on fine details.
- Kerf test: Different cut widths were analyzed to measure material loss caused by the laser beam and to adjust tolerances for press-fit and assembly designs.
- Focus test: Engraving tests were performed at different focus heights to identify the optimal focal distance of the laser.
- Offset test: Offset compensation was evaluated to verify dimensional accuracy between the digital design and the physical result.
- Cross test: Cross-hatched patterns at different angles were analyzed to evaluate motion accuracy and engraving consistency along both axes.
- Hole test: Circular cuts with different diameters were performed to verify precision, circularity, and repeatability of the cutting process.
Parametric construction kit
The following model was designed using the principles of parametric construction in SOLIDWORKS. The model is composed of multiple parts manufactured by laser cutting, allowing the creation of an assembly based on a slot-fit system with a thickness of 3 mm was used; These characteristics can be modified by adjusting parameters such as material thickness and slot width to ensure correct assembly when using different materials, without the need to redraw the geometry.
Parametric base sketch defining all main dimensions.
Profile extrusion using a 3 mm material thickness.
The thickness can be modified by adjusting the feature tree in SolidWorks using the Extruded Boss/Base operation, allowing the design to be adapted to different materials. In this case, the thickness was set to 1 mm as an example of the parametric kit approach, which enables the use of different materials while maintaining dynamic joints.
Base volume generated through a revolve operation.
Intersection tool used to obtain planar parts.
Resulting parts separated as individual solids.
Slot-fit joints parametrized to material thickness.
Circular pattern applied to horizontal components.
Circular pattern applied to vertical structural elements.
Partial assembly to verify slot-fit compatibility.
Final assembled parametric construction kit ready for laser cutting.
Parametric layout showing all components, dimensions, and material thickness for laser cutting and slot-fit assembly.
The assembly fits perfectly with the thickness of the material (Cardboard).
Vinyl
The Silhouette Cameo 4 was used for the cutting process, as the equipment was available for personal use.
The software automatically identifies the vector lines of the design and displays them in red, indicating the paths that will be executed by the blade during the cutting operation.
The machine correctly detected the AutoBlade, which automatically adjusts the cutting depth based on the selected material. However, this parameter was manually adjusted to optimize cutting performance and ensure proper material separation.
In this example, I vectorized Rodrigo Shiordia, and turned the design into a sticker.
Finally, I placed all my stickers, including a special limited-edition sticker...
