Week 3. Computer-Controlled Cutting¶
Group Assignment¶
This week, the work began in a group format. First, we became familiar with the structure of the laser cutting machine and the safety rules.
During the practical phase, we first checked the laser beam using acrylic (organic glass). We used acrylic because if the beam had been tested with paper, it would have burned the paper, and the resulting smoke could have reached the mirrors, damaging and contaminating the machine. The mirrors were adjusted to ensure the correct transmission of the laser beam.
Engraving and cutting¶
We created test samples to identify the optimal engraving and cutting settings for two materials: cardboard and plywood.
The cutting and engraving parameters are different for each material and also depend on the specific machine settings.
Vinyl Cutting¶
About our Vinyl Cutter¶
In our laboratory, we use the Roland VersaStudio GS2-24, a vinyl cutting machine designed for precise cutting of vinyl, heat-transfer films, and other thin materials. The machine features a compact design, stable performance, and high cutting accuracy, making it suitable for graphic design, labeling, and decorative applications.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Device model | Roland VersaStudio GS2-24 |
| Cutting Width | |
| Material Width | |
| Maximum Cutting Speed | |
| Cutting Force | |
| Repetition Accuracy | |
| Interface | |
| Power Supply | |
| Dimensions | |
| Here are the components of a vinyl cutter and how it is built. |
And this is the blade that cuts our material.
Testing, Setting knife force¶
When I turned on the machine, it performed a home position setup, and the display immediately showed the function to choose the type of sheet. There are three options available:
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Roll
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Piece
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Edge
Since I am going to do a test, I decided to use the material in roll form. To do this, I place the roll between the clamping rollers and the main shaft, clamp the rollers onto the material, and then select roll* in the sheet selection menu.
After selecting Roll, the machine does not measure the full length, but only detects the width of the material using the sensors located at the front and back of the cutting area. The length is considered unlimited, as the material is fed continuously from the roll.
For example, the machine detected the material width as W: 584 mm. Even though the real width of the vinyl is 600 mm, the machine keeps a safe margin of about 3–3.5 cm on both sides to avoid cutting outside the usable area or damaging the blade.
To achieve accurate cutting results, two main parameters must be set:
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Force
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Speed
These parameters are highly dependent on the type and condition of the vinyl. Room temperature and storage conditions play a significant role, because vinyl can deform depending on temperature. As a result, the same vinyl may not be cut accurately with the same force and speed settings if it has been stored in different environmental conditions.
Therefore, it is always necessary to run test cuts before starting the final job and adjust the force and speed accordingly.
Time to set the force for the knife. To do this, press the “Force” button, choose the force, and hold the “Test” button.
I tried cutting my material at several depths to determine the correct cutting depth. I started from 50 gf up to 120 gf. From 80 gf, the cut was already ideal, but I continued testing. At 120 gf, the material was cut all the way through.
After completing these steps, the file is imported into Cut Studio, the software used to operate our machine.
Then, I set the dimensions of my design.
I move the machine head to the area of the material where I want the cutting to start, then press and hold the Origin button so the machine recognizes that point as the starting position.
In the software, when I select Cutting, a window opens where I choose Move to Origin so the machine cuts from the position I specified.
And then I start the cutting process.
After cutting, I apply transfer tape onto the material so I can lift and separate the parts I need.
And then I decide where to place it on my computer.
