3. Computer controlled cutting¶

Group assignment:¶

• Characterize your laser cutter's focus, power, speed, rate, kerf, and joint clearance.

To see our group assignment click here

Individual assignments:¶

• Design, lasercut, and document a parametric press-fit construction kit.
• Cut something on the vinyl cutter.

Creating an Assembly Part with the Epilog Laser: Fusion Edge¶

Overview¶

This guide explains how to design and manufacture an assembly part using Inkscape, AutoCAD, and an Epilog Laser.

I will explain my press fit kit design and fabrication i also design other projetcts,

Step 1: Create a New Part¶

• Open SolidWorks.
• Select the Part option.

Step 2: Create a Sketch¶

• Click Sketch.
• Then click Sketch.
• Select a plane.
• Choose the Circle tool.

Step 3: Draw the Geometry¶

• Draw a rough circle without worrying about its radius.
• Click the arrow next to the Line tool.
• Select Construction Line.
• Start from the bottom of the circle and draw a construction line through the center.
• Draw another construction line perpendicular to the first one.

Step 4: Create the Global Variables¶

• Click Tools.
• Select Equations.
• The Equations window opens.
• Draw two lines parallel to the second construction line.
• Enter the required parameters.
• Click OK.

The parameters used are:

• scal
• kerf
• thickness

Step 5: Apply the Dimensions¶

• Select the Smart Dimension tool.
• Click the two lines created previously.
• In the Edit Dimension window, type:

= "thickness" - "kerf"

or

• Click Global Variables.
• Select thickness.
• Click -.
• Select kerf.
• Confirm.

Repeat the same operation between the bottom line and the center construction line to ensure symmetry.

=("thickness"-"kerf")/2

Step 6: Dimension the Circle¶

• Repeat the same procedure for the circle.
• Use the scal parameter.
• Enter the desired diameter and its unit.
• Mark the desired opening on one side.
• Select the Line tool.

Step 7: Mirror the Geometry¶

• Click Mirror Entities.
• Duplicate the shape.
• Select Smart Dimension.
• Enter the width of the opening.

Step 8: Trim the Sketch¶

• Click Trim Entities.
• Remove all unnecessary construction lines.
• Save the file in DXF format.

Cutting Preparation¶

Step 9: Open Inkscape¶

• Open Inkscape.
• Create a new document.
• Drag and drop the DXF file into the workspace.

Step 10: Prepare the Layout¶

• The part appears in the workspace.
• Press Ctrl + D to duplicate it as many times as needed.
• Click File.
• Select Print.
• Choose your cutting machine.
• Click Print.

Step 11: Start the Cutting Process¶

• The cutting interface opens.
• Enter the required settings.
• Click Print.
• The cutting file is sent to the machine.
• Press the Start button to begin the cutting process.

Step 12: Final Result¶

• Once the cutting process is complete, remove the pieces.
• Assemble them as desired.

¶

Fit dxf Files

Fit svg Files

Step 1 : Image Preparation : download the map image from Google¶

• Open Google  
• Choose an image  

Step 2 : Vectorization with Inkscape¶

A Import Image from folder to Inkscape¶

• Open Inkscape  

B Convert to Vector¶

• Go to Path → Trace Bitmap  

C Clean the Image¶

• Remove the background  

D Create Assembly Features for contrain making¶

i can cut but i have to make a parametric , so that continue with AUTOCAD

Step 3 : Processing in AutoCAD¶

Import & Duplicate¶

• Import your file  
• Use copy tool → create 5 identical shapes  

Adjust Geometry¶

Step 4 : Understanding Clearance¶

A - What is Clearance?¶

Clearance is the space between two parts to ensure proper assembly.

B - Practical Case¶

• Base length: 1.77 cm  
• Laser thickness: 0.2 mm this is our laser cutter kerf
• Adjustment: +0.1 mm  
• Final clearance: 0.15 mm

Step 5 : Final Check in Inkscape¶

• Set stroke width to 0.2 mm

Step 6 : Epilog Dashboard Setup¶

Step 7 : Cutting Parameters (3mm MDF)¶

Step 8 : Cutting Process¶

Final Result¶

Vinyl Sticker Creation¶

Overview¶

This guide explains how to create a vinyl sticker using Inkscape and Roland CutStudio.

Step 1 : Image Preparation¶

in this cas it is usefull to vectorize the file with inkscape

Step 2 — Vectorization with Inkscape¶

Step 3 : Add Text¶

Step 4 : Combine Elements¶

Step 5 : Open in Roland CutStudio¶

Step 6 : Cutting Settings¶

Step 7 : Download Machine Settings¶

Step 8 : Set the Origin¶

Step 9 : Align the Design¶

Step 10 : Cutting Process¶

Step 11 : Weeding the Vinyl¶

Step 12 : Apply the Sticker¶

Final Result¶

Your custom vinyl sticker is now complete!

DXF Files

SVG Files

SVG Files