Week 03 – Computer-Controlled Cutting¶
Weekly Focus¶
This week focused on computer-controlled cutting, specifically:
- Laser Cutting
- Vinyl Cutting
- Parametric Design
- Press-Fit Construction Kits
The objective was to understand how parametric design techniques can be used to create adaptable designs that respond to material thickness and laser kerf.
Assignment Overview¶
The assignment required:
- Designing and fabricating a parametric press-fit construction kit
- Accounting for material thickness and laser kerf
- Producing a vinyl-cut design
- Documenting the full workflow
The laser cutter characterization and kerf testing were completed as part of the group assignment.
See group documentation: 👇 Group Assignment – Laser Cutter Characterization
Individual Assignment¶
Parametric Press-Fit Construction Kit¶
A press-fit kit is a construction system where parts connect without glue, screws, or fasteners.
The stability of the structure depends entirely on accurate slot dimensions and friction between parts.
To make the design flexible and reusable, I used parametric design techniques so that the slot width can be easily modified if the material thickness changes.
Parametric Design Method¶
Instead of manually editing every slot, I created a master notch in Inkscape.
The workflow:
- Create a single master notch representing the slot width
- Place it on a separate layer called
Notch_Template - Generate slots using Edit → Clone → Create Clone
- Position slots using Align and Distribute
With this method:
- Changing the master notch width
- Automatically updates all slots
This is the core concept of parametric design.
Parametric Design Reference¶
Video used for learning the technique:
Inkscape Parametric Design Channel: Young Engineers Of Today
https://youtu.be/ErelrIJxZ6I
Key concepts demonstrated:
- Master notch creation
- Clone-based parametric design
- Align and distribute workflow
- Scalable parametric layouts
Clone setup
Clone control
Clone keys
Press-Fit Kit Design¶
The final press-fit kit consists of several interlocking panels that can be assembled into different structures.
Design characteristics:
- Parametric slot system
- Laser-cut MDF components
- Friction-fit assembly
- Modular construction
Press-Fit Assembly¶
All parts were assembled manually.
Characteristics of the assembly:
- No glue
- No screws
- Fully reversible connections
- Modular design
The kit allows different geometric configurations depending on how the pieces are combined.
Vinyl Cutting – Laptop Sticker¶
In addition to laser cutting, the assignment required producing a vinyl-cut design.
I created a FabAcademy logo sticker using the vinyl cutter.
Machine Used¶
C-48LX Contour Cutter Plotter¶
The C-48LX plotter is used for cutting vinyl graphics, decals, and labels.
C-48LX cutter
Vinyl Cutter Settings¶
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Speed | 200 mm/s |
| Force | 90 gf |
| Blade Offset | 0.25 mm |
Vinyl Design Workflow¶
- Download FabAcademy logo
- Import SVG into Inkscape
- Convert shapes to vector paths
- Prepare stroke-only design
- Export cut file
- Send to cutter using SignMaster
Bring the correct file Made the logo cuttable
Work on the Vector conversion of the logos
Vinyl Cutting Process¶
The vinyl cutter followed the vector paths to cut the design.
My Vinyl cutting process
Weeding Process¶
After cutting, the extra vinyl surrounding the design was removed manually.
Steps:
- Lift unwanted vinyl using a weeding tool
- Slowly peel away the excess material
- Leave the final sticker attached to the backing sheet
Weeding process with additional correction tools like scissor
Final Result¶
The finished vinyl sticker was applied to my laptop.
Design Files¶
Download the original design files:
- Press-fit kit design (SVG)
- Vinyl cutter file (PLT)
Final Project Progress¶
This week helped me understand how laser cutting precision and kerf compensation affect mechanical joints.
The parametric design approach will be useful later when developing components for my final project.