Laser cutting machine is an unrivalled material processing method. The laser makes high-precision contours possible, and the material is not stressed mechanically. The main component that Laser Cutting machine contain of:
| Item | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Motion Controller & Panel | 1 | Controls the movement of the laser cutting machine. |
| Electrical Control Board | 1 | Manages power distribution and machine operations. |
| Stepper Motor and Drivers | 2 | Drives the motion of the laser head and work table. |
| Focus Lens & Mirrors | 1 set | Focuses the laser beam for cutting and engraving. |
| XY Linear Guide Rail | 2 | Ensures smooth and accurate movement of the laser head. |
| Laser Tube | 1 | Generates the laser beam used for cutting. |
| Water Chiller | 1 | Maintains the temperature of the laser tube. |
| Air Compressor | 1 | Blows away smoke and debris during cutting. |
For this week's assignment, I have chosen to create the Arabic letter "هـ" with a joint design using [Cuttle.xyz]. I explored various tools and techniques on this platform, which I documented in Week 02 of my Computer Aided Design activities.
The joint size is set to 1mm, corresponding to the thickness of the cardboard I will be cutting. My design is inspired by the idea of integrating an Arabic letter into a combination design, showcasing both functionality and aesthetics.
To upload the files to the laser cutting machine we have used RDWorks. RDWorks is a powerful program that allows you to perform laser cutting engraving operations. The program has support for drawing points, lines (horizontal/vertical), polyline, ellipse/circle, rectangular/square, Bezier curve, text, and for CAD models such as DXF, AI and PLT.
After uploading your files to RDWorks, there are multiple things need to adjust before uploading to the laser cutting machine.
The final result showcases a three-dimensional design of the Arabic letter "هـ" made from cardboard. The overlapping elements create an interesting visual effect, emphasizing movement and connection. The 1mm joints provide stability while keeping the design lightweight. This piece combines traditional Arabic script with a modern look, inviting viewers to appreciate its form from different angles. Overall, it effectively blends art and functionality.
The main component that Vinyl Cutting machine contain of:
As it showing in the beginning of the application when you open it, you can start by clicking on New Project.
It will take you sketching area, where you can either try to design a concept or try to upload one.
There are two options to upload, we either upload a picture or upload a pattern. But for this activity we will upload a picture.
After uploading the picture you need to choose how complex is the design you have chosen, and press continue.
Then you have to select the spaces you want the cutting to tool to ignore and try to remove all the white spaces.
Then choose a name to save your picture and choose the option Cut image and press upload.
Your picture will be saved and ready to use. You can click on it and then press Add to Caneva.
We have two options to choose from for using the machine. We either cut with it or draw. I have tried both. But make sure that material your cutting or drawing is bigger than the picture, and its recommended to keep it in the corner.
Then we choose how many copy we want to draw or cut and choose the right material size.
After its all done we just click on "Make it".
For the drawing I choose hard card board and for cutting I choose the blue sticker.
In the end this is my end results.
