3. Computer controlled cutting¶
Group Project¶
Before we started designing and laser cutting for this week’s group work, we were each given the duty of testing out various characteristics and features of the laser cutter. I had to figure out what Power and Speed would work best for laser cutting through 2.9mm cardboard. Sayed Qasim was assigned to examine the Focus of the laser cutter. Jasim Al-Thawadi was entrusted with testing the joint clearance while I was responsible for checking the Frequency and Kerf. Before we start the design process, we must test all of the essential and crucial components. This week I worked on defining my final project idea and started to getting used to the documentation process.
My part was to write about both “frequency” and “kerf” features of the lazer cutter. The work can be found on Kawthar’s website below: -
Parametric Design¶
In contrast to being developed directly, features are formed according to computational procedures in parametric design. This approach establishes the connection between design response and design intent using parameters and rules.
The algorithms’ input parameters are referred to as parametric. Blending complexity and variety, thus rejecting homogenous utilitarianism. Shared priorities involving urbanism, interior design, an architectural wonder, and even fashion. The idea that all design elements are interdependent and adaptable.
My Lazer cutter design¶
For this part it was required to design and cut shapes of cupboard with different fittings that can be assembled together in different ways, forming different shapes and objects. To do that, all parameters researched about in the group project needed to be considered.
I drew the sketch using Cuttle software as seen below, where I made two components one Polygon and the other one a small rectangle. The rectangle component then was added around the polygon to form the shape. The rectangle was used as the joint location for the press-fit design.
The design was then sent to the lazer cutting machine to be cut. After adjucting the settings on the machine and setting the reference point on the cupboard the machine started cutting with the below outcome.
Around 30 pieces were cut and they allowed a press-fit assembly of different designs and shapes.
Hero Shot¶
The idea of the shape is a flower outdoor tent with a pet inside of it.
Original Design:
Vinyl cutting¶
Cricut was used to cut the vinyl and it had a supporting application as well as seen below. The idea was to cut FABLAB and Bahrain Polytechnic’s logos and stick it on my senior project prototype partnered with Jasim Althawadi since it was built in both FABLAB and Bahrain Polytechnic’s workshop.
Connecting the machine to the laptop.
Setting up the logo
The machine used
The vinyl was set on this base to be cut.
After cutting the vinyl it will be removed using a tape since it is a complex cut with multiple parts.
The logo has been put on the sticker to be placed with its exact shape on the prototype.
Polytechnic’s logo had this part only taken because it was very difficult to get the writing.
Hero Shot¶
