3. Computer controlled cutting¶
Group Assignment¶
In this week we started exploring digital fabrication using laser cutting on the first day. We designed the “comb” to find the match of the pressfit.
Laser Cutting¶
What is laser cutting, what does it use.
Three Main Things to Focus on
- Speed
- Power
- Frequency (some other machines)
- Focal Point
We started experimenting with different pairings of power and speed until we found the best match.
Safety is No.1 Priorty¶
- In case of emergency hit the big red button.
- Open the case and use the blanket for fire cases.
Finding Focal Point¶
- Draw a line on the software
- Set up the piece of acrylic to be inclined
- Keep it as close to the nozzle as possible
- Start the laser machine
Alternatively, this is equivalent to the lego shaped of 8mm which can be used.
Procedure¶
- Before starting, measure the exact thickness of the used material (which was 2.97 mm in our case of cardboard).
We can use Cuttle to make the design. 1. Start with creating parameters in the parametric table to help change the dimensions immediately and automatically when the specified parameter’s values change (for example changing the thickness from 2mm in the design to 4mm). 2. You can export the file as .DXF or .SVG to the software. .DXF was chosen and then imported to the software. 3. Once the design is imported to the software [Tip you can use fablabbh.share@gmail.com email to share files forward and backwards.] 4. You can check the dimensions in the top bar and change it if it requires fixing and does not match the needed design values. 5. Start with with copying and pasting the same design to cut two identical parts to test the pieces. 6. Adjust the speed of the laser and the power (30% and 35% respectively in our case) 7. Download the file from the software to the machine. 8. Adjust the coordinates of the laser emitter/nozzle with the height (z) to be 8mm (using the lego piece). 9. Adjust both planar coordinates (horizontal:x and vertical:y) to the empty spot on the plate. 10. Try to start from the furthest available space (top right). 11. Click on “Origin” to set it as the starting point. 12. Click frame to see how much space is needed for the design cutting and if it is enough or not. 13. Choose File and make sure to choose the right file. There is a preview available on the left pane with a picture of the final design to be cut. 14. Once confirmed click on Enter and the green Start button and the machine should start working. 15. Make sure to leave enough distance to not touch the inserted piece if it was sticking out of the machine for it not to move. 16. Make to stay around the machine and keep an eye on it in case of emergency occurence.
CAUTION: Make sure not to overlook into the laser beam in action as the sparks can damage the eye’s retina if exposed for long periods and frequently and can cause permanent damage and blackout.
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Make sure to open and close the machine door slowly not to move the placed object and to be safe with the machine usage and not cause damage to yourself or the machine.
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Wait a few seconds for any smoke or residue to be sucked out through the ventillation vacuum.
Pressfit Construction Kit¶
- Start by checking if the cut pressfit joints stick together.
- If successful, duplicate the design to many parts. For example 6x3 (6 rows and 3 columns).
- Repeat the procedure of the laser cutting explained above.
- Assemble together to make different shapes.
Problems & Troubleshooting¶
P: Incorrect dimensions / The design on software would show as sharp edges and not resembling the actual design.
Cause and solution: The dimensions were in different unit system (inches instead of mm) and caused the software to probably misconvert them and have them very small and insignificant/neglible causing this issue. FIX: Save the project, go to to project settings in cuttle and change the units from Imperial inches to mm.
P: The material is not sitting flat on the surface of the machine. Cause and solution: If cardboard or other light material was being used, put some weight (acrylic leftovers) and tape it down with a scotch (duct) tape.
Individual Assignment¶
I followed the steps and procedure explained earlier (above) in the Group Assignment part to cut and assemble together a snowflake shape.
Vinyl Cutter¶
You can use any image type or .SVG. It is preferable to have few edges and details and to be of same color (silhoutte is optimal). Make sure the image dimensions are big enough and preferrably proportiona. (not to look streched out). Start with choosing the material to be used and color. I used green out of the 4 available colors in the lab. The sheet type was Vinyl Sticker Glossy. I imported the design to the software then aligned it on the far top position (with leaving a bit of clearance space) and counting the amount of required squares on the space. I cut extra squares/blocks on the actual block to have extra space (to be safe). I ended with 6 rows and 3 columns which was more than enough to duplicate and replicate the design once more after the cutting was done. You apply a bit of glue to the four corners of the sheet without peeling the sticker and stick it on the required space. Tip for cutting align the sheet on the required space and use a pencil with ruler or scissors to align the required space before starting cutting through. Try to keep it as straight as possible. You can push the bubbles out with a flat object like the ruler and to straighten and firm the sheet, but not to apply excessive pressure where the sheet could be damaged. Load it in the machine and click Load on the screen. It will pull a bit and tighten. Connect the printer to your laptop and use the software to print. Choose the appropiate paper type and settings will change accordingly. When you start the printing process you will first notice that the machine will go outside the boundary and start clicking. This is the machine recalibrating. Note: the machine sees the plane as coordinates and starts from the top unlike the laser cutter where it depends on its last position and/or the origin point set as it does not know where exactly on the plane it is currently located/coordinated. Make sure to hold the paper piece when you unload it so it does not fall like it did for me. Cut the extra spaces and edges as much as possible. Peel the cutaround very carefully with the * and press the actual cut design to not have it get cut or peel off. I applied the sticker to my laptop one inside and one outside. It is cool to have the design symmeterical so it can be seen from both perspectives/views (top/bottom - front/back). For example this MW logo design can be seen as MW if you view it upside down or normally. I am very satisfied with the final outcome except for pieces around the cut middle line missing cause I peeled them off accidentally.
This week I worked on defining my final project idea and started to getting used to the documentation process. hello
Research¶
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.”
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.”
Useful links¶
Code Example¶
Use the three backticks to separate code.
// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
// initialize digital pin LED_BUILTIN as an output.
pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}
// the loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH); // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
delay(1000); // wait for a second
digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW); // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
delay(1000); // wait for a second
}
Gallery¶
files¶
click to download my car model
Video¶
From Vimeo¶
Sound Waves from George Gally (Radarboy) on Vimeo.