3. Computer controlled cutting¶
This week I worked on computer controlled cutting using two cutting techniques; Vinyl cutting and Laser cutting.
Laser cutting¶
What is lazer cutting¶
“Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to vaporize materials, resulting in a cut edge. While typically used for industrial manufacturing applications, it is now used by schools, small businesses, architecture, and hobbyists”
Group work¶
In order to find the settings that created the greatest cut for our cardboard material, as a group we learned how to set up the laser cutting machine and tested out various cutting speeds and power levels.
The work can be found on Ali's page
Individual Work¶
The assignment required creating a parametric press-fit design and cutting it with a laser cutting machine.
First, I had to come up with an idea of what I wanted to make. I thought of making a circular light, I was thinking of making it out of two shapes, one of which represents the walls and the other the connecting ends, but then I decided that I’m going to use only one shape, which is the hexagonal shape.
I choose the dimensions and determined the locations of the joints between the shapes, as they are in the middle of each side.
From the PC:
- First upload the design into the PC connected to the machine
- check the dimension, power, and speed
- download into the machine
From the lazer cutter
- open the file from the machine
- click origin to determine the startig point
- click frame make sure that size is suitable for what wanted
- Finally click start
They were looking nice and they were sticking together, but unfortunately the measurements did not enable me to shape them into a spherical shape.
I modified the dimensions and the measurements and cut them again, but the problem was not solved.
Later it dawned on me that the parts of the pieces that held the pieces together had to be longer so that they were perfectly parallel to each other.
But it’s okay, in the end I was able to make out of these shapes what looks like a small dome :)
Design file¶
Vinyl cutting¶
What is vinyl cutting¶
“Vinyl cutting, or CAD cutting is a process in which graphics, letters and other vector designs are accurately cut from material using a cutter or plotter.”
Individual Work¶
For the vinyl cutting, we were shown how to use a vinyl cutter. Following that, we learned about Cricut, which is the machine’s software. They showed us how to use it and how to obtain the best results before we installed it on our computers.
Each of us was tasked with finding an image to cut using this machine.
Before starting everything, make sure that the laptop is connected to the machine.
From the PC:
At first, I download cricut software. And then upload the image and select the image type (for my image simple).
Then, remove the background and determine the sizes.
At the end click make it
From the machine:
Choosing the paper to be used, taking a piece large enough for the desired image, but not too much so that the material is not lost
Determine the type of material to be cut, and then make the device hold it by pressing the button that look like arrow up and down, then press the button that looks like the letter C to start cutting
The machine finished cutting nicely, and then I carefully remve the pieces that make the shape clear.
Apply a transparent sticker on the pieces to prevent them from shifting while you place them.
Finally, stick it in the desired place, and here it is looking so cool
