3. Computer controlled cutting¶
The laser cutter is a versatile tool used primarily by engineers and designers for prototyping and manufacturing. It employs a focused laser beam to precisely cut through materials based on digital patterns and geometries provided by designers.
Laser cutting finds application in various fields. It is commonly used for intricate designs on paper or cardboard, often seen in crafts, invitations, and packaging. Additionally, materials like wood, acrylic, and paper benefit from laser cutting due to its ability to produce smooth edges, making it popular for creating acrylic products such as signage, displays, and artistic projects. Laser cutters are also utilized in educational settings for school projects.
In my project, I used SketchUp to design the components for laser cutting, ensuring they conform to specified geometries. The laser cutter will precisely cut these components, creating crisp edges. The slots in the design are deliberately narrower than the thickness of the cardboard to ensure a snug fit, leveraging material friction to securely hold the pieces together once assembled. By angling the slots appropriately, the intersecting pieces will self-lock at the bottom.
This approach facilitates the assembly of the model with precision and ease using laser cutting technology.
