Week 3 :
Computer controlled cutting:
This is very useful in the design and engineering communities because it works for a range of applications including e.g rapid prototyping
Types include:
-laser cutting
-vinyl cutting
-water jet cutting
Vinyl cutting:
As a group we had an introduction to the vinyl cutter. This is where I did my first test pieces. I used illustrator to convert an image from the internet into a vector.
This is the original image:
I also edited the image to change the logo text, I did this to test out some of the tools available in illustrator e.g. font select, taking certain letters out of a design and the types of vector.
I then cut out the first test:
The first test failed as the edited font did not print. I realised this was because I had not vectorised it. This was a simple change to make and the second version worked well.
I used this first iteration of the sticker to test removing the parts that were not needed for the design. This peeling process was very tricky as it had many small pieces. The small lettering was the hardest to remove in the correct places. For example, in the letter B the inner circles had to stay on the sticker, but when I was removing the outline, often these parts would be removed too and as a result were distorted.
I also pulled off some parts which should have stayed, I was not referring to the reference image often enough.
If I was to do this assignment again I would take more time to edit the image, recognising that the smaller pieces e.g the inner parts of letters are easily damaged and lost. I would either simplify the design or make it larger so these smaller sections have more surface area to stick on.
Fusion press fit model:
I started by finding this example of parametrically controlled design. It allows you so set dimensions to create a box and saves it as a PDF. https://makeabox.io
This was the result
I wanted to use a rocket shape to make into a press-fit kit. However there was an issue with my laptop which prevented me exporting the image as a DXF to use in fusion.
Next I tried out using the parametric table in fusion but with a much simpler rectangle shape so I could understand how to apply the parameters.
To assign the lengths you go to modify>change parameters
I put the lengths as: length, material thickness and kerf width
From here you can edit the values.
This image shows a very simple slot which would not be very strong.
Using the laser cutter:
(tips: I have learned through practising using the machine in other projects, advice from my peers and the technicians)
-always stay with the machine when cutting
-before you open the lid let the smoke be removed by the extraction system
-turn it off before you go near the work
-remember to make sure to adjust to 3mm using the guide to accommodate the thickness of the material used