For this week we have to design a (parametric) press-fit construction kit, cut out using the laser cutter. Which could be assemble together to make a 3D model.
I first went and designed a simple press-fit construction on fusion 360, by making one part with a slot having a constant width of 3 mm. Where the other part has multiple slots with different width starting with 3.1 mm. Each slots are then decreased by 0.1mm till it reach 2.7 mm. This is to explore what tolerance the slot provide the best fit.
After designing the press-fit construction I encounter a problem with exporting DXF from fusion to the laser cutter. APS ethos (the software running the two laser cutters) isn’t reading DXF files that are exported from fusion. To comeback this i went and open the DXF file onto adobe illustrator and saved it as a .ai file. By doing this it allow APS ethos can read the .ai file.
I then loaded the laser cutter with 3 mm MDF, ensuring that the height between the laser cutter and the material bellow it is correct by using a tool that help set it to the right height. Once material is set and placed, i went and set the origin as well as the media. Next i went and changed the output of the laser to be suitable to cut out 3 mm MDF. Finally cut out the design.
Once cut out, I went and tested the fit between the slots and found that the best pair is 2.9 mm and 3.0 mm. This is because it provide a great bond between the two and doesn’t require much force to put the two together.
After finding what tolerance to use. I then went and designed my press-fit construction on to fusion 360 and decided to make it quite simple using only three shapes. A square, A triangle and a circle. While making these shape I was able to modify and use the parameter I set, by using this make it more accurate as well as more efficient when it comes down to putting dimensions in.
Using the same process as before i exported the DXF file in to adobe illustrator and saved it into a .ai file and
I then went and cut multiple of these shape out. While cutting these out, I ensured to not obstruct the ventilation vent as a lot of smoke is produce from the MDF. Once cut out i then went and assemble the pieces together. Here is the out come:
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