coolgadgets

Laser Cutting Notes

• DMCG Laser Cutting slides
• Laser Cutting lecture notes
• Lasercutter theory & operation
• Designing for lasercutting
• Worksheet 1: keychain/nametag
• Worksheet 2: 3D lasercut box
  

Reference

• Epilog Fusion M2 Manual
• Fab Academy - Computer Controlled Cutting
• Fablab SP lasercutting Notes
• Epilog Laser Cutter Operations Guide
• Epilog Laser Quick Video Tutorial
• Materials List
• Materials Settings
• Laser FAQs
• Cutting vs Engraving: Line Weights

Examples

• Epilog Gallery
• Trotec Samples

Design for Laser Cutting

• Lasercut Box in Onshape
• Onshape Export to DXF
• Designing for Lasercutting

File Generators for Laser Cutting

• MakerCase
• Make a Box
• Template Maker - Paper Boxes
• Involute Spur Gear Builder
• Gear Designer

Assignment 1

1. Determine the kerf, power, speed, frequency/ppi settings for a laser cutter.
   • Note: do a test cut, e.g. small square 20mm x 20mm on cardboard or 2.6/3mm plywood
2. Design a simple keychain/nametag in the CAD software. Add your name or initials. Save the profile and export it as a dxf format and cut it out on the laser cutter.

Assignment 2

1. Design a simple cube (60mm x 60mm x 60mm) and cut it out on the laser cutter.
   • add finger joints to the cube using the “Laser Joint” featurescript
   • layout the pieces for laser cutting using “Auto Layout” featurescript
   • Export the parts as a dxf file
2. Design a custom desktop penholder/stationery stand. Use the Laser Joint and Auto Layout featurescript to prepare the file, then export the dxf file for lasercutting.

Note: As a minimum, use a variable for the thickness of the material in your design