Laser Cutting

Laser cutting is a method of cutting using a laser cutter. It cuts a material by burning away the material causing the material to separate.

Before even learning how to use the laser cutter, we need something to cut. Basically, we need a shape to cut it out of material.

We need to use the software Fusion360 to make a model/shape by parametric modelling. This means that you can set a parameter like thickness. After making the model, we need to be able to change a parameter like form 3mm to 5mm. This is to ensure we are able to change it depending on what material and thickness we will use. In addition, the laser cutter cuts by burning away material. So your gaps may be too big to join together nicely.

After much discussion, we were set on 3 pieces. A long piece, a hexagon and a triangle. We made the sketch, model and came out like this.

Before we could even begin cutting, we need to be able to use the laser cutter machine itself. We were tasked to create an SOP, a step by step on how to operate the laser cutter.

Here is the improved SOP my group revised,

Laser cutting SOP

Startup

1. Switch ON air compressor

2. Switch ON fume extractor

3. Switch ON the laser cutter

4. Wait a few seconds for initialisation to complete

5. Go to your laptop or computer.

CorelDraw software

1. Open your project file on Fusion360

2. Use thumb drive to import DXF file into CorelDraw software

3. Import the DXF file saved from Fusion360

4. At the Import AutoCAD file select units to be SI units and leave everything else untouched.

5. Set your line weight, colour and fill depending on your needs (cutting or engraving or scoring) E.g for laser cutting, select Red and Hairline for vector cut.

6. Go to file > Print (CTRL-P), Press PRINT

7. Turn on Auto Focus (for Epilog M2 machine) or thickness (for Epilog Pro machine)

8. For engraving, select the ENGRAVING TAB and select the material that you want to use. E.g acrylic, wood

9. For cutting, select the VECTOR TAB and select the material that you want to use. E.g acrylic, wood

10. Change the thickness value to the thickness value of the material that is being used for cutting

11. Set Air Assist on for both cut and engraving

Operation of the laser cutter

1. Remove any items around the neck

2. Open fully the cover of the laser cutter

3. Place your material in the bed of the machine in the upper left corner

4. Close the cover gently

5. Ensure both interlocking lights is on

6. Press PRINT (Epilog Dashboard)

7. Press the GO button on the laser cutter interface

8. The machine will start

9. When the machine is done, wait for 1 minute to cool down

10. Take out your artwork and place it on the workbench.

11. Close back the cover of the laser cutter gently

12. Ensure both interlocking lights is on

Shut down

1. Switch OFF the laser cutter

2. Switch OFF the fume extractor

3. Switch OFF the air compressor

A piece was cut out as evidence that I have done the competency test.

After doing the competency test, we were able to begin work on our cutting. we decided to cut out 2 of the smallest pieces to test the cut out where the pieces connect.

After cutting, we came to a roadblock where our pieces were not able to join together since the gap was too small.

After some time, we were able to set an appropriate amount of gap where the pieces are able to join together nicely.

We manage to get at least one each of our three-piece sets to fit together

It was a success.

Laser cutting is a wonderful tool that can help us get the most precision cuts. Even though it has its upsides, it does have its downsides like not being able to cut metal or many other types of materials like paper or cardboard due to it being able to burn easily.

It can also bring in the skill of CAD where you need some knowledge of Fusion360 in order to be able to cut a shape out.

Laser cutting is a skill that combines other skills from modelling, sketching and even being able to work a machine.

It is a fun skill to learn and a helpful tool for me to use in the future.