EP1000

Assignment: Lasercutting

In this assignment, you will lasercut the box you created in a previous assignment.

Some guides:

  1. Autodesk Fusion 360: Laser cutting - How to save as DXF in Fusion 360
  2. BasementMaker: Glowforge Laser Kerf & Snug Fitting Boxes
  3. The Trick with Laser Cut Boxes - shows what is kerf and how it affects joints
  4. How To Design A Laser Cut Finger Joint Box Accurately - using a Vector software and some thinking. The box has a different type of cover.
  5. How To Design A Laser Cut Finger Joint Box Accurately
  6. Making Boxes in Fusion 360 For Lasercutting good ideas for joints in making boxes

I have provided approximate timings for you so that you do NOT spend all your time (doing something you like and neglecting other modules!)

Time Task
30 min Watch a tutorial on LaserCutting & Kerf
30 min Export and layout your 3D model for laser cutting
60 min Submit your work for lasercutting

This is a short assignment, since you have Mid-semester tests & assignments, but should keep you occupied during the holidays. Try to complete all layouts in DXF so that you can provide them to the TSO when required.

Here is a quick guide:

  1. Watch Video #1 and #2, above, to get an idea of how laser cutting works and the definition of kerf.
  2. Return to your parametric box and add a lid/cover to the box
  3. Export the parts to DXF and prepare a layout for lasercutting. Use the following parameters:
    • thickness of wood 3.4mm
    • size of entire layout, no larger than A3 (optimal A4) size
    • minimize the wastage of material
    • save as a single DXF file ready for lasercutting.
  4. Present your work at FabLab Central for laser cutting
  5. Assemble your box and document your experience for grading:
    • you documentation should resemble a how-to for preparation of lasercutting
    • include the preparation work in CorelDraw
    • include working and final “hero” shots
    • include the following files:
      • Fusion 260 design file in .f3d format
      • the CorelDraw layout file (.CDR format)
    • include the lasercutter settings used to cut the material

 

Graded Assignment

This assignment is graded. Remember to keep your final product for inspection if necessary.

 

Additional Work

  1. Examine the following references:
  2. Design a simple press-fit kit for yourself, taking into consideration:
  3. Layout your pieces (can be multiple) ready for laser cutting.

Remember to document your work and include

 

November 2020