Week 3: Computer Controlled Cutting

I'm taking this week to work on some aspects of my final project: The AMGC [Automated Maker Grow Chamber]

My entire grow chamber utilizes NO soil to grow any plants. I am limiting variables, and giving greater control to the operator by using different varients of Hydroponic growing systems: DWC (Deep Water Culture), Ebb and Flow, Flood and Drain, and Aeroponics.

For this week, I need to cut perfect circles into a thin acrylic tubes. The tubes are too thin and brittle to manually cut with powertools or manually as it always chips out and makes an extremely rough cut at best. I cut the tubes to all the same length, and programmed the Epilog Laser Cutter to Cut perfect circular holes along the tube.

Update: These downspouts were Vinyl; DO NOT USE VINYL IN LASER CUTTERS

Placing the blank into the laser cutter. I placed some glassware to wedge it into the corner and make sure each blank is flushed witht the origin and wont move or fall over while cutting.

Cut pattern

Fitting the net cup that will fill each hole

Decided to offset the cuts as such: 3-2-3-2-3

All Cut