Computer-Controlled Cutting.

Third week

For this week we must create a file for vinyl and laser cutters using parametric design. Obviously this was my first attempt with parametric and for some different reasons (like difficulty for installation) I've chosen Flood Editor.
At first look I was little scared about parametric, and I can't find tutorials with Flood. So I started just triyng by myself. However my tutors tryed parametrical too, letting me to understand some of the process just watching they'r pages.

Here STL and Rhino files.

I've made a map for laser cutter to became a cube. I still didn't understand how subtract faces on the image, but for this file is not necessary (because that was cutted aniway).

I think parametric was really useful for sequential structures, you just need to copy and change some numbers to move objects with precision. But I think he need more pratice for a good mastery.

I've seen the programs Cinema4D and Rhinoceros. Both looks nice, however I've chosen to start with Rhino because I find more explanation and tutorials.
So, after spending several time on that program, I've got more familiarity with it and I made my model with Rhino.
However flood editor gave me problems with the exported file, because I can't find a progam able to read it.

So I've made a 3D file too for lasercutter named "throwdicer". It was just a simple slide for dices, inspired by my passion for role games.

To make it I've calculated all measures, and I've extruted the solid parts. To connect them I used the boolean union.
In the process I've made some mistakes and I placed the solids in the wrong angle, but I resolved that easilly.
I forgot to joint the polygons too, but I've noticed that in time, before the cut.

I set the machine with:
Speed 60
Power 32
Corner power 28

BEFORE THE CUT RESPECT THE SAFETY PROCESS:

-Turn ON the compressor and control the pressur gauge (1 bar when is in function for the cardboard).
-Turn ON the chiller.
-Turn ON the four leds (On/Off, two lights, and laser before the cut).
-Turn ON the air extractor.

I was excited for the first cut! Maybe was the same for all?

And here the dice slide!

For the vinyl cutter I've made a vector image using Illustrator. The image gave me problem for the dimensions and file format, but I've resolved it just resizing and triyng different formats.

This is an Illustrator tutorial Here
This is Flood Editor Link.
Flood gave me some troubles for an option I must change in my browser. But this is the Linkto resolve it.

The image gave me some size problems. I gave it a wrong size, too big for the machine, I resolved it after some attempt.

And the cut! I've lost one horn section because I remove it too hurry.





Copyleft © Alessandro Patrizi 2016