Computer Controlled Cutting

Inspiration:

I made this pocket sized artist trading card during the early days of the pandemic while we were all watching the world from our windows. I wanted to make a desktop version with different materials.





Sketch | Analog:

I planned the different acrylic layers needed and selected materials.




Sketch | Illustrator:

The function of the window will be made with laser cut layers of acrylic and the window details with vinyl.





Process | Fusion 360 Parametric Design:

New to this program and an infrequent CAD user, I reviewed several tutorials to build this layered design making the main body panels parametric as well as the various layered materials.





Process | Fusion 360 Drawing:

Complete with a wedge joint to prop up the window.





Fabrication | Laser Cutting:

3 different acrylic materials total, I cut each piece for assembly.





Fabrication | Laser Cutting:

Oops! No vinyl on the laser, I improvised by making a sticker using an old calendar and some VHB tape, cut, weeded, and transferred as if it were vinyl.





Project | Hello from Home

Free standing and interactive!





Project | Hello from Home

A motion image to match the inspiration.







Inspiration:

Especially now, snail mail is a delightful way to say in touch, I received this note at my door this week and it inspired this post card idea…





Sketch | Illustrator:

Post ready, pre-cut, pop-out, interactive greeting card. I drew my concept in Illustrator.




Process | Laser Cut Trials:

Familiar with the C02 laser used here, I trialed the power, speed, and PPI after adjusting height to my 2mm chip board.



Fabrication | Final Laser Settings:

Settling on Power: 70%, Speed: 10%, and PPI: 1000 for the vector settings and Power: 20%, Speed: 75%, and PPI: 100 for the raster settings.





Fabrication | Laser Cutting:

Sheep shearing in action...





Fabrication | Roland Vinyl Cutter:

I used the vinyl cutter to add gold vinyl features to the image applied with transfer paper.





Project | Missing Ewe…

The sheep body and legs pop out of place to press fit together in this ready to mail post card!