* Since the vinyl cutter was not connected to the computer it took me some time to figure it out.The instructions from the archshop website were very helpful.
* The middle image needs improved contrast for documentation clarity.
* Final version complete — update image with printed result.

week 2: project management, computer-controlled cutting


vinyl cutter

During the second week of the class, we focused on learning how to use the vinyl cutter. This machine allows us to create precise designs by cutting vinyl sheets based on digital designs we create. To get started, I followed the detailed tutorials on the archshop website. I started by familiarizing myself with the vinyl cutter's software (mods) and hardware, understanding how to set up a design for cutting.

first I had to start with designing my stickers. I want to have a sticker with the mit logo but I was inspired by 90's vibes. So I decided to downloaded the aAnother tag font to write mit in a graffiti style. After that, I imported the mit logo in illustrator.

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mit logo
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a Another Tag font
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new mit graffiti logo
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I exported the logo in a png format
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I followed the same steps for the no fear sticker
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and the stay weird sticker

After having my png files ready I had to use the vinyl cutter Roland GX-24.


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I connected the vinyl cutter to power
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and I loaded with the black vinyl roll
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I followed the instructions step by step from the archshops website
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this is the control pannel of the Roland GX-24
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then I had to run the test for the force that the tip cuts the vinyl
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in power 0 the sticker didn't come off correctly
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when I changed the power to +1 the outter part of the sticker came out while the square was still on the paper
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since everything was set I imported the png files to mods software. First the mit logo
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then the no fear sticker
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and last one was the stay weird sticker
vinyl cut running
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my stickers were ready
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I removed the excess material of the stay weird sticker
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and I used the masking film so that I will be easier to transfer it to other surfaces
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my stickers are ready
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I used the mit logo to my notebook

laser cutter

In addition to the vinyl cutter, we also had the opportunity to work with the laser cutter. The laser cutter uses a focused beam of light to cut or engrave materials with high precision. I learned how to prepare designs for laser cutting, including setting the appropriate power and speed settings for different materials.

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I started by designing a test cut
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I placed the cardboard in the laser cut
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and I send the job for cutting
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unfortunately I was not cautious enough and my test didn't go well
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the laser beam seem to be very thick
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without having enough power to cut through the cardboard
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carousel 3d modelI asked Gert's help and he immediately checked the distance of the laser head to the material
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he adjusted the high to 2 inches
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and I reviewed the settings before I sent again the file to cut
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I needed to djust the correct bed size of the laser cutter
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and I adjusted the speed and power both for engraving and cutting the cartboard
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Gert very detailed explained how the laser beam actually cuts the material
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I managed to have my first parametric object cut
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and here aia assembled it
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now that everything was set I decided to design another object which was a foldable chair that I found on the site chairigami.com
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I cut the pieces
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and I assembled this xlever designed chair
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and it also looks comfortable