This week covers:
• Introduction to computer-controlled cutting machines
• Laser cutting principles and safety
• Vinyl cutting techniques and applications
• Vector graphics and file preparation
• Kerf compensation and material considerations

• Understand laser cutting machine operation and safety
• Learn vinyl cutting techniques for surface applications
• Learn vector graphics software (e.g., Inkscape, Illustrator)
• Design and cut a parametric press-fit construction kit
• Apply vinyl cutting for ceramic surface treatment and collaboration
• Document the design process and cutting parameters

Laser Cutting Introduction

• Attended laser cutting safety training
• Reviewed machine operation procedures
• Explored available materials and thicknesses

Design Process

• Created parametric design in vector software
• Calculated kerf compensation for material
• Prepared files for laser cutting

Fabrication

• Cut test pieces to verify fit
• Fabricated final press-fit construction kit
• Documented cutting parameters and results

Vinyl Cut Project

• Designed vinyl cutting patterns for ceramic sake cup surfaces
• Applied vinyl to interior and exterior of sake cups
• Prepared cups for sandblasting treatment
• Collaborated with Sam Chin for metallic glaze application

Project Overview

This week's assignment focused on computer-controlled cutting, specifically laser cutting and vinyl cutting techniques. The main project involved converting the Week 1 3D Genji Ko design into a 2D vector format suitable for laser cutting, creating a press-fit construction kit. Additionally, a collaborative vinyl cutting project was undertaken to create touch-sensitive ceramic sake cups through a partnership with Sam Chin.

Design Files

• geniji-mon.dxf - 2D vector cutting pattern for laser cutting
    DXF format with kerf compensation for press-fit construction kit
Design Process: 1. 3D to 2D Conversion: Extracted 2D profiles from the Week 1 3D model 2. Vector Creation: Redrew the design in vector graphics software 3. Kerf Calculation: Determined appropriate kerf compensation for material thickness 4. Joint Design: Created press-fit joints for assembly 5. Optimization: Arranged parts for efficient material usage Technical Specifications: • Kerf Compensation: 0.1mm (varies by material and laser settings) • Material Thickness: 3mm (cardboard) • Cutting Parameters: Optimized for laser cutting speed and power (88% power, 190 mm/s Speed)

Images

Fusion360 sketching process documentation


Fusion360 3D mockupn


Final assembled model with incense


Vinyl cut pattern applied to exterior of ceramic sake cup


Vinyl cut pattern applied to interior of ceramic sake cup


Ceramic sake cup after sandblasting treatment with vinyl resist removed Post-Cutting-Assembly Process: 1. Removed the parts from the laser cutter 2. Tested press-fit joints for proper fit 3. Assembled the construction kit 4. Lit an incense to test the final design

Learning Outcomes

Laser Cutting Skills: • Machine Operation: Learned to safely operate laser cutting equipment • Parameter Tuning: Understood relationship between power, speed, and material • Kerf Compensation: Applied material-specific compensation values • File Preparation: Mastered DXF file creation and optimization Design Skills: • 2D Vector Design: Converted 3D designs to 2D cutting patterns • Press-Fit Design: Created functional joints without fasteners Challenges and Solutions: 1. Challenge: Achieving proper kerf compensation
    Solution: Test cuts with different compensation values 2. Challenge: Converting complex 3D geometry to 2D
    Solution: Extracted key profiles and simplified design 3. Challenge: Ensuring press-fit joint functionality
    Solution: Iterative testing and adjustment of joint dimensions

Vinyl Cut Project: Touch-Sensitive Ceramic Sake Cups

Collaboration with Sam Chin
This project involved creating touch-sensitive ceramic sake cups through a collaborative process combining vinyl cutting, sandblasting, and metallic glazing techniques. Project Goals: • Create sake cups that respond to touch through metallic glaze application
• Explore surface treatment techniques using vinyl as a resist material
• Develop collaborative fabrication processes between different disciplines
Technical Process: 1. Design Phase: Created vinyl cutting patterns for both interior and exterior surfaces of ceramic sake cups
2. Vinyl Application: Applied cut vinyl pieces to ceramic surfaces as resist material
3. Sandblasting: Used sandblasting to texture the exposed ceramic areas
4. Collaboration: Partnered with Sam Chin to apply metallic glaze to create touch-sensitive properties
Materials and Tools: • Ceramic Substrate: Hand-thrown sake cups
• Vinyl Material: Cutting vinyl for resist application
• Surface Treatment: Sandblasting equipment
• Finishing: Metallic glaze (applied by Sam Chin)
Design Considerations: • Pattern Placement: Strategic positioning of vinyl patterns on both interior and exterior surfaces
• Resist Function: Vinyl served as protective mask during sandblasting process
• Surface Texture: Sandblasted areas created texture contrast with protected areas
• Touch Sensitivity: Metallic glaze application created interactive surface properties
Collaborative Process: The project demonstrated interdisciplinary collaboration, with the vinyl cutting and sandblasting preparation done by the student, and the final metallic glaze application completed by collaborator Sam Chin. This process highlighted the importance of understanding material properties and surface treatments in creating functional ceramic objects.

Software and Tools Used

• Laser Cutting Software: xTool control software
• Vinyl Cutting Software: Vinyl cutting machine software
• CAD Software: Fusion360
• Surface Treatment: Sandblasting equipment

This week introduced me to computer-controlled cutting and the importance of precision in digital fabrication. Learning about kerf compensation and parametric design was crucial for creating accurate press-fit joints. The vinyl cutting project provided valuable experience in surface treatment techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration, demonstrating how digital fabrication tools can be applied to traditional craft materials like ceramics.

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