LASER CUTTING!

Before going for our very first practical in the FabLab, we had to do an SOP which consists of the startup, operation and the shut down of the laser cutting machine. Not forgetting our designed item made using Fusion 360! Through our competency test, we found out that we were missing a few steps and thus updated our SOP. This is the accurate SOP of a laser cutting machine that my group has compiled.

We also took down notes on what went wrong while using the laser cutting machine:

Exported the file wrongly (We did not selected the sketch of our top most drawing when saving it)
We had to change our parametric equation as the one we previously did was 6mm and it was out of range. Hence, we reduced it to 4.9mm initially but changed to 5mm after the first trial as it was too tight.
Tried engraving our initials on the plywood but realised that there was no laser beam coming out. This is due to the power setting that was insufficient (12%). We then had to increase its percentage to 50% for it to start engraving.

Above is our printed objects and how it is being combined🎉

REFLECTION

We were tasked to write up a SOP before coming to class for the practical. During the first hour of class, we were expected to do pass the in-person competency test before using the laser cutting machine to carry out the group assignment.

Laser cutting is essential as in future experiments we must be able to cut materials for our product making. What made laser cutting interesting was how we were able to customise our own puzzle piece (with our initials and how dark we want the scoring to be).

Since we were supposed to make an object out of multiple pieces, we had to use laser cutting to cut out pieces from chosen materials such as wood and suitable plastics as we would not be able to cut it out manually.

When we initially started on the SOP, we had to watch videos uploaded by the school which seemed intense and incomprehensible as we were not familiar with the machine and did not know how to work it. But once we were guided to use the machine in the lab, I realised how easy it was to operate it. I will be sure to put my skills to use when designing my next product!