Group Assignment: Machine Characterization

This week, we experimented with various laser cutting settings and machines to understand the impact of different parameters on our materials.

Project 1: Testing Speed, Power, and Frequency

For our initial tests, we used the EPILOG LASER FUSION device. We cut squares from MDF to observe how settings affect the material: High power combined with high speed caused scoring rather than cutting. At a lower speed of 12, the laser successfully cut through the wood. When the speed was kept low, but the power was reduced to 20, the laser only scored the surface. Changing the frequency did not show visible changes on MDF, but our instructor explained that a higher frequency causes more burning.

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Project 2: Testing the Effect of Kerf

Kerf refers to the amount of material that is burned off during laser cutting. We used HDF material for this test.

We cut a 30mm square. The actual measured length was 29.95mm.
Formula: design size – laser cut size = 30mm – 29.95mm = 0.05mm Kerf.
We made H-shaped items that slotted together. We adjusted the kerf measurements in the settings before printing more pieces to prevent them from being too loose.
Later, it was found that one part is 120 (mm/s), and the power is about 30%. The material is Plywood.

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Project 3: Testing Lines Per Centimeter (LPC)

We used the high-precision XTool laser cutter to test how engraving density (LPC) affects the image. We set different LPCs ranging from 10 to 300:

The higher the LPC, the darker the engraving is. At 10 LPC, the image is barely visible.
For one piece, the frame cutting was not deep enough, and our instructor used a knife tool to cut the piece off.

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Project 4: Testing the Effect of Different Speed and Power Settings

We tested power and speed by using layers:

Row 1: Speed kept at default 80 while the power varied.
Row 2: Power kept at default 100 while the speed varied.

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Project 5: Testing the Effect of Focus

Focus depends on the distance of the table from the laser. We used a joystick to adjust these values:

Negative values decrease the distance between the plate and the laser point.
Positive values increase distance.
We tested 00.00 (default), 2mm above/below, and 4mm above/below.

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