Day 3: (Wed Sep 3, Week 2) Laser-Cutter Structure Design

Notes for 2025-09-03.

Assignments

1. Due Mon Sep 8: Exercise: Percussion Toy. Please have the device in hand for class on Sep 8. Please submit documentation to Assignment 1 Shared Folder.

2. If you are new to SolidWorks 3D modeling, I highly recommend you go through the beginner tutorial available via CMU LinkedIn Learning. (Note that it does appear possible to use this without a LinkedIn account.) Here’s a starting point: Learning SOLIDWORKS (two hours).

Administrative

1. The SolidWorks invisible dimension problem was caused by a font problem on the Virtual Andrew system, and has since been fixed.

2. Please remember: if you can’t make any of the usual EH&S fire extinguisher training sessions, IDeATe is hosting two locally, no sign-up required:

   • Tue, Sep 9, 2:30 PM in HL A4 Near (near vending machines)

   • Wed, Sep 10, 10:00 AM in HL 106C (Studio B in library lobby)

3. The first FriDeATe (social free food) event will be Friday, Sep 12 5-6PM in the basement open area.

4. Please test your ID card on the door lock. If it isn’t working, please both let me know and email help@ideate.cmu.edu

Agenda

1. Discussion of joinery.

   • Kinematic constraint and attachment.

   • Laser cutter kerf.

   • Review design notes from Exercise: Percussion Toy

   • Review design notes from Flat-Pack Joinery

   • Other examples: Design Example: Joinery

   • See examples inside SolidWorks: rocket toy, laptop stand, knee

2. Discussion of SolidWorks and the laser cutter.

   • Quick review: Essential SolidWorks Terminology

   • Quick review of parts and assemblies

   • DXF export (see Exporting DXF Files for Laser Cutting)

   • file preparation for laser-cutting (see Inkscape Cutting Layout Setup)

3. Questions?

4. Quick assignment design review.

5. Any early assignments results we could try cutting?

6. Laser-cutter demonstration.

7. Time permitting: SolidWorks tutorial.