Working with Rhinoceros & the Laser Cutter: Creating a Screen
Introduction
The laser cutter is a powerful digital tool for designers. The cutter allows for complexity in a model without the associated time cost to produce such a model. In this exercise you will use the laser cutter to cut out a complex screen like the ones shown in lecture. You will use Rhinoceros to draw the lines that the laser cutter will cut.
Part I: Rhinoceros
- Your final screen should be at least 6” x 6” and no larger than 8” x 10”
- You can use both cut and engrave to your advantage (cuts are obvious, but engraves can be fold lines). Please set up two layers, one for cutting (red) and the other for engraving (blue).
- Guidelines for constructing your screens will be discussed in lecture.
- When you have finished your screen, make sure there is a polyline (rectangle) surrounding your screen so that it will be cut out completely.
- When you have finished your screen, you need to make an image file from the top view showing your lines (File>Print) and also select all the lines and use File>Export Selected to create an AutoCad 2004 line drawing.
Part II: Digital copy of your work
- A digital copy of your screen as a .jpg/.png as well as an AutoCad .dwg file must be posted to the course website before class on Wednesday 2/15/12.
- Beginning 2/20/12, students will sign up for a time slot during lab or hours by arrangement to cut their screens.
Part III: Turning in your physical screen
- You will need to turn in your physical screen 1 week after you perform your laser cut (or sooner if you are finished). Due dates for the physical screen will vary as the day you will cut will also vary.
- Note, you will have only one opportunity in class to cut your screen. if you make a mistake, or it doesn’t turn out quite right, you will need to use the laser cutter during normal hours of operation and will be subject to lines, etc.
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