In this lab, you will learn some knowledge about subtractive manufacturing and, more importantly, how to operate the laser cutter in the lab from beginning to end. After this lab, you should be able to operate and cut 2D profiles.

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Table of Contents

Revision of Some Subtractive Manufacture Technology

Physical Energy:

The material is removed by physical force

Water jet

CNC milling, router, lathe,

Thermal Energy:

The material is removed by sublimation

Laser cut

Electrical discharge

Chemical Reaction:

The material is removed by chemical reaction

Etching

Electrochemical

CAD File Formats and gcode

DXF (Drawing Interchange Format or Drawing Exchange Format)

DXF files are 2D CAD files that record the 2D section information of a 3D model. For subtractive manufactures like 2D milling and laser cutting, the software needs DXF input to generate the gcode

STEP/STP (Standard for Exchange of Product Data)

STEP files are comprehensive CAD files that can contain both 3D models and associated metadata. They're excellent for preserving exact geometry and product information. For subtractive manufacture like CNC, the software needs STP input to generate the gcode

Engineer draft

Drawings are technical documents used to accurately express the shape, size, and related technical requirements of objects in the engineering field. Some special requirements, for example, M3 screw nut or degree of surface finishing, can be found in the engineering draft.