Fusion 360 to Laser Cutter

Laser cutting parts from Fusion 360 3D models. Some of the parts the customer wants are easy to laser cut, but he provided me with 3D models. So I exported them as 2D files and cut them on a laser cutter (I have a 2004 25W Versalaser). I also made the second mold for the pivot parts. Finally, I sent samples to the customer for approval. In the next episode, I'll finish the second mold and send production parts to the customer.
Part I: • Customer Injection Mol...
Part 2: • Customer Injection Mol...
Part 3: • Customer Injection Mol...

[@cjsever3160]

This helped me so much!!!!

[@JohnSL]

I'm glad it helped.

[@andystewart5864]

Your relief taper on the mould needs to be adjusted or else you'll bend your ejector pins. Or try water cooling your mould to shrink the plastic more.

[@elihoungo4552]

Very nice

[@JohnSL]

Thanks

[@bobsmith6271]

Why not just export a sketch as a .DXF? That should feed right into your laser. If you have a solid body you can create a sketch and project the body to capture everything.

[@JohnSL]

I certainly could have done that. I like using the drawing because it's associated with the solid model in a separate file, so I don't have to maintain a sketch. If I make changes to the solid model, the drawing will update automatically and be correct. But with a sketch, it may not update correctly if you add or remove features.

[@tvrleigh]

@@JohnSL If you project the bodies to a new sketch, and use project link, then you can have an auto update sketch you can export as DFX

[@circaSG07]

@@tvrleigh correct. This does seem to work, but it does make you go a few extra steps

[@joshuafalconer9683]

Love your work and am learning a lot from your videos. Quick question: What kind of plastic do you use and how long will it take to biodegrade?

[@JohnSL]

Thanks. For injection molding, I'm using polystyrene, which I don't think is biodegradable. And in the laser, I'm using acrylic, which I suspect also isn't biodegradable.

[@joshuafalconer9683]

​@@JohnSL ​ I appreciate the response. Looking into this question myself before jumping into the injection molding world and trying to be as sustainable as possible. After reading the book Cradle to Cradle, I realize that there are generally two approaches one could take with polymers: as technical nutrients or as biological nutrients (see the Wiki page on "Cradle-to-cradle design" for definitions). Some polymers seem to qualify as technical nutrients that can be reused without being "downcycled." Other polymers seem to qualify as biological nutrients that are compostable or biodegradable. I'm leaning toward the latter at the moment, looking into hemp polymers. Thought you might be interested in comparing notes!

[@Tywon]

thank you! very helpfull

[@JohnSL]

Glad to hear that!

[@iangraham6730]

Entertaing as always 👌thanks for sharing 👍

[@JohnSL]

Glad you enjoyed it