Prototyping with Laser Cutter
The today’s increase of institutions such as FabLab or the lowering prices of digital tools have led to the approach of this new world to the population.
As a Startup, we must be linked and very close to the changes and advances that happen around us, and we must take advantage of them. That is why we have been researching and prototyping our products with these new tools and the possibilities that they offers us.
Laser cutting is a technique characterized by using an energy source as a laser that concentrates light on the work surface. In order to cut across the material it is necessary to supply a pressurized gas such as oxygen, nitrogen or argon.
If we focus on the advantages, we can name the great cutting precision, the ability to replicate small pieces without errors, that we can use patterns or designs created with graphic design software, or that no waste is generated like sawdust or shavings.
On the other hand, we must bear in mind that the materials and thicknesses that we can use in laser cutting are limited, that the production time will vary depending on the machine we use, that minimum knowledge is required, or that it is necessary to supervise the operation at all times for safety (some materials may burn).
Among the materials we can use with these tools, we can find plastics, metals or wood. It is very important to know the compatibility of the materials with the machine that we are going to work with.
Usually, the programs that control the cutters are based on vector processors, as Illustrator, but they also support raster files (for example, photographs). In any case, contacting with a professional will help in the whole process from the design, to the final obtaining of the piece.
One of the reasons why laser cutting is suitable for prototyping is the option to set up our designs to reduce the intensity of the laser in certain areas to scratch the surface, not to completely traverse it.
In our case, we have been testing with different woods since the application of the laser on them provides a special touch when the surface is toasted. Also the possibility of being able to transfer simple changes instantly to the tool, having in front of you the piece, is an advantage at the time of prototyping.
