Exploring Environment and Information Studies

2011 Assignment #2  Design and Fabricate “Lamp Shade” for LED Light
[PDF Version]

http://unlimiteddesigncontest.org/en/product/fablamp-ii

*Introduction
FabLab Netherland Movie

*Preparation
–Papers (for mockup, prototyping)
–Acrylic Sheets
–LED Lamp
–USB Memory = USB Stick (can be bought in SFC Coop)

*Deadline
–next Thursday (October 13th). This is a definitely “One-Week” assignment.
–Each group has to make 5-10 minutes presentation in front of teachers. Tell us your concept, story and design process and show us the actual product. (Show and Tell?)

–I recommend the schedule as follows:
Thursday- Monday: sketch, draw, make a mockup with papers and make vector data
Tuesday- Wednesday: Fabricate it with the laser cutter and assemble it.
(I will tell you the reason why I recommend later on)

*Process

Step.1 Installing the free “Vector Drawing” Software
(Adobe Illustrator is the most popular vector drawing software, but it’s not free. If you want to use this, please go to computer rooms. “Inkscape” is the freeware version of Illustrator).

Inkscape (wikipedia)
Inkscape (software download)

Step.2 Sketch your design and Make Paper-Mockup
Step.3 Draw the outline of parts using InkScape

Step.4 Save your vector data in the format of “SVG”, and move it with USB Stick
Sample Data

Step.5 Go to SFC Fabrication Studio in front of the gym
Note that:  SFC Fabrication Studio is available only from Monday to Thursday, AM9:15-12:0o and PM13:00-16:45.
We cannot use on weekends. Please arrange your schedule carefully.  The Fab Master is Mr. Kakizaki

kakizaki ( a ) sfc.keio.ac.jp

Step.6 Turn on the mini Lenovo PC and external Screen.
Note that: the mini Lenovo PC is very slow. It often frustrates us. But don’t be in a haste.

Step.7 Insert USB Stick  into mini Lenovo PC.
— Start “Adobe Illustrator” from the program menu.
— Open your SVG file from a usb stick

Step.8 Data Arrangement with Adobe Illustrator
— The laser cutter is capable of both “Cutting” and “Engraving”.
— “Engraving” is interesting but it’s not important for this assignment.  (We have to skip this method. If you want to try, it’s up to you. )
— We have to set the lines which we want to cut out as follows.
—-Strokewidth = 0.01,  Color Red=255, Green =0,Blue=0
—-In advance of that, we have to set colormode to RGB. (File Menu ==> Color Mode)

—-Print ==> Print

Step.9 Start “UCP” by clicking an icon on the desktop

—-When “UCP” starts up, the lasercutter also starts up at the same time. You could hear the motor noise somehow.
—-Turn on three different switches. White box (for the compressor), Black box (for the lasercutter) and Gray machine (for the vacuum).

—-[setting] ===> [material database] ===> Choose your material and set the thickness.

—-Set the material onto a plate. The origin is UPPER-LEFT.

—-select [Focus View] and indicate one point on the material. Use the focus-tool and set the appropriate height by using orange arrow keys.

—select [Relocate View] and set your data to the best position.

—Confirm everything. Is everything OK? Is everything Safe? If yes, please press [PLAY] button (Green).

Step.9-B Please make sure that all the lines on UCP screen are RED. If they are black, please go back to step 7.  (Laser cutter cannot cut black lines). Please confirm the strokewidth (0.01mm) and all colors are pure red (R=255 G=0 B=0).

Step.10 If you need another/different materials, you can buy at

Konan Tsujido

(This is in the middle of SFC and JR Tsujido.  Take a bus bound for Tsujido from SFC and get off on “Komayose” station)

Royal HomeCenter Fujisawa

Konan Ofuna

Laser Cutter  Examples

Example Blog1
Example Blog2

4 Dangerous Points

(1) Don’t cut PVC. It’s TOXIC. Sometimes acrylic sheets are covered with transparent sheets, made by PVC. Please remove these sheets before cutting except the case that sheets are apparently made by paper.

(2) Please pay attention on setting a focus. Using focus tool, we have to set appropriate focus. If you avoid this process, materials will be burnt and fire will come out.

(3) Please switch on the compressor and vacuum. If you avoid this process, bad smells will come out and damage your health.

(4) Please set material parameters and the thickness every time. And re-confirm it. If the parameters are different, materials will be burnt and fire will come out.

htanaka ( a )  sfc.keio.ac.jp