CNC Cardboard Laser Cutter

University of California MAE Department, Davis, CA, USA

ID: MMC3

Relevant Skills: mechanical design, mechatronics, software

The new MAE Design Studio space (Bainer 2071) is in need of some low overheard prototyping tools to support the various design projects in the department. Arizona State University has had success with CNC laser cut and engraved cardboard for prototyping purposes. This project would involved designing and constructing a safe, inexpensive, fast, and reliable CNC controlled cardboard laser cutter. The tool should be able to cut through up to 1/4" thick 4'x4'cardboard sheets and also to "engrave" (cut part way through the thickness) for easy bend lines. The users of the tool should be able to easily supply a 2D CAD drawing from a number of popular formats for processing. The device should be superbly safe such that it is impossible for users to be hurt in any way during the operation of the laser cutter.