This week in the Fab Lab, we explored laser cutting. We learned the software “Inkscape.” This software was a little difficult to use at first, but once Clinton taught us the shortcut, it was pretty intuitive. Although I got a hold on the software, making the boxes and creating the correct dimensions, angles and colors is more complicated than you think. In order to create a good design, everything must be extremely accurate- there is little room for error.  When choosing pictures to put on my wooden box, I decided to stay with the film and Los Angeles theme. Here is a picture of the sides of my project.

After making sure the silhouettes fit in the frames, we then made the edges red, indicating where the laser should cut. Because the silhouettes are etched black, the laser will not cut through the wood, but rather etch a drawing of it on the wood. Below is a picture of one of my classmate’s projects. You can see that the pictures are lightly outlined while the actual shape of the sides are being completely cut out.

Watching the laser cutting was super interesting. The precision of the laser was impressive. A lot of my classmates selected very intricate designs to put on their boxes and the laser cutter cut them very precisely.

I am excited to put together the box next week and hopefully add some lights to it!