Laser Cut Phone Stand

Participants will design a custom phone stand using the laser cutter. You can see a similar design here at Ponoko, an online laser cutting service.

Learning Outcomes

- Measuring for product design
- Downloading and opening a template
- Common Inkscape functions (rotate, Path Node editing)
- Slotted design, to create 3D products out of 2D pieces

Using the digital calipers or a ruler, measure your phone.

Length (usually the longer side of the face) = __

Width (usually the shorter side of the face) = __

Height (or "depth") = __

You will see a simple mobile phone.

You will also see two rectangles with slots. 1/8" acrylic is approximately .125" thick -- the slots are .124" for a snug fit.

Size the phone so it matches the size of your phone.

Select the phone and click a second time to get the curved handle.

Click and hold on the arrow, while holding down the Control key, to shift it into a horizontal.

Place the simple phone onto the larger rectangle. The phone should sit just above the slot.

Click on the slotted rectangle and click on the Path Tool (just under the Select Arrow).

Click and hold to select the top two path nodes.

Raise them just above the phone.

Select the phone and hit Delete, or Right-Click and select Delete.

Arrange your rectangles so that they are near each other, but not touching.

Save your file as an SVG with your name. We'll collect files for cutting.

Pick out your acrylic and we should be cutting in no time!