CAD Compatibility

Oftentimes CAD is used because of its compatibility with other design tools. In the MakeLab itself, there are several tools and machines that you can import your CAD from in order to create something physical from your model.

For Example:

3D printers -- stl file
Laser Cutter -- DXF file

In order to create the Pinball Machine, the team primarly used the laser cutter and ply wood. This is because once we had created the entire Pinball Machine in SolidWorks is is easy, quick, and simple to send the files over to the laser cutter and have the entire assembly printed in under an hour!

All About Laser Cutters!

How does a laser cutter work?

Laser cutters work very similarly to CNC machines. Both use high-power lasers which guide the material or beam by directing itself through CNC and optics. The device uses the code provided to cut the material and control the motion of the laser.

Pros of Using Laser Cutter

high precision and accuracy
low cost = more affordable
used for jobs of vast complexity
lest waste
damage prevention
low power consumption
compatibility with a wide range of materials

Cons of Using Laser Cutter

evaporation of some materials
requires technical experts
limitation to thickness of materials
upfront costs
production of harmful fumes and gasses depending upon the material

References:

Laser cutting: Examining advantages and disadvantages of laser cutting. rapiddirect. (2022, November 18). Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://www.rapiddirect.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-laser-cutting/#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20benefits%20include,amount%20of%20money%20to%20maintain.