Laser Cutter

Learning Objectives

1. Understand how a laser cutting machine works and its basic principles.

2. Assemble a pre-cut box from MakeCase template to understand box structure.

3. Distinguish between the lcpx, dxf, tl, and plt file formats, and explain why lcpx is used as the editable design format within LaserMaker.

4. Identify and operate the essential LaserMaker drawing tools, including:

   1. Select / Choose Tool

   2. Line Segment Tool

   3. N Curve Tool

   4. Rectangle Tool

   5. Circle Tool

   6. Polygon Tool

   7. Text Tool

   8. Measuring Tool

5. Successfully use these tools to create a complete 2D sketch of a six-sided box.

6. Use LaserMaker tools to draw the Minxin School Badge.

How a Laser Cutting Machine Works

1. Explain basic principles: laser beam, mirror system, focus lens, material vaporizatio

2. Explain vector vs. raster cutting

Box Structure Demonstration

1. Pass around pre-cut MakeCase boxes (one per group)

2. Have students assemble the box in groups

Explain finger joints, tabs, slots, and how a 2D net becomes a 3D box

File Format Comparison (.lcpx, .dxf, .tl, .plt)

1. Present the comparison table of the four file formats

2. Explain why .lcpx is used as the editable design format within LaserMaker

LaserMaker Tool Overview

1. Demonstrate each of the 8 tools on the projector:

   1. Select / Choose Tool

   2. Line Segment Tool

   3. N Curve Tool

   4. Rectangle Tool

   5. Circle Tool

   6. Polygon Tool

   7. Text Tool

   8. Measuring Tool

Activity 1 Software Exploration

1. Open LaserMaker on your computer.

1. Identify and hover over each of the tools on the toolbar.

1. Find the Measuring Tool and measure a sample shape on the canvas.

2. Practice moving and selecting objects with the Select Tool.

Activity 2 Shape Practice

1. Go to the website Beginner's Journey - LaserMaker Official Website for learning 8 tools

2. Use each of the 8 tools to create one shape per tool on the canvas:

   • Draw a straight line (Line Segment Tool)

   • Draw a curved line (N Curve Tool)

   • Draw a rectangle (Rectangle Tool)

   • Draw a circle (Circle Tool)

   • Draw a polygon (Polygon Tool)

   • Add a text label (Text Tool)

1. Use the Measuring Tool to check the dimensions of each shape.

1. Use the Select Tool to arrange all shapes neatly on the canvas.

Activity 3 Real Box Sketch (Six-Sided Box Net)

1. Take the pre-assembled MakeCase box on your desk as a reference.

2. Use a ruler to carefully measure each face of the real box (length, width, height, tabs).

1. On scratch paper, sketch how the 6 faces will unfold into a flat 2D net layout.

1. Open a new file in LaserMaker.

1. Use the drawing tools to create the 2D six-sided box net that matches the real box's dimensions:

   • Rectangle Tool – Draw the main faces (base, sides, lid)

   • Line Segment Tool – Draw straight edges and fold lines

   • N Curve Tool – Add any curved tabs or decorative edges

   • Circle Tool – Add holes or circular features (if the real box has any)

   • Polygon Tool – Add non-rectangular shapes if needed

   • Text Tool – Label each face (e.g., "FRONT", "TOP", "BOTTOM")

   • Measuring Tool – Check that all dimensions match your ruler measurements

   • Select / Choose Tool – Move, resize, and arrange all 6 faces into a connected net

2. Make sure your drawing accurately represents the real MakeCase box.

3. Save your completed file as a .lcpx file.

Activity 4 Customizing the Robot Casing in LaserMaker

1. The teacher provides one pre-designed laser-cut robot casing model for the Unihiker K10 board (already opened in LaserMaker).

2. Students must customize the model in LaserMaker by adding text and hollow patterns (without changing board fit or hole positions):

   • Add text – chatbot's name on the front, group members' names on the back

• Add hollow patterns – e.g., stars, hearts, geometric shapes (must not weaken structure)、

1. Students discuss in their groups and make the design changes in LaserMaker.

2. Groups announce their finished customized model to the teacher (showing the chatbot name and at least one engraving or hollow pattern).

exmaple：

Extra Activity 5 Learning LaserMaker Tools & Drawing the Minxin School Badge

1. The students keep learning the following LaserMaker tools (as shown in the image):

   • Rounded corner tools

   • Tools for library use

   • Barcode generation

   • Boolean tools

   • Adjust tool

   • Featured tools

   • Processing modules

1. Students learn how to use each tool through teacher demonstration or guided practice.

2. Students use the tools above to draw the Minxin School Badge in LaserMaker, including:

   • Correct outer shape (with rounded corners where applicable)

   • Internal details (e.g., text, symbols, or patterns from the actual badge)

   • Proper alignment and proportions

example