Laser Cutting by Program

Instructor: Gordon Kindlmann

Lectures:
Tues & Thu
2:00-3:20pm,
Crerar 134

Class Description

While laser cutting is typically controlled with GUI-based tools such as Illustrator, this class explores laser cutting controlled by programs that students write, to empower students to understand some of the mathematical, computational, and materials science elements of making objects from 2D forms. Coding starts with SVG descriptions of vector paths, then builds up to student-written code (in Julia) for generating and transforming such paths, and finally for decomposing 3D surfaces into 2D shapes. Projects will explore the interaction of materials with themselves (folding, hinges, joints), with light (shadows, translucence), and with ink (stencils, printing). Constructions involve quantifying physical properties of materials (strength and stress) and of laser cutting itself (kerf). Class will use the laser cutters in the MADD Center in Crerar.
There are no formal course pre-requisites, but students must be able to think mathematically and create non-trivial programs. Being able to pass UChicago courses MATH 19620 or STAT 24300 (for linear algebra, to describe 2D/3D transforms), and the 3-course calculus sequence MATH 15100, 15200, 15300 (for analyzing curves and surfaces), and one of CMSC 12200, CMSC 15200 or CMSC 16200 (for coding ability), would be more than enough preparation; use these courses to approximate the math and CS concepts involved.

People

Instructor Gordon Kindlmann
Office hours: Mondays and Thursdays, 10am-noon, at the desks in front of HAL

Process

This is a new an experimental class. The interest and engagement of the students will determine its success. Attendance is mandatory. PDFs of slides will be posted after class, but during class is the time to think, ask, and learn about what's being said. There is no textbook; readings will draw from various sources. A mechanism for electronic class discussion will be chosen soon.

Work

Grades are based on (1) class participation, (2) HAL citizenship, and (3) finished projects. Class participation includes constructively contributing to discussion of readings and current challenges. HAL citizenship refers to treating the HAL workspace, its physical resources, and its human staff, in a respectful and sustainable way. Projects consist of making objects by writing software (to generate an SVG file used by the laser cutter), and then assembling the objects. I anticipate assigning about 5 small projects, plus one large final project due on the nominal date of the class final, Thursday 12 December. There won't be a final exam, or any other exams. Project grades are determined by the functionality of the code that you write, and the resulting physical objects. The SVG files that your code generates should be directly cut-able, with no manipulation in a GUI-based program. Project grades will also reflect the care and creativity you were able to demonstrate within the project parameters.

Academic Honesty

In this course, as in all your courses, you must adhere to the Academic Integrity & Student Conduct guidelines as set forth at https://college.uchicago.edu/advising/academic-integrity-student-conduct. The college’s rules have the final say in all cases. To borrow Adam Shaw's paraphrasing:

  1. Never copy work from any other source and submit it as your own.
  2. Never allow your work to be copied.
  3. Never submit work identical to another student's.
  4. Document all collaboration.
  5. Cite your sources.
Academic dishonesty will be especially toxic for this kind of small and experimental class. I hope that by the end of the quarter you will have lots of cool things to show off online. For now, let's say that you can share everything except the source code you write to generate the SVG files. The availability of that kind of code will affect how the class is taught in the future.