CAD File Prep and other Machine Information

Material Saving

Laser cutters 1 and 2 (Universal Lasers)

B.15 Laser Cutting Guide

We do not take bookings for laser cutting over the phone or via email. Staff must check your file in person to advise on any changes and the time it will take before a slot will be allocated on the day you’re in the workshop.

Please study the B.15 Laser cutting Guide to better understand how to format your files. You can find the guide here.

We work using AutoCAD and prefer drawings to be correctly scaled to your model working scale and saved as .DWG or .DXF format.

Maximum cutting extents are 800mmx450mm. Always check material stocks with us before planning your drawings.

Scale factors for CAD software

1:1 – No Change
1:2 – 0.5
1:5 – 0.20
1:10  – 0.1
1:20 – 0.05
1:25 – 0.04
1:50 – 0.02

1:75 – 0.013333

1:100 – 0.01
1:125 – 0.008
1:200 – 0.005
1:250 – 0.004
1:500 – 0.002
1:1000 – 0.001
1:1250 – 0.0008
1:2000 – 0.0005
1:2500 – 0.0004

Applications for Laser 1 & 2

Deep engraving – Non-contact engraving & cutting – Drilling – Precision scribing – Mask production – Prototyping – Sign making – Architectural model making – Component marking – Film/overlay cutting – Textile cutting – Gasket cutting – production – Rubber stamps & seals – Membrane switches -plastics up to-12mm and MDF/Plywood cutting up to 6mm.

CorelDraw files and illustrator file formats can also be used.

Bed Size 800mm x 450mm

Materials that are not permitted or cannot be cut using the laser cutter at B.15

Packing cardboard (usually brown with internal corrugation – Fire risk

Metal – Engraving on the surface only.

Foam core board – Fire risk


 

Cricut Plotter Cutter

The Circuit can be used to create flat, cut shapes primarily from paper and vinyl. This machine is particularly useful for net shapes that can then be folded along score lines and assembled without scorching that can occur when laser cutting.

How to Prepare your Drawing File

Preparation instructions to follow. Please speak to a member of staff for information if you wish to use this machine in the meantime.


 

3D Printers

Our 3D Printers

  1. Stratasys F370 FDM Printer (Multiple single colour and Material options). Build Area:  355mm x 254mm x 355mm High
  2. Ultimaker S7 (Primarily PLA only) Build Area: 330mm x 240mm x 300mm
  3. 3DSystems Projet 360 Powder Printer. Build Area: 203mm x 254mm x 203mm High
  4. Stratasys Objet 30Pro Resin Printer. Build Area  200mm x 300mm x 150mm High

Cost is calculated using completed 3D Model File in the workshop. There are no ‘overhead’ costs to any type of 3D printing at B.15. Your jobs are charged at cost of the materials alone at the price they are sold to us by the manufacturer.

We will thoroughly check your proposals before approving the use of any of the machines so please allow time for this by getting in touch with us at the earliest convenience.

The machines work preferably .STL file format.

To save the file as an.STL from your chosen modelling software you must export it and if given the option save as Binary.

Your model must be a solid object not a collection of surfaces.

After you scale the model we recommend as a general rule that you check that objects component parts are not smaller than 1.5mm thick, anything smaller will be fragile and potentially not print properly.

Modelling Software

We recommend using Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino) or Autodesk 3D Studio Max. Sketchup is a good starter programme for visualisations but can often throw up odd problems when being translated for 3D printing so we advise trying to pick up the more advanced programmes such as Rhino and 3DSmax once you feel confident with your modelling.

Checking your files

Once you have discussed your model with staff and completed digital modelling we can further assess and repair your files using Magics Software in the workshop.


 

ISEL M40 CNC Router

Operation time can vary depending on the complexity and type of CAD file used. Please consult us with your ideas before going too far into the process of modelling for this method of manufacture.

There is no time charge for using our CNC. Material is charged based on type and quantity. Speak to a member of staff for your particular project requirements.

Other Equipment

Vac forming machine

Bed size of 400mm x 210mm

Recent Posts

Welcome to 2023/24 at B.15

Hello all and welcome to another academic year at B.15 in MSA.

Hope you’ve all had a relaxing summer. Here are a few updates for this academic year for you:

New Staff Member

Please join us in welcoming Teagan Dorsch to the team. We’ll be doing a short feature on Teagans experience via our Instagram feed soon. Teagan will be leading on CNC related requests as well as covering all areas like the rest of the team. 

Newly refurbished workshop space

Throughout the summer we have been very busy with yet more building works to improve, refurbish and expand the workshop space. 

In short, all staff only equipment is now located in a separate workspace thus meaning more space for student projects. We have a newly configured machine space with new custom made efficient dust extraction system.

The CNC machine is now contained within an enclosed sound proofed area to reduce noise when it’s in operation. 

There is now a dedicated recycled materials space to allow for increased and more organised use of recycled materials wherever possible. 

Upgraded model archive/store

Our model archive and current projects store has had a make-over with the addition of a full length window. This now allows the collection to be viewed any time and provides additional inspiration throughout the year when passing between B.15 and B.12. 

Welcome video

For those of you unfamiliar with where we are you check out our brief introduction video below for a brief introduction of who we are and where you can find us.

New Starter Inductions 

New starter inductions will be taking place on the following dates with more catch-up sessions to be confirmed in the coming weeks. If you are scheduled to attend please turn up on time to avoid missing out. 

BA 1 – Tuesday 26th September

MArch (Session 1) – Wednesday 4th October

MA A+AR – Thursday 5th October

MA Landscape – Tuesday 10th October

BA1 Catch-up – Tuesday 10th October

MArch (Session 2) – Wednesday 11th October

MA A+U – Friday 13th October

Access around these times will be limited so please get in touch if you have specific requirements this early on. The workshop will be open for uninterrupted general use from 16th October.

General users guide

You should all have received the latest general users guide by email but you can also find it here for reference.


We look forward to see some familiar faces and meet plenty of new ones in the coming weeks! – Scott, Lara, Sarah and Teagan 

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