Laser cutting
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the function of a laser cutter and use this knowledge to manufacture products.
Key learning points
- A laser cutter uses a high-powered laser beam to precisely cut or engrave materials.
- A laser cutter works by directing a powerful laser beam through mirrors or fibre optics to a lens.
- To make 3D prototypes using CAD on a laser cutter, designers need to consider how to turn a 3D design into 2D shapes.
- There are different ways a laser cutter can be used to create a 3D product from 2D shapes, such as nets and lamination.
Keywords
Laser cutter - a machine that uses a focused laser beam to cut or etch designs into various materials
Nets - the flat or opened out shape of an object, such as a box
Lamination - the process of building objects by stacking and bonding multiple layers of material
Common misconception
Laser cutting is about cutting out simple shapes and only really works for 2D products and designs.
Laser cutters can be used to develop and manufacture effective and complex 3D products.
Teacher tip
Examples of products or components made on the laser cutter would be useful to have as examples. You will need to consider how to manufacture your student's work on the laser cutter ensuring they all have the opportunity to make with it.
Equipment
Laser cutter. Access to a 2D CAD application.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The process of making products from raw materials using machines or labour is called?
Q2.Why must a designer consider how to manufacture their design?
Q3.What are modifications?
Q4.Why must modifications sometimes take place once a manufacturing method has been decided?
Q5.What CAM process would be used to manufacture this component?
Q6.What is the name of the CAM process that is a computer-controlled machine that cuts and shapes materials like timber, polymer, or metal and follows digital instructions to make accurate designs?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.A laser cutter uses a high-powered laser beam to precisely cut or materials like board, timber, metal, some polymers, and fabric.
Q2.What is the small stream of air called that keeps things clean and cool in the laser cutter?
Q3.What is this an example of?
Q4.What is the is the process of building objects by stacking and bonding multiple layers of material called?
To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Laser cutting, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Laser cutting, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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