Interdisciplinary Engineering Experimentation Term Project

This project was conducted as part of ITDE 301 to demonstrate engineering experimentation in the context of problem-solving and design. The primary objective was to determine optimal laser cutting parameters, specifically speed and power settings for 1/8” acrylic used in the Rapid Prototyping Studio at Texas A&M University. The experiment aimed to identify settings that maximize fabrication efficiency and identify how these settings affect mechanical integrity.

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Standardized ASTM D638 dog bone specimens were laser cut using varying combinations of speed (30, 45, 60 mm/s) and power (60%, 65%, 70%), then tensile tested using an Instron 68TM-10 machine. Key mechanical properties measured included modulus of elasticity, yield stress at 0.2% strain, ultimate tensile strength, and strain. Statistical analysis using two-sample t-tests revealed no significant differences in strength across the tested parameters.

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Based on these findings, the recommended settings for routine acrylic cutting are 60 mm/s at 60% power. This balances speed, energy efficiency, and equipment longevity. This work supports ABET Student Outcomes SO6 and SO3 by demonstrating rigorous experimentation, data interpretation, and effective technical communication.