Laser cutting in 3D Everyone in the world suffers from some
degree of functional fixedness, a proclivity to use tools only
how they were meant to be use. A laser cutter, for example, is
usually used to make flat, two-dimensional parts. [Seeker] broke
out of this cognitive lock when he decided to create an
illuminated 3D object with a laser cutter and a dozen acrylic
sheets. [Seeker]‘s project is inspired by acrylic edge-lit LED
signs. In these signs, a pattern is engraved on an acrylic sheet
and a LED illuminates the panel from the side. When the light
from the LED hits the engraving, it’s refracted and produces a
wonderful colorful pattern. To make a 3D version of an edge lit
display, [Seeker] subtracted a 3D model of a virus from a cube
in Sketchup. This resulted in a hollow cavity that would refract
light. After slicing up the model of the 3D cube, [Seeker] sent
the files over to the laser cutter to produce a few dozen custom
panels. [Seeker] glued them together, put the entire assemblage
in front of a LED