Jun 11, 2026
AC3 Bee Hunting Instructions for Cutting Acrylic Pieces Using a Laser Cutter
- Michael Vegas Vazquez1,
- Jesús Castro-González2,
- Agustin Corchado2,
- Jose Agosto-Rivera2
- 1Arecibo C3,Escuela con Causa Rosalina Caraballo, Departamento de educacion;
- 2Arecibo C3, Universidad de Puerto Rico Recinto de Rio Piedras
Protocol Citation: Michael Vegas Vazquez, Jesús Castro-González, Agustin Corchado, Jose Agosto-Rivera 2026. AC3 Bee Hunting Instructions for Cutting Acrylic Pieces Using a Laser Cutter. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.x54v998zpv3e/v1
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: June 10, 2026
Last Modified: June 11, 2026
Protocol Integer ID: 318870
Keywords: ac3 bee hunting instruction, laser cutter machine for the fabrication, cutting acrylic piece, laser cutter machine, laser cutter, acrylic piece, fabrication
Funders Acknowledgements:
NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement
Grant ID: 2321760
NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement
Grant ID: 2321761
NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement
Grant ID: 2321759
Abstract
Learn how to design and cut acrylic pieces using a Laser Cutter machine for the fabrication of a rectangular structure.
Guidelines
Never leave the Laser Cutter operating unattended.
Use only materials approved for laser cutting.
Keep the work area clean and organized.
Follow the instructor’s directions at all times.
Immediately report any machine malfunctions or irregularities.
Materials
3 mm thick transparent acrylic sheet
Computer with design software (Laser Cutter software and Microsoft PowerPoint installed)
Laser Cutter machine
Ruler or caliper for verifying measurements
Required laboratory safety equipment
Design Preparation
Open the Laser Cutter design software.
Create a rectangle with the following dimensions:
Width: 10 cm (100 mm)
Height: 36.5 cm (365 mm)
Duplicate the rectangle until you have four identical pieces.
Arrange the pieces within the workspace, leaving a minimum spacing of 5 mm between them.
Measurement Verification
Confirm that all four pieces measure exactly 10 cm × 36.5 cm.
Verify that all lines are configured as cutting lines.
Ensure that the pieces are within the machine’s usable work area.
Laser Cutter Configuration
Configure the machine settings according to the material being used and the power specifications of the Laser Cutter available in the laboratory. Always perform a test cut before starting the final job.
Cutting Process
Place the acrylic sheet on the machine bed.
Adjust the laser focus.
Run a test frame to confirm the design position.
Start the cutting process.
Monitor the operation at all times while following all safety procedures.
Piece Inspection
Carefully remove the cut pieces.
Verify that the edges are clean and free of imperfections.
Confirm the dimensions of each piece once again.
Expected Result
1 Front Piece: 10 cm × 36.5 cm
1 Rear Piece: 10 cm × 36.5 cm
2 Side Pieces: 10 cm × 36.5 cm
Total: 4 acrylic pieces ready to be assembled into a rectangular structure.
Acknowledgements
This protocol was supported by the NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement