The Belt and Buckle project is principally aimed at Textiles but it could easily be used in a Product Design environment.

The project was made from some old leather look cloth found in the back of the cupboard. The idea being that by making the belt on the laser cutter out of recovered material it was adding a green element to the project, in that the belt was being made from old or recycled pieces. With hindsight it would have been better to be sure of the origin of the material as it may have contained some PVC in the coating which potentially could release chlorine gas as the material was cut. This would be a hazard both to pupils and staff not to mention the corrosive effect that the gas has on the machine and its filters.

Always check the material specification before using it on a laser cutter.

The Buckle was made form 5mm orange acrylic sheet again cut on the laser cutter.

The potential to expand this project is phenomenal and the potential shapes that can be used to make a chain link belt are diverse. The same techniques could be used for bracelets or necklaces.

Laser File - Representation

It is my intention to return to this project and expand upon the ideas mooted here.