Fab-in-a-Box Stamps: Deep Dive

Prepare a few advanced examples with laser cut handles and another with a refined logo, and have one cutting or assembling live to demonstrate complexity and possibility. Ensure that blank xDesign templates are loaded and accessible. Organize materials including rubber, adhesives, and optional vinyl for labeling. If possible, set up a small station for testing usability and print quality of finished stamps.

Welcome:

Welcome learners, and introduce the advanced design challenge: enhancing their rubber stamp with a custom press-fit handle and a refined logo design using parametric CAD tools. Explain how CAD software is used in professional design and manufacturing to create functional, user-friendly, and visually compelling products. Show examples of stamps with ergonomic handles and professional logos, and discuss how design impacts how a product is perceived and used. Encourage students to think like product designers as they begin their work.

Context:

From McDonalds’ golden arches to Nike’s signature swoosh, many of us can recognize hundreds of brands’ logos at a glance. This isn’t accidental: these symbols were designed to be iconic.

Color schemes, fonts, and other graphic elements can combine to influence our emotions and preferences. A well crafted logo can tell a story about a brand’s identity, values, and mission.

This activity extends beyond art and design to prepare learners for a future where they can apply these skills in myriad contexts, from entrepreneurship to digital media and beyond.

Key terms:

Shape: In design, a shape is a two-dimensional area that is defined by its boundaries, such as lines or curves. Shapes can be geometric (like squares and circles) or organic (like freeform or natural shapes). They are fundamental elements in creating visual compositions and can convey different emotions and messages.

Composition: Composition refers to the arrangement and organization of visual elements within a design. It involves the placement of shapes, colors, textures, and other elements to create a harmonious and effective visual presentation. Good composition guides the viewer’s eye and enhances the overall impact of the design.

Negative Space: Negative space, also known as white space, is the empty or open space around and between the elements of a design. It helps to balance the composition, create visual interest, and prevent the design from feeling cluttered. Effective use of negative space can enhance readability and focus attention on the main elements of the design.

Research (older audiences)

Discussion questions:

What eye-catching logos can you think of?

What do these symbolize to you? What makes these memorable?

What design elements can you identify? How do these combine to achieve impact?

• Shape
• Typography
• Contrast
• Composition

Ideate

Sketch some handle and logo designs before working in xDesign.

Discussion questions:

Consider what makes you (or your personal brand) unique.

What qualities or values do you hope to convey? Generate a list of words or phrases that describe you or your brand.

What design elements may help you achieve this?

Draw two different, original logo ideas. Make each unique! Maybe one uses letters and the other only symbols; maybe one is simpler than the other.

What do you like and dislike about each logo?

How do you think they differ from each other in terms of how they might come across to an outside viewer?

Refine (optional):

Share your draft or design ideas with a friend.

What emotions or concepts does your logo evoke for others? Does your messaging come across clearly?

How might you incorporate this feedback to enhance your design?

Design

Taking constructive feedback into account, redesign a final draft of your logo in xDesign or by hand via worksheet.

For xDesign Steps Click Here

xDesign steps can also be found:

In xDesign under Content

Laser Cut Rubber Stamp Face

Turn on the laser cutter and connect it to your computer via USB.

Open xTool’s XCS software (download here).

Select “connect device” in the upper righthand corner..

Choose your laser cutter from the pop-up menu.

Import design files:

Click the file folder icon in the upper lefthand corner. From the dropdown menu, select “import image.” Choose your file.

Select the circular handle to rotate your design as needed to fit onto your stock.

Note: Do not resize within XCS! Remember, your design is parametric, and the slots are perfectly calibrated for the width of your stock material. If you resize outside of your CAD environment, the slots will also change.

Configure cut settings:

For laser-friendly stamp rubber, select “laser engraved rubber mat” from the dropdown menu.

Note: The machine will automatically score and engrave before it cuts and cut inside elements before outside elements.

Prepare laser cutter:

Open laser cutter lid and place stock onto honeycomb.

Manually drag laser head over center of stock.

Close lid.

Click “auto focus,” and wait for machine to focus.

Open lid.

Manually drag laser head to top left corner of desired cutting area.

To check framing, click “framing” in XCS, and then press the button on the machine. The laser head will frame the area to be cut. If it does not fit on the stock or overlaps a previous cut, adjust the starting position as needed.

Run the job:

Click “process” in XCS, followed by the button on the machine.

Remove pieces:

Check to make sure all pieces cut through, and rerun if not (adjusting settings as necessary).

Remove workpieces and scrap stock from machine bed.

Close lid.

Post-Process Rubber Pieces

Use a damp cloth, sponge, or toothbrush to gently rub away any excess rubber crumbs.

Assemble

Once students have completed their 2D handle designs and laser cut the components, guide them through assembling the press-fit handle into a 3D structure. Encourage them to test the fit of each piece before final assembly, making adjustments, if needed, to ensure stability and comfort. If desired, students can stamp the top of the handle with their design to serve as a label or branding element. After confirming the fit, apply a strong adhesive (such as Power Tac, Rubber Cement, or E6000) to attach the rubber stamp to the bottom of the assembled handle. Allow the glue to dry fully before using the stamp. This process reinforces the connection between digital design, fabrication, and functional product creation.

Optional: Vinyl Cut Label for Handle

You can use the same SVG file from laser cutting to create a vinyl sticker of your design!

Prepare the machine:

To turn the machine on, long-press the power button on its right side for 2-3 seconds.

Open the machine’s hood.

On the tool carriage, pull the locking mechanism completely out.

Place the autoblade into the tool slot, and make sure it is fully inserted.

Push the locking mechanism back into place.

Prepare the cardstock:

Use a light hold cutting mat (or one where most of its “stick” has worn off).

Position your cardstock on the paper.

Load prepared cutting mat into the machine.

Configure cut settings:

In the silhouette software, turn on “line segment overcut.”

Run job:

Click “send.”

Remove your pieces.

Don’t peel the paper off the cutting mat! Instead, turn the

whole thing upside down and peel the cutting mat off the

paper.

Optional: 3D Print Cap

Load filament (skip this step if already loaded).

Hang filament spool on holder on back of machine so that filament unwinds clockwise.

Insert filament into the PTFE tube on the top back side of the machine.

On the machine’s screen, select nozzle → – → bed heat, and heat the nozzle to the recommended temperature for the filament (for PLA).

Wait for the nozzle to heat up.

On the machine’s screen, select nozzle → E → downward arrow several times until the filament comes out of the nozzle.

Load file:

Select the file icon, and select your file to start the print.

Test and Evaluate

For older audiences with logos only: Stamp your mark onto the worksheet. Try out several different colors of ink. How does the ink color affect how your logo comes across?

Pair and share with someone new.

What ideas or emotions does your partner’s logo evoke?

Discussion Questions:

How might you use this logo and your brand identity to develop brand recognition?

What kinds of marketing might you do to promote your stamp or product?

Ethics Questions:

What ethical considerations should you keep in mind when designing a logo or brand?

How does corporate branding influence people’s values and choices in society?

Optional tie-ins:

Global Connections: Explore the impact of globalization on branding and logo design, including how brands adapt their logos and messages for different cultural and linguistic audiences.

Civics/Policy: Analyze the role of trademarks and copyright laws in protecting brands and logos, including how these legal tools affect the use and distribution of symbols.

Time, Continuity, and Change: Explore the development and evolution of brands and logos over time, understanding how historical events, societal changes, and technological advancements influence branding strategies.

Career Connections:

Learning to design and fabricate stamps using CAD software and a laser cutter opens up a variety of exciting career paths:

Graphic Design: Graphic designers use CAD software to create visually appealing and precise designs. The skills learned in this lesson can be applied to various projects, from branding and logo creation to print and digital media, enhancing the ability to produce professional-quality work.

Product Design: Product designers often use CAD software to develop and prototype new products. Understanding the laser cutting process allows them to create detailed models and components, facilitating the transition from concept to physical product. This experience is invaluable for designing innovative and functional items.

Marketing: In marketing, the ability to design custom stamps can be a valuable skill for creating unique promotional materials and branding elements. Custom stamps can be used to add a personal touch to marketing campaigns, packaging, and direct mail, helping to engage customers and enhance brand identity.

These career connections highlight the versatility and applicability of the skills learned in this lesson, showing how they can be valuable in various professional fields.