Jipers foamcutters glossary

Anodized :

Anodization is the electrochemical depositing of matter on the surface of a material. An electric current causes a chemical reaction, which transfers the elements in a liquid bath towards the material to be treated. For aluminium, the advantages are great resistance to corrosion and increased hardness

Box :

A box represents the surrounding of the cutout by a rectangle. It makes it possible, for example, to obtain a packing for the cutout, if it has to be stored or transferred to the place of installation. It can also be used as a positioning template.

Density :

Characteristic of a material, the value of which is the weight divided by its unit of volume. The density of polystyrene is usually given in kilograms per cubic meter.

Drag :

Drag is the unfortunate result of inadequate adjustment of the cutting parameters: too fast, or too low temperature of the wire. This results in a rounding of the sharp cutting angles.

DXF :

Drawing Exchange Format. Format widely recognized in the drawing world. Created by Autodesk©, it is used mainly by Autocad©.

Embedded :

An embedded computer system consists of an assembly of electronic components whose characteristics enable it to be completely autonomous regarding the task for which it is designed.

EPS :

Encapsuled Post Script. Format widely recognized in the field of graphics. Created by Adobe©, it is found in Illustrator©.

Filter :

A filter is part of a program making it possible to read a specific format of file.

Flocking :

The technique of flocking is applying microfibres onto a previously pasted support. The microfibres are directed and attracted to the support by an electrostatic process.

Gravity casting :

Gravity casting is a very ancient principle, where the weight of molten metal allows this metal to reach all the interstices of its mould, contrary to the "injection" principle, where molten metal is pushed by strong pressure into its mould.

HPGL :

Hewlett-Packard© Graphique Language. Format recognized universally for tracing plans, amongst other things. The disadvantage is that there is sometimes a limit to size in certain software.

Hooking :

Operation consisting of making the ends of a junction coincide with the closest points.

Imbricated :

Imbricated shapes are those that nest. Thus, letter "O" is composed of two imbricated shapes: external outline and interior outline.

Junction :

The junction is the back and forth movement of the hot wire, so as to be able to cut out all the outlines.

Key :

A key is an electronic device connected on a computer port, in order to protect the software from being copied.

LCD :

Liquid crystal display. Contrary to a tube screen, this can be small and can be integrated in a portable system.

Outline :

An outline is usually a closed shape and represents a single passage of the cutting wire, contrary to the junction, which requires a back and forth movement. An outline is made of several segments.

Pigments :

Pigments are chemical components used in the manufacture of paint, serigraphy inks, plastics, etc. It is these that give products their colour.

Point :

The point represents a change of direction in the cutout, therefore an edge, which is visible to the naked eye or not. With a little practice, this indication makes it possible to judge the quality of a file and therefore the final quality of the cutout.

Prototyping :

Prototyping consists of making one single part for tests and design research before starting expensive mass production.

Rot-proof :

A rot-proof material does not break down under the action of time, moisture or mould.

Segment :

The line segment is the basic cutting element. It is characterized by two points representing its ends. An outline is made of several segments.

Stepping motors :

A stepping motor has no parts in friction, therefore no part that wears. In spite of a poor reputation for precision, these are used in data-processing peripherals such as: printers, scanners, plotters, and in the medical world.

Thermofusible :

A thermofusible material melts under the action of heat, contrary to a heat-hardening material.

Toothed belts :

Toothed or synchronous belts are used in any system claiming a high degree of positioning accuracy with flexibility of utilization, low noise, and very good cost effectiveness. Printers, scanners and plotters use synchronous belts.

Vectorial :

A vectorial file is composed of objects in the form of symbolic notations requiring mathematical processing to be able to represent them.

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