Hello,

I may have a unique and somewhat time sensitive opportunity to start something in this field. I only have my schooling, and engineering background to go on.

I am looking for materials to educate myself on the various types of engraving machines, and CNC machines available to machine plastic. I am also looking for materials to educate myself on these materials.

My requirements are that the machines will be used on plastic panels, that require both surface, and reverse engraving. I will also need to make precision cutouts both for the entire panel, and with each panel.

I am looking for various types of materials, from clear, smoked, carbon fiber, and black. Once again, I don't know much about this.

I have done some searches on your forums, and still need to sort some threads out, plus I am looking at companies online.

I look forward to hearing back from the members of this message board.

Thanks!

How large are the pieces you need to make and what sort of accuracy do you need?

Mike

The largest pieces would be 14 by 25 or so. I would probably want accuracy down to .001 or so.

I am looking at machines, but finding a hard time finding what kind of files the machine will import to operate.

How much money do you want to spend? :)

For precision and speed, I'd go with a C02 laser; however, for the size you're looking to cut, you'll need one of the bigger and more expensive ones. A new machine that will have 50Watts of power and the table size to accomodate will run you in the ballpark of $30K; however, I've seen good used ones for around $10K-$15K.

The precision and speed of a laser is quite nice, especially if you'll be doing production work.

I only use CorelDraw ($300) and vector cut a lot of stuff. I'm only running a 30Watt, but I can cut 1/8" material in one pass.

Just a thought.

-Ed

My budget isn't that strict, I am just concerned with getting the right machine. I have been looking at some cnc routers with a 4'x8' table. I sent for some information on a laser machine but I am still waiting for a quote. I have received several quotes on the cnc routers. They seem to be fairly reasonable, and it would seem that these machines could do the work.

I posted in another section about the hold down. It seems that I can order a table with vacuum and with t-slots for hard mount applications.

Any preference?