New to this field, and asking questions!

[vetteboy86]

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!

[MichaelHenry]

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

Mike

[vetteboy86]

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.

[nosplinters]

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

[vetteboy86]

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?