2D Carbon Laminate Routering --- Water Jet???

[AuroraDrvr]

I do not have any files done yet, but I am looking to find an outfit who can do some lower quantity production carbon laminate routering for us at reasonable pricing. Mostly 2.5/3mm and some 5mm stuff. I can source material or you can source material.


Please PM me here or email me if you can handle some smaller production stuff at realistic pricing. I will have some PDF's/DWG/DXF done later in the week and will forward them for RFQ's for all that have contracted me. If you need a specific file type LMK. I use AutoCAD 2011, Inventor 2011 and Solidworks 2010.


EDIT: I have been thinking about Water Jetting. I have never heard of this being done, but I don't see why it couldn't. It would solve most of the issues associated with routering CF laminate. If you're interested in doing some experimenting with your water jet and can hold semi-tight tolerances, let me know.



Thanks,
Todd

[Donkey Hotey]

Carbon? As in solid carbon? For EDM electrodes? Or do you mean carbon fiber composite? Big difference. You specified some dimensions but, I don't know if that's round electrodes or thickness of sheet material.

You should also be a bit more specific on the sizing if this is for cured carbon fiber material. Sizes of machines vary greatly.

I'll also prepare you (if this is indeed the material you're talking about): cutting carbon fiber is VERY hard on VERY expensive cutters (carbide or diamond). There is no cheap way to cut the stuff: high or low precision.

Oh yeah: the dust is also bad juju so, whoever does it will need adequate dust collection, respirators, etc. It's also very hard on machine parts so whoever bids will likely have to factor in the wear & tear it places on their machine.

Not trying to b a nay-sayer, just trying to prepare you for the quotes to come or lack thereof.

Edit: never mind. I see from your post history what we're talking about. We've been through this before. Carry on.

[AuroraDrvr]

You're right, I should've clarified. We're talking about carbon fiber laminates.

Parts will never be exceed a 18"x12" footprint. Usually much smaller, actually. First piece is 4x10" IIRC.

Yep, I'm aware of the issues with routering the stuff. I just need someone who's not going to over-exploit the challenges with it. Hopefully find someone with experience in working with it, who knows the tricks.

[WATERJET71]

Laminated material its kind of hard (due to delamination) to cut it with the waterjet. it can be done but had to do some test and fine a tune up . I have never cut this this material before . I have cut mica really bad to cut it with the jet since you dont know where is going to rip.