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Looking for someone with Laser cutting capabilities for a prototype project — Parallax Forums

Looking for someone with Laser cutting capabilities for a prototype project

Don MDon M Posts: 1,647
edited 2011-12-25 07:16 in Robotics
My project involves using a Hammond case with plastic end caps. I have attached a picture of the end cap with a simple drawing of an approximate shape of what I need cut out. The material is black ABS 2.5mm thick. I will provide a more detailed dimensional drawing to the person that will do the job.

Will the Laser cut this material ok and what type of edge will it leave?


Hammond 1455J1202 Cover 2.jpg
Hammond 1455J1202 Cover 2.jpg
1024 x 768 - 80K

Comments

  • wjsteelewjsteele Posts: 697
    edited 2011-11-14 08:29
    Try getting a hold of Chuck over at Mountain King. He has a laser cutter that he cuts the acrylic cases for various parallax projects... I'm sure his setup can easily take care of your needs, too.

    http://mountainkingtech.com/

    Bill
  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,387
    edited 2011-11-14 11:30
    Yep, Chuck would be a first-stop in my view too. If you don't have success, send it over here with the material and drawing and we'll make them for you. Your FAE in Parallax Semiconductor knows the laser well.

    Ken Gracey
  • TigerTiger Posts: 105
    edited 2011-12-14 01:34
    I don't think you're going to like the results you get laser cutting ABS. The only ABS I know of that cuts half way decent is Bayer 244 and I'm sure that's not what's in your box. I'd mill it and live with a tiny radius on the corners.

    ...Tiger
  • wjsteelewjsteele Posts: 697
    edited 2011-12-23 20:12
    Hi Don,

    I just bought a laser cutter. With your ABS being only 2.5mm, I think I can cut that quite easily. I've already done a bit and it worked ok.

    If you want, you can send me a sample of yours and I'll try it and see what it looks like.

    Bill
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,647
    edited 2011-12-24 06:30
    @ Bill- Thanks for the offer. I found a local guy that has a CO2 laser. He cut a few for me but what happened it that he cut them in one pass. The edges are a bit humped from the melting so it somewhat detracts from a good looking finished product. I gave him a few more covers and he's going to try turning down the power and making multiple passes to see it the results are better.

    Any suggestions to avoid this?

    2011-12-24 08.31.32.jpg
    2011-12-24 08.31.32.jpg
    640 x 480 - 99K
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,647
    edited 2011-12-24 06:35
    @Bill- what did you get for a laser cutter?
  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2011-12-24 08:32
    You could have that cutout done on a CNC with a .031" end mill and it would look great. If you send me one of those parts and the dimensions I can cut it.
  • wjsteelewjsteele Posts: 697
    edited 2011-12-24 10:37
    Don M wrote: »
    Any suggestions to avoid this?

    Try cutting them from the back, for one.

    And I got them just to have a little fun making some of my projects around here. I actually bought one while I had an eBay bid on another. It was one of those bids that you thought was way too low to win... but I won it anyway... so now I have two lasers! :-) One is a small 40 watt desktop model and the other is a large 24"x36" 50 watt unit. Both are made by Redsail in China.

    Bill
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,647
    edited 2011-12-24 20:44
    The back side still has the ridge like the front.
  • wjsteelewjsteele Posts: 697
    edited 2011-12-25 01:57
    Then you should take a few passes at a faster/lower power setting.
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,647
    edited 2011-12-25 07:16
    Don M wrote: »
    I gave him a few more covers and he's going to try turning down the power and making multiple passes to see it the results are better.
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