Cut Machine
Posted in Arts and Crafts on 10/26/2009 06:44 am by adminCut Machine
Laser and water jet cutting are two of the fastest and most accurate methods of computer numerical controlled (CNC) cutting in the sheet metal fabrication industry. Both of these cutting tools offer precision and flexibility, minimize waste and are easily programmable with CAD/CAM or nesting software.
Both laser and water jet cutters have distinct advantages over some of the more traditional cutting methods. They can be used with a variety of materials besides sheet metal, such as marble, glass, plastics and acrylic. They are also much more efficient than traditional machine tool cutting when it comes to smaller orders that might be more specialized or require greater detail.
Laser Cutting
Fabrication software allows a programmer to input information that will direct a cutting tool to move along a design path with the goal of cutting out a piece or part exactly as it was drawn up. There is no better tool for executing the precise cutting of a programmed pattern than a laser cutting machine. When combined with quality CNC laser software, lasers can perform very detailed cutting functions that include holes, slots and complex design patterns.
However, laser machines do have their limitations. When using a laser cutter, the more wattage the deeper the cutting ability. Lasers are extremely quick and accurate when used to cut thinner metals. But when thicker metal is used, “heat zones” can develop which will sometimes melt more sensitive metals or cause unevenness or rough spots in the material.
Therefore, laser cutting thicker metals is impractical not only because of possible damage to the material, but because it is more costly. If heat zones or hot spots occur from overexposing the metal to the laser, extra work such as grinding the part may become necessary. This will increase labor and material expenses, in addition to the higher costs associated with more energy usage.
Water Jet Cutting
Although not as precise as laser cutting, water jet cutting is able to cut thicker material without causing damage. Considered an “abrasive” process, water jet cutting uses an abrasive material combined with water in a highly concentrated stream to “erode” or break down the material being cut.
Though there may still be some sanding or finishing involved after processing a piece, water jetting tools are much more acceptable to be used with thicker materials as well as those that are sensitive and susceptible to damage under extreme heat.
However, precautions must also be taken when cutting metal with a water jet tool. The material must be dried right away after cutting to avoid rusting. Also, since a cut from a water jet machine isn’t as even or clean as when using a laser, the edges of the cut usually need to be sanded or grinded. The piece must be “finished” in order to smooth it out and make it ready for possible welding.
Overall, both water jet cutting and laser cutting have their advantages. Water jet cutting is many times more cost effective, but that also can depend on the size of the job and the thickness of the material being used. When used on thinner, more detailed parts from sheet metal, a combination of top-line fabrication software and a good laser cutting machine is the optimal scenario for producing quality parts at a fast rate.
Cornel TerreBlanche, marketing coordinator of SigmaTEK, is the author of this article about nesting software, CNC laser software and sheet metal software. SigmaTEK is a Cincinnati-based company providing automatic nesting software solutions to enhance efficiency and profitability for sheet metal fabricators through its CAD/CAM software, SigmaNEST.
Does anyone have a Cricut Expressions die cut machine?
How much did you pay for it and where did you get it? I was looking at the infomercial and thought about buying from there. It costs a little more, but you get many things free with it, like an extra cartridge, vinyl paper, how to videos, idea videos, and etc. which would make the little bit extra in price worth it.
$289.97
Cricut Expression Electronic Die Cut Machine
Includes: Plantin School Book Font Cartridge.
Includes One 12×12 cutting mat
Mix and match creative features in the same cut
24″ Personal Electronic Cutter
Cut portrait or landscape
Fits Mat sizes 12″ x 12″ and 12″ x 24″
Cuts characters from 0.25″ to 23.5″
Six new modes
Several new functions
Use the entire library of existing Cricut cartridges
No computer necessary
New LCD screen that shows exactly what you’re typing for your next cut
Includes User manual
A handle for convenient transportation.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8586070&sourceid=1500000000000003260370&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=8586070
The only hard part is you need to make sure the paper is stuck firmly on the cutting mat or it will slide around. You also need to make sure to have the cutting depth set correctly or it won’t cut completely through.
I LOVE it!
REMS Cento Pipe Cutting Machine
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