[mojo]

Looking at the high prices of custom machined front panels, I was looking for an alternative and noticed laser cutting is quite cheap

Laser cutting of plexiglass or other plastics is very economical, and most places accept output from free CAD/vector drawing programs. Thickness can go up to 1.5cm. Some places can cut wood and thin metal tool. Wood in particular sounds like an interesting idea.

I'm just wondering if anyone has tried this? Searching didn't turn up anything but it seems like a good idea in theory

 

[naamanf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Looking at the high prices of custom machined front panels, I was looking for an alternative and noticed laser cutting is quite cheap Laser cutting of plexiglass or other plastics is very economical, and most places accept output from free CAD/vector drawing programs. Thickness can go up to 1.5cm. Some places can cut wood and thin metal tool. Wood in particular sounds like an interesting idea. I'm just wondering if anyone has tried this? Searching didn't turn up anything but it seems like a good idea in theory

I have not panels but I have done other things in plexi with a laser. I do think it would be cheaper the using FPE. Reason being is there are no tool changes. Just get charged for how long it takes the laser to do it's thing. I have also seem laser cut wood. Leaves a bit of a burnt edge.

I am seriously considering getting my own CNC set up when I get home so I can just do my own panels.

 

[mojo]

I'd love a CNC, but just can't justify the cost with the amount of stuff I produce. Half a dozen PCBs here, the odd panel there.

I think I'm going to try it and see what the results are like. I have been looking for examples of laser cut wood but am only able to find balsa wood stuff. Apparently it's no problem to do maple, cherry, walnut etc. The balsa stuff at least does not look burnt - perhaps it's been sanded a bit afterwards? Could always paint or stain it anyway.

There seem to be lots of options for materials, and for panel markings. A thin top layer with holes for the markings and a different colour material underneath should look okay. For wood, I think it might be nice to do it like a wood block print - i.e. put a layer of paint on the raised parts but not touch the indents.

 

[cronic]

This is what I use. Tabletop 3 axis milling machine. Works very well. I use it for my enclosures.

 

[nikongod]

do rates for laser and hydro cutting vary from area to area?

i am looking to have a plinth cut for a TT, and want to see how far over i should expect to bend....

 

[Punnisher]

I'd think they vary per jobshop, some are extremely swamped with huge orders, others are small and not as busy. I've never ordered anything, I just build them (waterjets) for a living.

 

[tpc41]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cronic /img/forum/go_quote.gif This is what I use. Tabletop 3 axis milling machine. Works very well. I use it for my enclosures.

if you use a torch and heat up all of your cut edges, they will become clear again and really look nice. Maybe try on a piece of scrap and see for yourself

 

[cronic]

Thanks, I have found that sanding and polishing gives more consistent results. The top which is pictured has not had any procedure applied yet.