posted
I occasionally have letters or shapes that are too small to bandsaw or rout cut on a laser cutter, by a company about 80 miles away from me. I'm impressed with the quality. They cut the shape perfectly, unlike a router, which is fine for bigger stuff, but doesn't make square inner corners. I'm talking about 1/8"-1/4" acrylic letters 2" or less, but possibly for bigger sizes, too. Can anyone give me any info on what machine works good and cost? Does the same machine engrave and cut out? I did a search and found a couple of companies but I'd like to hear a signmakers point of view. I'd like to find out if this might be a practical choice for my next big equipment purchase. I know several router owners, but no small sign shops that have laser equipment. Thanks.
I have had laser cut acrylic items made up for my personal use in my hobbies.. a major use for the stuff is pretty cut logos for use in car audio competition installations.
Depending upon the wattage they can engrave and cut through. Lower wattage units can engrave and possibly cut through thinner materials, higher wattage units can do it all.
The work I have had done in the past was a clear and clean cut through 1" thick plexi. YES, I said 1" thick. It was done by a sign/trophy shop although I dont know what kind of laser they had.
I do know this.. when the operator pulled the plexi of the table, the laser left the edges smooth and clear like they had been polished. No finish required.
Do a search online for Laser CNC or Laser Cutters.
I've even heard of production shops using the lasers to cut vinyl graphics.
------------------ Mike Pipes Digital Illusion Custom Graphics Lake Havasu City, AZ http://www.stickerpimp.com
Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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We use it for engraving, cutting woods, plastics, acrylics and fabrics.
It is without question one of our most useful pieces of equipment. We use the Universal Laser. It has been a great. On the rare occasion we have needed any tech support, they have been right there.
We purchase Universal machines for our franchise stores. I don't want to get off into a commercial, if you need further details, please e-mail me.
posted
I usually like to read the responses before I type anything but I'm tired. Here goes:
I do a ton of work with a laser cutter, but no thicker than 1/8". Any thicker takes forever &, It's just a general pain. This is with a little epilog 25, of course. But I guess I can't complain, cause I only pay $10 US per 11" x 17" x 1/8" sheet, FULL of tiny little shapes & objects. I had considered buying one, but I think for the limited cutting space & the money a router is a better idea. (Unless you can afford one of those huge metal cutting lasers!)
Also, there is a company that seems to have some real awesome equipment, but so are their prices. www.laserexcel.com
posted
Most of the small lasers are 25 watts. For a trophy shop, this is almost a "must have" tool because of the versatility it adds to awards and trophy work. The problem with a 25 watt laser is that it does not have the punch to do serious letter work - 1/2" thick letters at 8" tall. Big lasers cost so much money you can't buy one unless you are going after laser work big time.
Also, for large acrylic letters, you can buy them made with your computer file from Gemini and you only pay for the acrylic in the letter. If you have your own laser, you have to buy sheets.
In summary, we could never figure out the economic justification for a laser, so we sub it out.
If you have the money for a laser, you might run the numbers on a router.
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i'm working a part-time gig right now operating a 30-watt laser engraver. it cuts and engraves plastic up to about 1/4" thick. the shop i'm working for does mostly work for other sign shops and general contractors. they specialize in ADA building signs (today i did about 30 bathroom signs in a variety of materials).
the laser engraver is a nifty tool, but only for the right thing. like a lot of computer driven machinery, it takes a bit of fiddling to get it right. every kind (and color) of plastic cuts a bit differently. i'd say the business is great for the $8 - $90 sale -- that means high volume of small jobs. i'm not sure how you'd make money if the machine wasn't going at least 4 hours/day. (it cost about $25K). i'd guess that i wouldn't want to take time off a $250 sign to go make a $6 sign... unless i was making all the door signs for a building. so, it depends on the kind of customers you want to chase.
also, the machine needs a clean area, and a dedicated exhaust fan and flue (the burning plastic gasses have to be exhausted to the outside).
------------------ :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: San Francisco :: :: don't blame me... i'm just a beginner ::
Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
We have a Universal laser and I would be lost without it. A laser is just like any other tool there is a time to buy and a time not to buy. If you are getting some one to do your laser work and your monthly bill is 75% or more of the of the monthly payment of a laser it is time to buy. I'm sure when or if you buy a laser you will find a lot of other things to do with it to make money. Just to let you know $25,000.00 @10% for 48 months is $634.06 a month.
------------------ Jeff Clark CWP Enid, OK jeff@clarkwoodenproducts.com
Posts: 5 | From: Enid, OK USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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