1. I need to machine small plastic parts from 24in or 27in wide x 8ft long plastic sheets, mainly in 0.5in and 0.75in thick HDPE (high density polyethylene), but also in wood for cheaper prototypes.
The largest parts will be approx. 9in wide x 24in long. Smaller parts will be like the 3-point handle in the picture below, approx. 8in x 8in.
I will cut the 8-ft long panels in smaller sections to fit on the machine table.
All parts will have contoured inner and outer peripheries, and also several small through-holes and through-ellipses.
I need to use roundover or similar bits/mills to round off the edges on both sides of all parts. Accuracy is not that important as none of the parts will mate with other parts, but as I need to turn the sheet to round off (and maybe also route) the parts on the other side exactly opposite, perfect indexing is needed.
2. I am thinking about a sturdy benchtop, preferably below $8000 total incl software, preferably US made and also with good or very good customer support.
Estimate is to machine approx. 100 prototypes and 1000-1500 production parts per year.
Concerns are : Ease of defining CAD geometry with several splines and small ellipses, dust collection, vacuum- or clamp part hold-down system, smoothness of routed sides.
I will take a look at TechnoRouters, ShopBot, CAMaster and Probotix but am open to all recommendations. Any advice is welcome!
Paul
The largest parts will be approx. 9in wide x 24in long. Smaller parts will be like the 3-point handle in the picture below, approx. 8in x 8in.
I will cut the 8-ft long panels in smaller sections to fit on the machine table.
All parts will have contoured inner and outer peripheries, and also several small through-holes and through-ellipses.
I need to use roundover or similar bits/mills to round off the edges on both sides of all parts. Accuracy is not that important as none of the parts will mate with other parts, but as I need to turn the sheet to round off (and maybe also route) the parts on the other side exactly opposite, perfect indexing is needed.
2. I am thinking about a sturdy benchtop, preferably below $8000 total incl software, preferably US made and also with good or very good customer support.
Estimate is to machine approx. 100 prototypes and 1000-1500 production parts per year.
Concerns are : Ease of defining CAD geometry with several splines and small ellipses, dust collection, vacuum- or clamp part hold-down system, smoothness of routed sides.
I will take a look at TechnoRouters, ShopBot, CAMaster and Probotix but am open to all recommendations. Any advice is welcome!
Paul
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