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Quoted from Mr_Tantrum:Well, I think I'm coming to the realization that I'll just have to keep using my home CNC machine for now. Disappointing, but seems to be the best/most cost-effective option for small volume DIY...
Sorry, don't want to sidetrack the discussion away from the laser topic - but what do you use for the CNC at home? Is it by chance the CNC-3018?
Quoted from Mr_Tantrum:Yes, it is a 3018, this one specifically: amazon.com link »
For what it is, it works well. The main issues I have with it with cutting PETG/Acrlic is the mess it makes. I still have to then sand the edges and flame polish them. Also, it takes multiple passes (3 to cut .080" PETG), and I've had occasions where I didn't have everything secured well enough, so I ended up destroying the material and having to start over. Probably the biggest pain when it comes to cutting plastics is that you must use some form of adhesive to secure the plastic to the sacrificial board which in turn is secured to the bed. Not only does it add time and cost to the project, but after cutting the adhesive is difficult to remove from the plastic, then I have to clean the parts with an adhesive removal agent, and finally wash with soap and water.
With a CO2 laser you cut it in one pass, and in many occasions the edges are already finished from the laser cut itself. There are now plastic shavings to deal with, and you don't have to secure the material with adhesive which makes the process much cleaner, easier, and quicker.
Thanks Tant. I've been eyeballing the 3018 for awhile, given it's low cost. Just something to fool around with. Would be interesting to route some PCB's with it too.
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