[sdiy] laser cutting aluminum

[Tim Parkhurst]

On Thu, May 28, 2009 at 11:07 AM, Danjel van Tijn <danjel at gmail.com> wrote:
> I just used mfg.com to request quotes on a 128 hole monome clone
> panel. I got a quote right away from a laser cutting place in Quebec
> and I was astounded by how cheap it would be.  I can get two panels
> made (including materials) for $50USD total. If I buy 10 then they are
> $14 each.
>
> Is there anything I should be aware of with laser cutting? i.e. Will
> it leave burn marks and the aluminum will need to be painted etc? It
> is 5052-H32 1/8" thick aluminum.
>
> cheers,
> Danjel
>

Hey Danjel,

The laser cut pieces I've seen in the past look really nice. I would
say they may need some filing, sanding or deburring at the edges, but
laser cutting doesn't leave scorch and splatter marks like a
conventional cutting torch. Check this video for one example:
http://www.laserphotonics.com/video_titan_cutting_aluminum_1.html

The shop that does the cutting will most likely run the pieces through
some deburring process to clean them up, although you might want to
ask to be sure. I would say at worst you'll need to do a little
sanding yourself, but they should be fine otherwise.

The MFG.COM site is VERY interesting. Looks like a great place for
buyers and vendors to meet. Also, the slow economy is probably
creating more and more shops who are hungry for work and are willing
to do small runs at reasonable prices to keep their machines and
people busy. It looks like a fantastic resource, so thanks for
sharing!

Tim (a little rough around the edges) Servo
-- 
"Sire, the church of God is an anvil that has worn out many hammers."
- H.L. Hastings