I thought I'd throw this out there and see what gets thrown back. Does anyone have any experience getting parts laser cut? I have a number of parts that are going to be cut out of 1/8" thin plywood, and I have a source that will cut them for me. The problem is the type of wood to use that cuts the best and is the most cost effective (although at this stage I can forego the costs for the end result!).
So far we've cut some from 1/8" plywood from Midwest products and some from a 3 ply 1/8" plywood from national Balsa. The Midwest products material came out great, but the 3 ply stuff charred real good on the edges. The problem is that the midwest stuff is $13 for a 12"x24" sheet, vs $3 for the same size. AND finding relatively flat stuff (so that it lays flat on the laser bed) has been a hassle.
From what I've read online, hardwoods are the best for laser cutting. Clean cuts, very minimal charing (if any, typically just a nice browning occurs). What kills the plywood is the glue and other "stuff" that goes into making it. But much more expensive per sq-ft than what I've used so far.
Any comments or suggestions would be welcome!
thanks, Ned
So far we've cut some from 1/8" plywood from Midwest products and some from a 3 ply 1/8" plywood from national Balsa. The Midwest products material came out great, but the 3 ply stuff charred real good on the edges. The problem is that the midwest stuff is $13 for a 12"x24" sheet, vs $3 for the same size. AND finding relatively flat stuff (so that it lays flat on the laser bed) has been a hassle.
From what I've read online, hardwoods are the best for laser cutting. Clean cuts, very minimal charing (if any, typically just a nice browning occurs). What kills the plywood is the glue and other "stuff" that goes into making it. But much more expensive per sq-ft than what I've used so far.
Any comments or suggestions would be welcome!
thanks, Ned