LASER Cutting

[Mike Andersen]

Fellas;

I need a limited LASER cut run of 0.125 6061 aluminum (14 pieces in all, 2 ea., 4 ea., and 8 ea. of varying sizes and shapes) First, how precise is this business. Secondly, any economical recommendations? Lastly, what are my alternatives?

Iverson

[email="milspec@brainerd.net"]milspec@brainerd.net[/email]

[Jeff Smith]

Rick,
As a few alternatives, and not knowing the shape of items to be cut, maybe a water slurry cutter or perhaps a pin router.

The shop a few doors down makes elec control panels. They cut the face panels with a CNC pin router out of 0.125 al, but I dont know if it is 6061.

As far as cost, you want it when???lol I would figure just like our car parts that they wont be cheap.

John

[DENIS]

Working with a laser shop on a regular basis, I can tell you that I doubt you'll be happy with this process on Alum. Steel, yes. But not aluminum. There is a burn out ratio that they factor for dimensions and can hold to about .005 from what I see in .250 steeel. But when I talked to them about alum they tell me that this number goes up greatly due to the melting of the material. Even in the thin material I'd consider the following:

I have also used a lot of water jet (see Barber motor mount plates) and this process is much better for alum. I can't speak of the exacting numbers but I'd guess maybe .010-.020 in thin material.

[Mike Andersen]

Fellas;

Thanks for the guidance. I am discussing the Water Jet option this AM with a local firm down in Minneapolis.

Iverson
[email="milspec@brainerd.net"]milspec@brainerd.net[/email]