LASER CUTTING SERVICE
Our network also offers laser cutting services to individuals and companies. We can design models for cutting, supply the materials and assemble models using highly accurate machines. Laser cutting for model making is recommended for long, flat and highly detailed parts. By cutting the floor plan and walls for a building, we can build a model very quickly. In order to facilitate larger jobs, we now laser cut using the facilities at SANE Makerspace.
When used in conjunction with 3D printing, this combination of processes allows us to build complex 3D models at a speed and quality not possible through each process alone. This gives customers multiple options when deciding how they want their model to look, how soon they need it or what sort of budget they are working with.
If you require a design modeled, we offer this service however if you are providing the plans yourself there are a number of requirements that must be considered and will make the process smooth, quick and easy. .DXF is the preferred file format, however .eps and other 2D CAD types can work. We can convert most file types into the correct format, it is just some extra steps required. All laser cut files must be vector images where cuts and etched lines are a different colour. Generally black/red for cuts and blue for etched lines.
The cutting area is a maximum of 1200mm*900mm, however at least 5mm gaps should be accounted for on all sides.
- Materials
MDF boards and cast acrylic sheets are the most common materials we laser cut from and are readily available. We can also cut paper, plywood, cardboard and fabric although these do require fine-tuning and tests for each individual job due to how much these materials can vary with composition and thickness. Acrylic sheets come in 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4.5mm and 6mm thickness while MDF sheets come in 3mm and 6mm thicknesses. At this stage we do not cut or etch metals.
