Stencil

[tomahack]

I'm new to CNC and I have to make 1000 stencils in Lexan 0,05" thick. Bottom traces are 1mm wide with a "V" cut of 60 degrees. There is a lot of engraving too. I was leaning toward a BT32 Alpha to do the job. My question is: " Is it a walk on the park or completely impossible? I have the DXF file on hand. I will use the BT32 afterward to cut wood and alu.

Photo of the stencil: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2308/...f48a4b58_o.jpg

Thanks a lot!

[gpari]

Easy as pie. I'm sure alot of us would be glad to run the job for you. (wink wink)

Gabe Pari
www.socalteardrops.com

[tomahack]

Thanks Gabe. The answer I was looking for. I will order my BT32 next week. :-)

Oh by the way, where can I find more info on fuse disconnect switches? Absolutely neccessary for Alpha?

[paco]

It would still be advisable to run some tests since V bit do not machine very well in plastics... if you base the investment of the tool on this job... it may cut through easy but you don't want to end up with clean up to do, don't you?!

It look to me that you need a pretty clean cut.

Don't forget about vacuum hold down as well.

[tomahack]

What are you suggesting regarding bits? Angle of cut is not critical. Something like a tapered mill? Yes, the cut must be clean.

http://www.bitsbits.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20& products_id=52

[joe]

I'd vear on the side of caution as Paco suggests.

[mmccue29]

looks like a laser job to me

[tomahack]

I want to use the CNC afterward for wood and alu so laser is not an option.

[scottcox]

Jean,

Certainly not impossible, but don't underestimate the complexity of it.

Things to consider are hold-down method, time to cut, bit/feed/speed selection and your learning curve for the shopbot.

Bid high. Way high. And give your customer a couple of months lead time.

[tomahack]

Thanks for the advise Scott. Any suggestions for the best bit to cut in Lexan? I will probably use a vacuum pump with a jig to hold-down. Is 15 minutes per stencil realistic? Any advise is welcome. Failure is not an option.