Drag knife for cutting 1.2mm UHMW

[team08]

I read through some posts about drag knifes on shopbots, but mostly for cutting thin/weak materials like vinyl for stickers. Anyone have thoughts on cutting through 1.2mm UHMW? We currently use steel rule dies and a clicker press to put logos in our snowboards, but using the shopbot with a drag knife could open a huge realm of possibilities for graphics on the base of our boards. Thanks!

[knight_toolworks]

no I don't thin kit would work. I cut 1/2" cardboard with mine. when the blade gets dull the machine will have problems. Plus it does not work with corners and such.

[rb99]

You can buy a Chinese vinyl cutter really cheap. Not the best but would be better than trying the bot.

RIB

[dvmike]

I have cut some vinyl banner material using a 1/16" downcut end mill.
The trick was pulling it tight . I don't know if this will fix your issue,but worth a try.

[DJMartins]

I read through some posts about drag knifes on shopbots, but mostly for cutting thin/weak materials like vinyl for stickers. Anyone have thoughts on cutting through 1.2mm UHMW? We currently use steel rule dies and a clicker press to put logos in our snowboards, but using the shopbot with a drag knife could open a huge realm of possibilities for graphics on the base of our boards. Thanks!

Why not cut it with a mill?
You are talking 1.2mm thick stuff which is too thick for a knife but fine with a mill, just get one for plastic and ShopBot it out.

[donek]

This is a post from 2010, so likely already solved. UHMW does not cut well with a router bit or end mill. End mills and router bits can not cut sharp internal corners either. The material is not too thick for a knife. It works quite well with the correct tool. Up to 1/4in material with the D2 or D4 and the soon to be released D5 cuts up to 1/2in thick.
see www.donektools.com