Cutting Sintra Letters Wholesale

[andyb]

Is anybody cutting letters out of Sintra for wholesale? Would like to compare notes if you are.

Andy B.

[jerry_stanek]

I have cut a few letters out of Sintra but like Komatex better It seems to cut smother.

[andyb]

Jerry, you have mail.

Andy B.

[chodges]

Jerry;

We use a lot of Sintra, but I am interested in your comment about Komatex (which we have never used).

When I look on the internet, they both appear to be extruded PVC. Can you please help me understand what the difference is between Sintra and Komatex, and where to buy Komatex?

Thanks!

[jerry_stanek]

As I told Andy in an email Sintra and Komatex are very similar. We use both and you really can't tell them apart until you cut them. The Sintra does have an unmistakable oder the the Komatex seems to lack. I have cut both on my bot and the Komatex gives me a better edge not as much rewelding. As far as where to get Komatex I am not sure as our printing devision orders it but I think they both come from the same supplier.

[andyb]

Charlie,
Aluma-Panel has Komatex. www.alumapanel.com (http://www.alumapanel.com)

Andy B.

[zeykr]

You might see if you can get KLEER. It's PVC but compressed to be the same density as pine - no voids and cuts/carves better than the normal expanded pvc I've tried. It's fairly common on east coast but kinda hard to get elsewhere I think. It's also available with woodgrain on one side.

[wcsg]

I'd use Celtec if you have access to it. The lighter weight 5k series is actually much heavier in weight than Sintra, despite claims. I don't care for Sintra anymore for panels or lettering. I have more faith in Celtec than Sintra against warping for this work.

[andyb]

Anyone have any tips on cutting Sintra or Komatex? I'm going to be using a 1/8" bit. I'm going to do some test cuts with a straight and upcut bit.

Andy B.

[procarve]

Andy -

straight bit works well - slow down the spindle and increase your feed till you get nice chips - if you are making pvc dust keep decreasing spindle and increasing feed.

The more like dust your chips are the more chance of rewelding.

Bill
www.RocketfuelSigns.com (http://www.RocketfuelSigns.com)

[wcsg]

Depending on your letter size I'd try and use a 3/16" or 1/4" bit. I prefer Belin single Flute up spiral, they are pricey but a very nice finish.

1/4" CED 11,000RPM @ 1.8" IPS and get a nice edge
1/8" CED 15,700RPM @ 1" IPS

[andyb]

Thanks for the info. I'll do some test cutting in the morning.

Andy B