I may have this wrong. But I remember being advised that the laser can cut or engrave laser safe metal. Is this correct? If so any idea where you purchase laser safe metal.
Cheers
You can engrave some metals if you apply a special chemical first. As far as I know, nobody’s tried this on our machine. You can also mark the surface of anodised aluminium to reveal the bare metal.
Unfortunately, our cutter is about 1/10th as powerful as you need for actually cutting metal.
Ahh shoot! Ok thanks.
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I regularly get metal laser cut for my business - mostly mild steel, but occasionally stainless.
If you’re not in a hurry I’m happy to stick the odd bit on my orders so you can avoid the minimum cut charge.
Rich, that would be amazing. I really wanted this week but I have another wvent in Nov that I debut items there. I’ll send you a private message.
Cheers
Trotec website says you need the co2 laser for etching metal. I actually tried etching metal on a machine similar to ours before and it just leaves a slight black residue that totally wipes off, leaving no marks at all
However in theory you might be able to apply a coating, etch that off to make a stencil, then put it in a chemical etching bath. I think that’s how traditional etching is done ?
There’s also the shapeoko that can engrave aluminium (at different 3d depths too), still needs a bit of testing though as my first try came out a bit rough. I will definitely be testing this more in the near future though.
Hey Barnaby
I would absolutely love to learn how to use the shapeoko! I have a basic understanding how to use 2d files and create an etch but I can’t figure out how to set up the system here. Also are there cutters? Or do I need to bring my own?
Would you be able to add a PCB stencil? About 2"x1"?
It works and I can show you how, but bear in mind things are a bit experimental. And its a bit of a flimsy machine so there’s a lot of fine tuning to get the best results. I’m still learning with it so it would be great to have someone else try it out!
We have a few cutters for the dremel plus some that belong to @dsikar. The dremel takes 1/8" shank bits. There is also a Ryobi trimmer that we have DIYed a fixture for which we have some larger end mills for plus a 45° bit
Yep. I’ve done that with brass and black spray paint. Gave quite good results when etched in ferric chloride.
Hey @Barnaby_Coote, what is the shapeoko? Im assuming it is the router with attached dremel? I can’t find much info on it listed in the tools section… If you are covering it with @StudioNelle might I be able to join you guys?
Thanks.
Jono
No problem I’m up for experimentation. Let me know when you’re free for a session. This week is quite tight for me as I have a major deadline this week, but more flexible next week.
Probably. I’ll find out what the thinnest stainless is that they stock.
Hi Rich
I was actually hoping for this to be cut in copper or brass, is that possible?
maat-stencil-vector.dxf (113.4 KB)
I just wanted to test these for now and on;y wanted 4.
Thanks
Chanelle
It looks like our laser cutter will do the job as far as stencils go. Worked on paper so in theory it should work on transparency film - has anyone got a couple of sheets to spare?
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@Dermot pointed me to the stash. It looks do-able though the pads on the file will probably need narrowing.
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For the record, the transparency film used has a matt and a glossy side and as a wednesday evening visitor suggested, the matt side might produce better results due to less reflection.