Can DuraBlack be Vector cut.

[Ernie Martinez]

I'm looking at using Durablack for a project, but it needs to be cut to a specific shape. Is it possible to vector cut with a 50W laser? If not, how do you cut it to specific shapes, other than using scissors or a die punch?

Thanks

[Ross Moshinsky]

No, you can't cut it on your laser. Scissors won't work either most likely.

You can either die punch it or bring it to a local laser cutter/waterjet shop and they can cut the shape for you.

[Ernie Martinez]

I'm talking about the .005 thickness. I cut it all the time with scissors, but thats not effective for me.

[Ross Moshinsky]

I'm talking about the .005 thickness. I cut it all the time with scissors, but thats not effective for me.

I thought you were talking about the .02" material.

For that thickness, I think you could cut it on your CNC machine. You'd have to get the right bit but I think maybe a profiling bit could do the job.

[Ernie Martinez]

I was thinking about that. I'm going to have to research what kind of bit to use.

[Martin Boekers]

Cutting metal by outsourcing isn't cheap. Is there some other way to do what you need done?

[Ernie Martinez]

Not sure what you mean. I have the capability in house to cut metal, I'm just trying to find the quickest and easiest way. I have several choices.

I can use Rowmark Plastic 1/16"
I can use Durablack, but then I have the cutout issue, which I would use my CNC machine for.

This is a code thing with the local fire marshal. Rotary doorlocks must be marked with the words Lock and Unlock with arrows depicting the direction. Contractors use to use peel off labels, but the fire marshal has now decreed thats not acceptable, and needs to be a more permanent fixture.

Currently I'm looking at solutions that I can present.

[Seth Adler]

If you are looking for aluminum, could you use anodized pre-cut pieces from places like Chewbarka, ID Plates or the like? This would eliminate cutting your own pieces and you can mount them in variety of ways including plates that come punched with screw holes.

[Ernie Martinez]

No, I have custom shape requirements.

[Ross Moshinsky]

If Rowmark plastic is acceptable, why even bother with Durablack? You can't make money if you make simple projects more complicated.

[Paul Phillips]

Ernie, If you haven't already seen it, read this thread I posted about CNC cutting aluminum,
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?144728-Aluminum-Cutting-101&highlight=aluminum+101
if you are just going to dabble in it, you don't need to spend $100s on a mister but you can use a squirt gun and do it by hand. For something that thin I would use a .125" Onsrud or equivalent, single edge upcut spiral 0-flute cutter for aluminum, I get mine from MSC direct, next day, but there are many other good similar types out there.
http://beta.mscdirect.com/FlyerView?pagelabel=665&search=76526060&contentPath=/sales-catalogs/big-book
You can use this chipload calculator to determine speed and feed rate.
http://www.onsrud.com/files/pdf/2012%20LMT%20Onsrud%20Production%20Cutting%20Tools %20Aluminum.pdf
Hope this helps.
Paul

[Mike Null]

Ernie

I shape .020" aluminum with my router and a pattern bit. I cut the pattern from wood on the laser. If DuraBlack will work why not consider anodized aluminum.