Thread: CNC Laser
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Unread 09-06-2010, 08:44
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Re: CNC Laser

Quote:
Originally Posted by R.C. View Post
Clearly I have no clue about how expensive lasers are. Art, we have a router that can currently cut plastic very easily. I really just wanna cut aluminum. What is the price to thickness ratio for laser's that can cut aluminum?

Any recommended models or manufacturers to look at?

Thanks,

-RC
If you already have a CNC router that can cut plastic you could consider getting a plasma torch to cut the aluminum (you will have to switch back and forth). Sure it's not as clean as a laser, but it would probably work with your existing equipment and would be a fraction of the cost, effort, and space of getting a whole new machine. Heck, you wouldn't have to learn how to program a new machine either.

I would look a Hypertherm Powermax45 or Powermax1000, for ~$1600 or ~$2200 respectively. There will be other costs associated with setting each of these machines up on your CNC table, but I do not think you will be able to implement a laser cutter of similar capacity for even close to this amount of money.
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