CNC Laser

[sdcantrell56]

I am by no means an expert however I believe a laser capable of aluminum in any measurable thickness would be over $100,000 and probably even closer to $150,000. Lasers really don't do well with aluminum even extremely powerful ones with anything thicker than about 1/4"

You could look into a hi-def plasma which would be a great deal cheaper (~50-75k) and still perform well or maybe just forget the idea altogether and get a production mill.

While Im thinking about it I bet you could get a smaller waterjet for much less than a laser. Check out Omax machines

[Cory]

Originally Posted by sdcantrell56

I am by no means an expert however I believe a laser capable of aluminum in any measurable thickness would be over $100,000 and probably even closer to $150,000. Lasers really don't do well with aluminum even extremely powerful ones with anything thicker than about 1/4"

You could look into a hi-def plasma which would be a great deal cheaper (~50-75k) and still perform well or maybe just forget the idea altogether and get a production mill.

While Im thinking about it I bet you could get a smaller waterjet for much less than a laser. Check out Omax machines

a 5x5 waterjet is around $100-150k last I checked, depending on options

[JamesCH95]

I should add that the vo-tech center at my old HS built a workable CNC plasma cutter (5'x9' IIRC) with a donated torch and power supply for about $4500 including a computer and software. It was a very fun project (I designed and machined the stepper motor transmissions) and the machine still works great 5 years later.

Edit: Found this article from Torchmate: http://www.plasma-cutter.com/comparison.htm it compares plasma, hi-def plasma, and laser.