Laser Cutting and design question
03-09-2012, 05:32 PM
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Laser Cutting and design question
I have designed a few of my own Planes so far in Coreldraw and send the files off for laser cutting. When the parts come back I have noticed that the notches may be a little bigger than what I designed and the parts are a little smaller. My cutter tells me to add or subtract .003 to the parts to correct this. Does this sound right? Do most people just say forget it and don't allow the small difference in size not bother them?
03-09-2012, 05:48 PM
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RE: Laser Cutting and design question
I offset about 90% of my parts by .005" which has served me well on most materials. Very thin stuff may need less while thicker materials may need a bit more but .005 has been a good compromise for the laser cutter that I use.
03-10-2012, 08:12 AM
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RE: Laser Cutting and design question
The laser kerf probably doesn't make much difference on many parts but on slots, tabs, notches for stringers, etc. it does.
Another thing to watch for if the laser cutter supplies the wood is the actual thickness of the sheet. "1/8" sheet is usually enough less than .125" to make the tabs too loose.
Another thing to watch for if the laser cutter supplies the wood is the actual thickness of the sheet. "1/8" sheet is usually enough less than .125" to make the tabs too loose.
03-10-2012, 09:29 AM
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RE: Laser Cutting and design question
ORIGINAL: allanflowers
The laser kerf probably doesn't make much difference on many parts but on slots, tabs, notches for stringers, etc. it does.
Another thing to watch for if the laser cutter supplies the wood is the actual thickness of the sheet. ''1/8'' sheet is usually enough less than .125'' to make the tabs too loose.
The laser kerf probably doesn't make much difference on many parts but on slots, tabs, notches for stringers, etc. it does.
Another thing to watch for if the laser cutter supplies the wood is the actual thickness of the sheet. ''1/8'' sheet is usually enough less than .125'' to make the tabs too loose.
