Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Andy Pugh]

> On 25 Jul 2020, at 00:20, N  wrote:
> 
> Thin thickness OH film or maybe a little bit thicker.

Maybe drag-knife if you can hold it down. Otherwise laser cutter. 

Or, die cutting, depending on quantities. 


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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Matthew Herd]

Perhaps a drag knife?

https://www.amazon.com/Dog-River-Tools-Knife-Cutter/dp/B085BF98Z9/ref=asc_df_B085BF98Z9/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=&hvpos=&hvnetw=o&hvrand=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584001427192206&psc=1
 


I’ve never used one, but I’ve heard about them.

> On Jul 24, 2020, at 7:17 PM, N  wrote:
> 
> Anybody here know about a suitable tool or similar to cut plastic sheets?
> 
> Thin thickness OH film or maybe a little bit thicker.
> 
> 
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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[N]

> Perhaps a drag knife?
> 
> https://www.amazon.com/Dog-River-Tools-Knife-Cutter/dp/B085BF98Z9/ref=asc_df_B085BF98Z9/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=&hvpos=&hvnetw=o&hvrand=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584001427192206&psc=1
>  
> 
> 
> I’ve never used one, but I’ve heard about them.

Yes that might be the correct tool.


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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[andy pugh]

On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 00:55, N  wrote:

> > https://www.amazon.com/Dog-River-Tools-Knife-Cutter/dp/B085BF98Z9

> Yes that might be the correct tool.

That's a very expensive one. I bought a carbide one for a few quid,
for mounting in a flatbed plotter.

-- 
atp
"A motorcycle is a bicycle with a pandemonium attachment and is
designed for the especial use of mechanical geniuses, daredevils and
lunatics."
— George Fitch, Atlanta Constitution Newspaper, 1912


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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Matthew Herd]

I did some reading.  Here’s a much cheaper one.  
https://www.amazon.com/Carbide-Housing-Silhouette-Machines-Portrait/dp/B07LBN6Y89/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=2BNVLCDRCTBCK&keywords=drag%20knife%20%2F%20vinyl%20cutter&language=en_US&linkCode=ll1&linkId=82f63489ab54f65ba4ab3d600d8839da&pd_rd_i=B07LBN6Y89&pd_rd_r=ec6569c3-451e-4d91-93b1-19487b9ca6e5&pd_rd_w=uMNxs&pd_rd_wg=w4h05&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=64MRWCQ5TQGWTNCANTEK&qid=1575221509&sprefix=drag%20knife%20%2Caps%2C151&tag=kronosrobotic-20
 



> On Jul 24, 2020, at 8:42 PM, andy pugh  wrote:
> 
> On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 00:55, N  wrote:
> 
>>> https://www.amazon.com/Dog-River-Tools-Knife-Cutter/dp/B085BF98Z9
> 
>> Yes that might be the correct tool.
> 
> That's a very expensive one. I bought a carbide one for a few quid,
> for mounting in a flatbed plotter.
> 
> -- 
> atp
> "A motorcycle is a bicycle with a pandemonium attachment and is
> designed for the especial use of mechanical geniuses, daredevils and
> lunatics."
> — George Fitch, Atlanta Constitution Newspaper, 1912
> 
> 
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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Chris Albertson]

The think about a drag knife is that you have to use special path planning
for corners to make the knife swivel.  These knives are mostly used in the
sign-making industry to cut colored vinyl.   Either the vinyl makes the
letters of a stencil for paint.

Many of these knives are designed to replace the pen on older pen plotters.



On Fri, Jul 24, 2020 at 5:48 PM Matthew Herd  wrote:

> I did some reading.  Here’s a much cheaper one.
> https://www.amazon.com/Carbide-Housing-Silhouette-Machines-Portrait/dp/B07LBN6Y89/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=2BNVLCDRCTBCK&keywords=drag%20knife%20%2F%20vinyl%20cutter&language=en_US&linkCode=ll1&linkId=82f63489ab54f65ba4ab3d600d8839da&pd_rd_i=B07LBN6Y89&pd_rd_r=ec6569c3-451e-4d91-93b1-19487b9ca6e5&pd_rd_w=uMNxs&pd_rd_wg=w4h05&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=64MRWCQ5TQGWTNCANTEK&qid=1575221509&sprefix=drag%20knife%20%2Caps%2C151&tag=kronosrobotic-20
> <
> https://www.amazon.com/Carbide-Housing-Silhouette-Machines-Portrait/dp/B07LBN6Y89/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=2BNVLCDRCTBCK&keywords=drag%20knife%20/%20vinyl%20cutter&language=en_US&linkCode=ll1&linkId=82f63489ab54f65ba4ab3d600d8839da&pd_rd_i=B07LBN6Y89&pd_rd_r=ec6569c3-451e-4d91-93b1-19487b9ca6e5&pd_rd_w=uMNxs&pd_rd_wg=w4h05&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=64MRWCQ5TQGWTNCANTEK&qid=1575221509&sprefix=drag%20knife%20,aps,151&tag=kronosrobotic-20
> >
>
>
> > On Jul 24, 2020, at 8:42 PM, andy pugh  wrote:
> >
> > On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 00:55, N  wrote:
> >
> >>> https://www.amazon.com/Dog-River-Tools-Knife-Cutter/dp/B085BF98Z9
> >
> >> Yes that might be the correct tool.
> >
> > That's a very expensive one. I bought a carbide one for a few quid,
> > for mounting in a flatbed plotter.
> >
> > --
> > atp
> > "A motorcycle is a bicycle with a pandemonium attachment and is
> > designed for the especial use of mechanical geniuses, daredevils and
> > lunatics."
> > — George Fitch, Atlanta Constitution Newspaper, 1912
> >
> >
> > ___
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> > https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
>
>
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-- 

Chris Albertson
Redondo Beach, California

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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[andy pugh]

On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 01:48, Matthew Herd  wrote:
>
> I did some reading.  Here’s a much cheaper one.  
> https://www.amazon.com/Carbide-Housing-Silhouette-Machines-Portrait/dp/B07LBN6Y89

Yes, that is also in pen-plotter format.

-- 
atp
"A motorcycle is a bicycle with a pandemonium attachment and is
designed for the especial use of mechanical geniuses, daredevils and
lunatics."
— George Fitch, Atlanta Constitution Newspaper, 1912


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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Marcus Bowman]

I bought a cheap drag knife some time ago, from a far off land, but I have not 
yet used it, because:
(a) it does need routines for turning corners, and
(b) upon inspection, I decided that a critical factor is likely to be the 
ability of the knife to swivel very freely; and this cheap one didn't. Rather 
than embark on yet another 'small' project, I put it in the 'later, maybe' 
drawer.

I machine a fair amount of plastic, but not thin film.
For a small quantity, I might try clamping it between thicker sheets and using 
a very sharp single-flute carbide router cutter (like an AccuPro from MSC 
Direct). These are just the job for plastics like Acetal/Delrin, although they 
are relatively expensive. They work marvellously well in aluminium too.

Marcus


On 25 Jul 2020, at 02:02, andy pugh wrote:

> On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 01:48, Matthew Herd  wrote:
>> 
>> I did some reading.  Here’s a much cheaper one.  
>> https://www.amazon.com/Carbide-Housing-Silhouette-Machines-Portrait/dp/B07LBN6Y89
> 
> Yes, that is also in pen-plotter format.
> 
> -- 
> atp
> "A motorcycle is a bicycle with a pandemonium attachment and is
> designed for the especial use of mechanical geniuses, daredevils and
> lunatics."
> — George Fitch, Atlanta Constitution Newspaper, 1912
> 
> 
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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[andrew beck]

You can buy your router bits from China if you want.  I bring in probably
15k usd per year.  My supplier sells ultra sharp endmills or single flute
router cutters for like 3usd.  Often for routers and custom form tools they
are better than the branded stuff here that costs 30 nzd.

Anyway just putting it out there if you are getting scammed locally.
 Obviously don't want to sell to you..   Just trying to help fellow
linuxcnc guys

On Sat, Jul 25, 2020, 7:15 PM Marcus Bowman <
marcus.bow...@visible.eclipse.co.uk> wrote:

> I bought a cheap drag knife some time ago, from a far off land, but I have
> not yet used it, because:
> (a) it does need routines for turning corners, and
> (b) upon inspection, I decided that a critical factor is likely to be the
> ability of the knife to swivel very freely; and this cheap one didn't.
> Rather than embark on yet another 'small' project, I put it in the 'later,
> maybe' drawer.
>
> I machine a fair amount of plastic, but not thin film.
> For a small quantity, I might try clamping it between thicker sheets and
> using a very sharp single-flute carbide router cutter (like an AccuPro from
> MSC Direct). These are just the job for plastics like Acetal/Delrin,
> although they are relatively expensive. They work marvellously well in
> aluminium too.
>
> Marcus
>
>
> On 25 Jul 2020, at 02:02, andy pugh wrote:
>
> > On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 01:48, Matthew Herd  wrote:
> >>
> >> I did some reading.  Here’s a much cheaper one.
> https://www.amazon.com/Carbide-Housing-Silhouette-Machines-Portrait/dp/B07LBN6Y89
> >
> > Yes, that is also in pen-plotter format.
> >
> > --
> > atp
> > "A motorcycle is a bicycle with a pandemonium attachment and is
> > designed for the especial use of mechanical geniuses, daredevils and
> > lunatics."
> > — George Fitch, Atlanta Constitution Newspaper, 1912
> >
> >
> > ___
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> > Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net
> > https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
>
>
>
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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[N]

> On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 01:48, Matthew Herd  wrote:
> >
> > I did some reading.  Here’s a much cheaper one.  
> > https://www.amazon.com/Carbide-Housing-Silhouette-Machines-Portrait/dp/B07LBN6Y89
> 
> Yes, that is also in pen-plotter format.

Have an engraver and a CNC machine, engraver spindle does not have encoder, are 
not sure if this is needed. Should be rather simple to mount encoder 
mechanically on engraver but also need to be connected which may require some 
more work as is now.

Need to cut plastic films for electrical isolation.


Regards Nicklas Karlsson


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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[andy pugh]

On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 09:10, N  wrote:

> Need to cut plastic films for electrical isolation.

What sort of shapes? How many pieces a day and in total?

-- 
atp
"A motorcycle is a bicycle with a pandemonium attachment and is
designed for the especial use of mechanical geniuses, daredevils and
lunatics."
— George Fitch, Atlanta Constitution Newspaper, 1912


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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[N]

> On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 09:10, N  wrote:
> 
> > Need to cut plastic films for electrical isolation.
> 
> What sort of shapes? How many pieces a day and in total?

Square outline with four or six square holes is the most important but it might 
be I want to cover another surface with slighlty more complicated form and mor 
holes. Need only four of them right now for prototypes and maybe 30-40 later on.

Manual is possible but if I could get machine to do them it is also good 
training and testing. Last time I broke drill bit because I did touch off 
wrong, moving down to the side into the part, stopped fast but not fast enough 
so some training is needed.


Regards Nicklas Karlsson


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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[andy pugh]

On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 12:05, N  wrote:

> Square outline with four or six square holes is the most important but it 
> might be I want to cover another surface with slighlty more complicated form 
> and mor holes. Need only four of them right now for prototypes and maybe 
> 30-40 later on.

Laser cutting (excuse to buy one?)

Or laser-print the outline onto the film and then cut on the lines
with scissors.

-- 
atp
"A motorcycle is a bicycle with a pandemonium attachment and is
designed for the especial use of mechanical geniuses, daredevils and
lunatics."
— George Fitch, Atlanta Constitution Newspaper, 1912


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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Bruce Layne]

While I wouldn't want to discourage anyone from getting a CNC router or
laser, as a little exercise in outside the box thinking, 3D printing
these insulator sheets would be a fairly trivial exercise.  I sometimes
print first layer calibration test squares on a flat glass bed.  Dial in
the bed leveling and the single layer ABS prints peel off the bed and
are very thin and tough.  You could easily add layers to create whatever
dielectric strength you need for your application, but I'd bet one layer
would probably be enough for common purposes.  These thin parts would
print very quickly.

3D printers (filament and liquid resin) are quickly becoming my toolbox
full of hammers and all of my problems are looking like nails to be
smashed by 3D printed awesomeness.





On 7/25/20 7:09 AM, andy pugh wrote:
> On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 12:05, N  wrote:
>
>> Square outline with four or six square holes is the most important but it 
>> might be I want to cover another surface with slighlty more complicated form 
>> and mor holes. Need only four of them right now for prototypes and maybe 
>> 30-40 later on.
> Laser cutting (excuse to buy one?)
>
> Or laser-print the outline onto the film and then cut on the lines
> with scissors.
>


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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[N]

> On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 12:05, N  wrote:
> 
> > Square outline with four or six square holes is the most important but it 
> > might be I want to cover another surface with slighlty more complicated 
> > form and mor holes. Need only four of them right now for prototypes and 
> > maybe 30-40 later on.
> 
> Laser cutting (excuse to buy one?)

Or replace tool/spindle scracthing the surface in my engraver with laser 
printer head.

> Or laser-print the outline onto the film and then cut on the lines
> with scissors.

Think this is the method right now, used it before. Otherwise there are simply 
to many things at once.


Regards Nicklas Karlsson


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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Les Newell]

Depending on the plastic I'd first look at laser for this application. 
Don't laser PVC. PE and PP can be difficult unless it is very thin.


Drag or tangential knife would be my second choice. You'll need some way 
to hold the sheet down. Simply taping down the edges may work. For 
thinner more flexible sheet you may need to use vacuum or low tack 
adhesive to hold it down.
SheetCam has a plugin to generate drag knife tool paths and post 
processors to generate tangential paths. I personally prefer tangential.


For quantities Andy is right, die cutting would be by far the most 
competitive way.


Les

On 25/07/2020 01:59, Chris Albertson wrote:

The think about a drag knife is that you have to use special path planning
for corners to make the knife swivel.  These knives are mostly used in the
sign-making industry to cut colored vinyl.   Either the vinyl makes the
letters of a stencil for paint.

Many of these knives are designed to replace the pen on older pen plotters.




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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Marcus Bowman]

On 25 Jul 2020, at 08:43, andrew beck wrote:

>  single flute
> router cutters for like 3usd.Just trying to help fellow
> linuxcnc guys

Thanks. That's really useful to know. At around 80USD for a 12mm cutter 
locally, this is a source I will try, especially when you are saying you have 
found them sharp.

Marcus






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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[N]

> Depending on the plastic I'd first look at laser for this application. 
> Don't laser PVC. PE and PP can be difficult unless it is very thin.
> 
> Drag or tangential knife would be my second choice. You'll need some way 
> to hold the sheet down. Simply taping down the edges may work. For 
> thinner more flexible sheet you may need to use vacuum or low tack 
> adhesive to hold it down.
> SheetCam has a plugin to generate drag knife tool paths and post 
> processors to generate tangential paths. I personally prefer tangential.
> 
> For quantities Andy is right, die cutting would be by far the most 
> competitive way.

Never expect any quantities, just did for myself so it will probably be by hand 
or knife tool path.


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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Glenn Edwards]

If you do not want to invest in tooling or machines or learning something
new, there is a prototype die-cutting service that can score plastic sheets
so that you can follow-up with scissors.  Full -disclosure it is my company
(see below).  We have done this for clothing designers by scoring designs
on thin mylar sheets to be used as patterns.  All it takes is a DXF file
and you can use the website to see how it works and get a quote (for
standard gasket material).  Use the 'Contact Us' link to get started on
something custom like this.

Best regards,
-- --
Glenn
Rapid Converting LLC
gl...@rapidconverting.com
www.rapidgasket.com


On Sat, Jul 25, 2020 at 6:19 AM N  wrote:

> > Depending on the plastic I'd first look at laser for this application.
> > Don't laser PVC. PE and PP can be difficult unless it is very thin.
> >
> > Drag or tangential knife would be my second choice. You'll need some way
> > to hold the sheet down. Simply taping down the edges may work. For
> > thinner more flexible sheet you may need to use vacuum or low tack
> > adhesive to hold it down.
> > SheetCam has a plugin to generate drag knife tool paths and post
> > processors to generate tangential paths. I personally prefer tangential.
> >
> > For quantities Andy is right, die cutting would be by far the most
> > competitive way.
>
> Never expect any quantities, just did for myself so it will probably be by
> hand or knife tool path.
>
>
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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Thomas J Powderly]

take a look at steel rule dies

they are cheap ( relative term )

and not difficult to make ( again relative)

you can get it made custom using online services.

The ejector is a rubber-like pad surrounding the rule

tomp

On 7/25/20 6:09 PM, andy pugh wrote:

On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 12:05, N  wrote:


Square outline with four or six square holes is the most important but it might 
be I want to cover another surface with slighlty more complicated form and mor 
holes. Need only four of them right now for prototypes and maybe 30-40 later on.

Laser cutting (excuse to buy one?)

Or laser-print the outline onto the film and then cut on the lines
with scissors.




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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Chris Albertson]

Notice the tip of the blade is not on the centerline of the tool holder and
the offset moves to trail the direction of movement.  As I said, you will
have to think about how to make corners

On Fri, Jul 24, 2020 at 6:05 PM andy pugh  wrote:

> On Sat, 25 Jul 2020 at 01:48, Matthew Herd  wrote:
> >
> > I did some reading.  Here’s a much cheaper one.
> https://www.amazon.com/Carbide-Housing-Silhouette-Machines-Portrait/dp/B07LBN6Y89
>
> Yes, that is also in pen-plotter format.
>
> --
> atp
> "A motorcycle is a bicycle with a pandemonium attachment and is
> designed for the especial use of mechanical geniuses, daredevils and
> lunatics."
> — George Fitch, Atlanta Constitution Newspaper, 1912
>
>
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-- 

Chris Albertson
Redondo Beach, California

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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[N]

Otherwise I better of find someone locally, have seen some plotters I think do 
something similar, it is common stickers are cut half way thru and thought 
maybe someone know what kind of tool is used to this kind of things so I could 
the machine on floor 2-3 meters behind me? If you are close enough freight to 
northern Europe is not a relatively expensive part it might also be interesting?

No I do not want to invest in tooling for prototype or very small series, in 
such case I would most likely make myself in machine.

> If you do not want to invest in tooling or machines or learning something
> new, there is a prototype die-cutting service that can score plastic sheets
> so that you can follow-up with scissors.  Full -disclosure it is my company
> (see below).  We have done this for clothing designers by scoring designs
> on thin mylar sheets to be used as patterns.  All it takes is a DXF file
> and you can use the website to see how it works and get a quote (for
> standard gasket material).  Use the 'Contact Us' link to get started on
> something custom like this.
> 
> Best regards,
> -- --
> Glenn
> Rapid Converting LLC
> gl...@rapidconverting.com
> www.rapidgasket.com
> 
> 
> On Sat, Jul 25, 2020 at 6:19 AM N  wrote:
> 
> > > Depending on the plastic I'd first look at laser for this application.
> > > Don't laser PVC. PE and PP can be difficult unless it is very thin.
> > >
> > > Drag or tangential knife would be my second choice. You'll need some way
> > > to hold the sheet down. Simply taping down the edges may work. For
> > > thinner more flexible sheet you may need to use vacuum or low tack
> > > adhesive to hold it down.
> > > SheetCam has a plugin to generate drag knife tool paths and post
> > > processors to generate tangential paths. I personally prefer tangential.
> > >
> > > For quantities Andy is right, die cutting would be by far the most
> > > competitive way.
> >
> > Never expect any quantities, just did for myself so it will probably be by
> > hand or knife tool path.


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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Glenn Edwards]

I do not understand all of your email, but let me try to respond.  You
describe a die-cutting method called kiss-cutting in which the cut does not
go through all the layers of a label, for instance.  These are usually done
on  presses, such as a clam-shell press, and using steel-rule dies.  For a
local supplier, I think you should easily find a near-by laser cutter, but
I do not know if you can find a prototyping die-cutting service such as
ours in Europe.  The vendors that make the vinyl signs want you to use the
material that works in their cutting-plotters and I am not sure it will
work for your application. We are in CA and have shipped to Europe though
it takes more time and money that obviously adds to your total cost.  Of
course, if you only have a couple to make you can print out the pattern on
a printer, tape the paper onto the material and cut it out yourself with a
few hand-tools.

Glenn


On Sat, Jul 25, 2020 at 11:34 AM N  wrote:

> Otherwise I better of find someone locally, have seen some plotters I
> think do something similar, it is common stickers are cut half way thru and
> thought maybe someone know what kind of tool is used to this kind of things
> so I could the machine on floor 2-3 meters behind me? If you are close
> enough freight to northern Europe is not a relatively expensive part it
> might also be interesting?
>
> No I do not want to invest in tooling for prototype or very small series,
> in such case I would most likely make myself in machine.
>
> > If you do not want to invest in tooling or machines or learning something
> > new, there is a prototype die-cutting service that can score plastic
> sheets
> > so that you can follow-up with scissors.  Full -disclosure it is my
> company
> > (see below).  We have done this for clothing designers by scoring designs
> > on thin mylar sheets to be used as patterns.  All it takes is a DXF file
> > and you can use the website to see how it works and get a quote (for
> > standard gasket material).  Use the 'Contact Us' link to get started on
> > something custom like this.
> >
> > Best regards,
> > -- --
> > Glenn
> > Rapid Converting LLC
> > gl...@rapidconverting.com
> > www.rapidgasket.com
> >
> >
> > On Sat, Jul 25, 2020 at 6:19 AM N  wrote:
> >
> > > > Depending on the plastic I'd first look at laser for this
> application.
> > > > Don't laser PVC. PE and PP can be difficult unless it is very thin.
> > > >
> > > > Drag or tangential knife would be my second choice. You'll need some
> way
> > > > to hold the sheet down. Simply taping down the edges may work. For
> > > > thinner more flexible sheet you may need to use vacuum or low tack
> > > > adhesive to hold it down.
> > > > SheetCam has a plugin to generate drag knife tool paths and post
> > > > processors to generate tangential paths. I personally prefer
> tangential.
> > > >
> > > > For quantities Andy is right, die cutting would be by far the most
> > > > competitive way.
> > >
> > > Never expect any quantities, just did for myself so it will probably
> be by
> > > hand or knife tool path.
>
>
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>
>

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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film -->

[N]

Here is cutting machines in action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-67lKePbcQ 
somewhere from one third to half way thru, also other places using a knife as 
someone suggested, this one need a spindle encoder. Guess this is the 
technology for small series, either do myself buying tool to my machine, by one 
or ask someone else who have. Sending a few plastic sheets from CA I expect is 
expensive compared to cost of plastic sheets bought around here.

Do not think much more could be added about this.

> I do not understand all of your email, but let me try to respond.  You
> describe a die-cutting method called kiss-cutting in which the cut does not
> go through all the layers of a label, for instance.  These are usually done
> on  presses, such as a clam-shell press, and using steel-rule dies.  For a
> local supplier, I think you should easily find a near-by laser cutter, but
> I do not know if you can find a prototyping die-cutting service such as
> ours in Europe.  The vendors that make the vinyl signs want you to use the
> material that works in their cutting-plotters and I am not sure it will
> work for your application. We are in CA and have shipped to Europe though
> it takes more time and money that obviously adds to your total cost.  Of
> course, if you only have a couple to make you can print out the pattern on
> a printer, tape the paper onto the material and cut it out yourself with a
> few hand-tools.
> 
> Glenn
> 
> 
> On Sat, Jul 25, 2020 at 11:34 AM N  wrote:
> 
> > Otherwise I better of find someone locally, have seen some plotters I
> > think do something similar, it is common stickers are cut half way thru and
> > thought maybe someone know what kind of tool is used to this kind of things
> > so I could the machine on floor 2-3 meters behind me? If you are close
> > enough freight to northern Europe is not a relatively expensive part it
> > might also be interesting?
> >
> > No I do not want to invest in tooling for prototype or very small series,
> > in such case I would most likely make myself in machine.
> >
> > > If you do not want to invest in tooling or machines or learning something
> > > new, there is a prototype die-cutting service that can score plastic
> > sheets
> > > so that you can follow-up with scissors.  Full -disclosure it is my
> > company
> > > (see below).  We have done this for clothing designers by scoring designs
> > > on thin mylar sheets to be used as patterns.  All it takes is a DXF file
> > > and you can use the website to see how it works and get a quote (for
> > > standard gasket material).  Use the 'Contact Us' link to get started on
> > > something custom like this.
> > >
> > > Best regards,
> > > -- --
> > > Glenn
> > > Rapid Converting LLC
> > > gl...@rapidconverting.com
> > > www.rapidgasket.com
> > >
> > >
> > > On Sat, Jul 25, 2020 at 6:19 AM N  wrote:
> > >
> > > > > Depending on the plastic I'd first look at laser for this
> > application.
> > > > > Don't laser PVC. PE and PP can be difficult unless it is very thin.
> > > > >
> > > > > Drag or tangential knife would be my second choice. You'll need some
> > way
> > > > > to hold the sheet down. Simply taping down the edges may work. For
> > > > > thinner more flexible sheet you may need to use vacuum or low tack
> > > > > adhesive to hold it down.
> > > > > SheetCam has a plugin to generate drag knife tool paths and post
> > > > > processors to generate tangential paths. I personally prefer
> > tangential.
> > > > >
> > > > > For quantities Andy is right, die cutting would be by far the most
> > > > > competitive way.
> > > >
> > > > Never expect any quantities, just did for myself so it will probably
> > be by
> > > > hand or knife tool path.


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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Gregg Eshelman via Emc-users]

Corner turning with a drag knife can be done by raising the knife until the 
point is just into the material. Then sweep an arc with a radius equal to the 
knife point offset. For inside corners that's the way to do it. On outside 
corners that method works or you can have it go past the end then loop around 
to come back in-line with the cut on the other side of the point. Software that 
does drag knife cutting should support both methods, the operator has to enter 
the point offset distance and the material thickness.
Assuming the knife pivot has enough sticktion to not spin freely during rapids 
with the blade out of contact, making an initial drag to align the knife to one 
axis should allow the software to calculate what the angle should be any time 
it needs to lift out for a rapid move, then drop Z to touch and spin to change 
angle with minimum movement. Or it could go to a safe area and do an alignment 
drag to ensure the blade angle is correct.
Software takes the place of having power blade turning.

On Saturday, July 25, 2020, 1:15:02 AM MDT, Marcus Bowman 
 wrote:  
 I bought a cheap drag knife some time ago, from a far off land, but I have not 
yet used it, because:
(a) it does need routines for turning corners, and
(b) upon inspection, I decided that a critical factor is likely to be the 
ability of the knife to swivel very freely; and this cheap one didn't. Rather 
than embark on yet another 'small' project, I put it in the 'later, maybe' 
drawer.

I machine a fair amount of plastic, but not thin film.
For a small quantity, I might try clamping it between thicker sheets and using 
a very sharp single-flute carbide router cutter (like an AccuPro from MSC 
Direct). These are just the job for plastics like Acetal/Delrin, although they 
are relatively expensive. They work marvellously well in aluminium too.  
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Re: [Emc-users] Cutting plastic film

[Gregg Eshelman via Emc-users]

Don't know if this guy is still around but he had a method of resharpening 
carbide end mills where they could cut really hard materials, like metal files.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN6hhXdNcy00iIp6Hfwo29A
On Saturday, July 25, 2020, 1:46:25 AM MDT, andrew beck 
 wrote:  
 You can buy your router bits from China if you want.  I bring in probably
15k usd per year.  My supplier sells ultra sharp endmills or single flute
router cutters for like 3usd.  Often for routers and custom form tools they
are better than the branded stuff here that costs 30 nzd.

Anyway just putting it out there if you are getting scammed locally.
 Obviously don't want to sell to you..  Just trying to help fellow
linuxcnc guys  
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