We have a small CNC mill and we're in the works of getting a laser. One question I have though, that I can't find an answer to anywhere, other than "you don't" is how do you cut really small parts ?
Here's some background to clarify the question.
When we want to cut really small acrylic parts, the solution is very easy, throw it in a laser and that's about it. One of our main materials, alongside acrylic, is pvc foam boards or foamex. It is my understanding that you can't cut those on a laser for some reason, because of the fumes or whatever. If you can't use a laser how do you cut really small parts out of it ?
I've tried doing it with a 1mm bit on the CNC but because the size of the bit is so small it can't properly clear the chips and it all melts together so it's really hard to get the thing you've cut out without deforming it. Because of the size of the item you usually can't use 3 or 4mm bits because they affect the final result.
Thanks in advance
Here's some background to clarify the question.
When we want to cut really small acrylic parts, the solution is very easy, throw it in a laser and that's about it. One of our main materials, alongside acrylic, is pvc foam boards or foamex. It is my understanding that you can't cut those on a laser for some reason, because of the fumes or whatever. If you can't use a laser how do you cut really small parts out of it ?
I've tried doing it with a 1mm bit on the CNC but because the size of the bit is so small it can't properly clear the chips and it all melts together so it's really hard to get the thing you've cut out without deforming it. Because of the size of the item you usually can't use 3 or 4mm bits because they affect the final result.
Thanks in advance
