sandblast resist

[Signmaker1234]

What is a good cutter for sandblast resist? Thinking about getting into this?

 

[J Hill Designs]

sprocket fed probably the best - I limp along with friction fed, but there is some waste from bunching/bad tracking/etc

 

[Gino]

We have a HS750 plus and a HS15 plus Gerber sprocket fed plotters, basically just for this anymore. Running pounces, sandblast mask and long long vinyl runs is about all we do with these. They are reliable and perfect cuts 100% of the time Only hiccup is human error.

 

[CES020]

We are using a Summa with very good results.

 

[James Burke]

+1 for Gerber. Sandblasting is 100% of our business and Gerbers are real workhorses. They're pricey, but for sandblasting they're worth every penny.

JB

 

[Signmaker1234]

AI

Can Adobe illustrator be used with these cutters? Really don't feel like using/learning new software?

 

[J Hill Designs]

Can Adobe illustrator be used with these cutters? Really don't feel like using/learning new software?

most likely yes, with the addition of a plugin

 

[Signmaker1234]

Graphtec

Anyone using a graphtec cutter for this? Was checking them out, says it can cut 11mil (model FC 8600)? Thoughts on this machine?

 

[Gino]

Can Adobe illustrator be used with these cutters? Really don't feel like using/learning new software?

Yes, we haven't used Gerber software in many years. We can cut from ANAgraph, Flexi, Adobe and some other funky piece of software, no one uses around the shop anymore. Originally, we just used the same batch commands Gerber did and adjusted it to fit the other software. Now, Jeremy has it set up cutting from everything in his wizardry way of doing things. He knows how to write in DOS. Not sure though, if that's what he did.

OR

​

You can use a plugin like already mentioned.​

 

[James Burke]

Any program that outputs HPGL (Hewlett Packard Graphic Language) should work.

Whatever cutter you choose, make sure it has tangential cutting capabilities. Important note: the Gerber GSx Plus does NOT have a tangential cutting head. Other than the name plate below the control buttons, it looks identical to a GS Plus.


JB

 

[CES020]

Anyone using a graphtec cutter for this? Was checking them out, says it can cut 11mil (model FC 8600)? Thoughts on this machine?

Check out the thicknesses of the resist you are looking at. Most are thicker than 11mil.

 

[J Hill Designs]

Check out the thicknesses of the resist you are looking at. Most are thicker than 11mil.

correct - the resist I use (anchor 117) is 41 mils

 

[Signmaker1234]

Wow

correct - the resist I use (anchor 117) is 41 mils

That at is pretty thick, guess the graphtec is out!

 

[SignManiac]

You can cut Anchor with a cnc laser.

 

[Jillbeans]

Try to find a used Gerber with its software (Graphix Advantage or Omega) I do not think a Graphtec is strong enough.
Gerber can use ai files.
Love.....Jill

 

[tbullo]

We cut Anchor 117 on our Graphtec.

 

[knucklehead]

Graphtec can cut 'lightweight' resist material, 10 - 12 mil, with the large blade.

 

[James Burke]

Keep an eye on this Gerber GS15 Plus (listed 10/28/14). Good deals are out there. The GS15 Plus I scored last year on eBay for $1,500 looked as though it were just pulled out of the box. This current listing looks just as pristine:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gerber-GS15..._DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ceb1f1720#viTabs_0

Try to find a used Gerber with its software (Graphix Advantage or Omega) I do not think a Graphtec is strong enough.
Gerber can use ai files.
Love.....Jill

As mentioned on previous threads, Gerber is offering some tremendous upgrade deals if you can get your hands on an old Graphix Advantage dongle. You can save nearly 2/3 the cost of new Omega 5 software.

I do a lot of importing and exporting of line art vector files between Omega (.plt), Adobe (.ai), AutoCAD (.dxf) and SignLab (.cdl) and they all play together extremely well.

From an economic standpoint, SignLab has (or used to have) a program that serves as "bridge" between the plotter and AI for right around $500. It's essentially a plugin and it creates a plot button right on your AI toolbar. I'm guessing that will be your best option. I'm 100% certain that Illy can not drive a Gerber plotter all by itself.


JB

 

[Signmaker1234]

Thanks everyone!

Thanks for all the info! It definitely is seeming like a good idea to get into the sandblasted signs, although I don't think I wanna do the actual blasting (not sure) ??? I only do cut vinyl now and looking to expand! I have a customer who wants a sign, although he has no idea what type? I'm exploring the options for him now! If he goes with a sandblasted sign, anyone interested in sub contracting the sandblast mask for me? He originally wanted front lit, back lit channel letters. Another sign company told him that it was not possible due to the limited space and size the letters would be? I'll post a few pics. I'm trying to give him options, cut vinyl on Mdo with standoffs is one, box/can sign another option, sandblasted is another.

 

[Signmaker1234]

Pics

A pic of the space. It's 18"x72"