Laser cutter or CNC Router?

[Justin]

Looking for something that can cut thin plastic sheets with great accuracy and leave really smooth edges.

Just researching machines as I know little about them right now.

Appreciate these machines aren't cheap at the level I'll probably need but appreciate advice off anyone who already does this.

[Fidget242]

I've had both (and still have the laser) . I had a CNC machine a few years back but it was really really LOUD and sooooo SLOW and MESSY that I just couldn't stand using it very often. It was from a place called ooznest - I bought it in kit form and built it myself - that was far more enjoyable than actually using the machine though lmao. I only used it to cut wood though so not sure how it would handle plastic.

I currently have a 6040 laser engraver from Red dragon laser and it cuts 4mm acrylic sheets beautifully - sometimes you get the odd notch here and there that is caused by flashback, but you can just make little standoffs to put the sheets on if you need them pristine

[pcwizme]

So I run multiple lasers and have a CNC, my main buiness is the laser cutting side of things. As long as your cutting Acrylic (aka perspex) or a few other plastics (due to the release or potential release of chlorine which can cause massive issues with you, and also with causing the laser to rust incredably quickly) then a laser is great.
But, you cant leave it unattended. For cutting plastics you will need a decent Co2 laser, and a large extraction system, and a Chiller realistically, and a Air assist if your cutting, and then software (I advise lightburn at about £30 a year)

If you want a really smooth edge you need a fast speed (but not too fast) and high power (but not too high) too slow and the acrylic can join to its self.... If you want any more advice feel free to send me a pm or email!

[Justin]

I currently have a 6040 laser engraver from Red dragon laser and it cuts 4mm acrylic sheets beautifully - sometimes you get the odd notch here and there that is caused by flashback, but you can just make little standoffs to put the sheets on if you need them pristine

Thanks for that. My only issue with Red Dragon is they are clearly just importing the machines. I'm assuming that they ask for deposit, order from China and their costs are covered! Appreciate you're getting UK support but at a price.

[Fidget242]

Thanks for that. My only issue with Red Dragon is they are clearly just importing the machines. I'm assuming that they ask for deposit, order from China and their costs are covered! Appreciate you're getting UK support but at a price.

I have no idea if this is true or not, lots of people were warning me of this before I ordered it but there was no way I was buying from ebay again and I couldn't afford a 'proper' one like an Epilogue or Trotec etc. The guy was really nice, I paid for the machine by bacs and he was here setting it up and showing me how to work it about 2-3 days later. I decided to use Lightburn rather than the software it comes with though, it's much easier to use.

I had a horrific experience with a black and green machine from eBay before buying this (a very long story) so I wouldn't touch another one from eBay EVER again. At least buying it from someone like Red Dragon or HPC etc you know they are properly quality tested and you have an easy way of getting it fixed if anything happens.

[Justin]

Yes, the machines are made in China, I've been in contact with them. Even using same model numbers.

I would be very weary of buying such a machine without the proper UK support. I'm not knocking Red Dragon at all, I'm just saying that they are rebadged and priced accordingly.

The support, training etc. that RD give is worth a lot and I'll bear them in mind. They have offered to cut some samples for us.

[pcwizme]

So I bought my machine knowing it was from china, as basically unless your in the multiple 10's of thousands for a machine, they are all made in china, and to be honest with a degree in Engineering product design and many years of working with machines most of the issues are solveable. I could go and by a Epilog or trotec but I own my machine and I can make adjustments as I need to to it.

[Justin]

We're getting the sample sheet sent today, red Dragon are recommending the RDL-1080. Looks like it will do everything we need and much more. Just hoping the samples come back at the quality we need.