Smaller 'Hobby' CNC vs Commercial Machines

[AndyUK]

We have one project we are looking to work on. We will be repeatedly cutting small rectangles from 500mm square sheets. We know this is a challenge and have worked out how to hold the sheets, parts etc. in place. Our material is similar to acrylic/plastic but is a little brittle, it's just 2mm thick.

If the material is suitable for laser cutting, it would simplify your workholding and potentially negate the issues with brittleness. In which case, a cheaper machine is certainly on the cards as you're no longer dealing with the cutting forces.

[m.marino]

If the material is suitable for laser cutting, it would simplify your work holding and potentially negate the issues with brittleness. In which case, a cheaper machine is certainly on the cards as you're no longer dealing with the cutting forces.

I agree completely with Andy. IF and it is a BIG IF, your material can safely cut wit a laser (not all plastics can be), that would be the direction that I would suggest to go as it removes the a lot of issues. You will need to account for good equipment that can control air flow and cooling on the laser but there are "hobby" machines in the prosumer ranges that can do what you are looking for and be a good bit under the £10K range.

Good Luck