Berkshire: I should have mentioned this would be for complex shapes. I would prepare drawings in CAD and on send for fab. Like you say, for these automated processes, I would be guessing the majority of cost is in the setup.
Compositepro: Ha, speaking of, have you seen shapertools.com ? -...
I have a number of parts to be cut from aluminum 6061 sheet for prototyping. Thickness of sheet ranges from 24 gauge to 1/4". Parts are no more than 6' long.
Laser cutting will do the job, but finish is a concern. I am guessing it is cheapest prior to cost required for finishing.
Waterjet...
Baseplates are usually bolted such that the bolts see no movement outside of that due to strain. I have a project where I require little to no moment transfer to the connection and do not have room for a conventional pin. I understand that a simple connection could be made for an 'effective' pin...
