Sources for large CNC foam cutting machine

[DesignOutsourcing]

Hi all,

I'd appreciate any leads, suggestions and advice on buying a large 3 or 5-axis CNC machine to cut foam plugs for making composite moulds. What are the drawbacks with only having 3 or 4-axis vs. 5-axis.

New, used or DIY would all be useful as we are on a relatively tight budget. Our biggest mould is about 10m long but we can cut the plug in sections and use a smaller machine.

thanks, Derek

Derek White

http://www.design-outsourcing.com

 

[DAVIDSTECKER]

Try these folks:

http://www.foamcutter.com/index.html

 

[DesignOutsourcing]

Thanks for the lead David,

I had a look and these are hot wire cutters and cannot cut a complex curve.

I have found a few suppliers and the bigger machines start at about half a million new and are about $150,000+ used.

We will probably retrofit a 5-axis welding robot to be a 5-axis milling machine and put it on rails (on the floor, wall or ceiling) with a ball screw to cut the longer blocks. Used welding robots are very cheap and you can use a PC instead of the old controllers.

cheers, derek


Derek White

http://www.design-outsourcing.com

 

[unclesyd]

Here is one system for cutting foam.

http://www.jetedge.com/what/photogallery/foam.html

 

[Mo1]

Derek,
Try this manufacturer, we use them for our pattern shops. We use 3-axis machines to cut 3D shapes.

http://www.f-zimmermann.com/en/index_en.html

Good Luck
Mo

 

[ncprogrammer]

We use a CMS Italian made machine, it is very robust and the cost is very reasonable.

http://www.cmsna.com

You can also see it on our website at

http://www.scaled.com/services/cms_mill.html

Good Luck

Chad

 

[gab4055]

Look at this web site

http://www.janicki.com/

they build there own and maybe able to give you some help.