Which machine would you recommend for cutting fine elastic fabrics (natural fibre and synthetic fibre)? How do the cut edge look like (brown / melted / elastic / unelastic)?

Question #: 13753

Question: Which machine would you recommend for cutting fine elastic fabrics (natural fibre and synthetic fibre)? How do the cut edge look like (brown / melted / elastic / unelastic)?

Current Solution

I would recommend using the laser to cut many types of fabrics. The condition of the burned edge will depend on the material being cut. If the material is a synthetic material, it may melt and fuse, which in most cases is a good thing. Some materials, if the laser is burning on the edge for too long, then the material will start to burn and vaporize the material. Quick passes with less intensity works well with fabrics so this undesirable condition does not happen.

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CAN YOU RECOMMEND WHICH CNC MACHINE TO GO WITH FOR CUTTING MELAMINE AND MAKING KITCHEN DOORS FROM MDF. ALSO DO PROVIDE TRAINING ON OPERATING SETTING UP SHOP PRODUCTION USE? THANKS
All of our CNC machines can cut melamine. If your application (kitchen doors) requires large cutting area, then I would recommend the following machines:

- greenBull 4x (4'x8'), 5x (5'x10') or 6x (6'x 12')

- greenLean 4'x8' vertically oriented CNC machine

- Or our Fabricator Pro 4'x8' metal CNC machine
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CAN YOU RECOMMEND WHICH CNC MACHINE TO GO WITH FOR CUTTING MELAMINE AND MAKING KITCHEN DOORS FROM MDF. ALSO DO PROVIDE TRAINING ON OPERATING SETTING UP SHOP PRODUCTION USE? THANKS
I am planning to build a scratch CNC machine to do rotary engraving on writing pens. Can you recommend the parts I would need? I'm thinking NEMA 14 (11?) and 3/8" acme rod. Not sure which linear motion to use. I have an old lathe to use for the 4th axis.
Consider the loads on each axis when choosing appropriate stepper motors. If your holding torque is maxed out at roughly 16oz/in (1lb/in), then you could use the NEMA 11 or 14. Also consider the shaft sizes and current ratings when choosing drivers that pair with the motors.
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I am planning to build a scratch CNC machine to do rotary engraving on writing pens. Can you recommend the parts I would need? I'm thinking NEMA 14 (11?) and 3/8" acme rod. Not sure which linear motion to use. I have an old lathe to use for the 4th axis.
For cutting with the BlackTooth, what is the best type of clear plastic/acrylic to use, and can you recommend a source?
The blackTooth will cut acrylic very easily. The type of acrylic (cast or extruded) is not important since the acrylic itself has 100% absorption with CO2 lasers. Any plastic retailer, even the home improvements stores will have sheets of acrylic.

Avoid using plastics that will off-gas toxic and corrosive fumes. One example is PVC which is Polyvinyl Chloride. The burning of that material will exhaust chloride into the air and combine with the hydrogen in the air causing a chemical reaction yielding hydrochloric acid which is corrosive and highly toxic to humans.

Always read the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for any material that you intend to burn with the CO2 laser.
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For cutting with the BlackTooth, what is the best type of clear plastic/acrylic to use, and can you recommend a source?
Can you install a more powerful laser/tube for us if we pick the $2100 option to have you build it? It would be assumed that there would be a new price for the machine which would reflect the cost increase for the new laser. Please say yes, I know you can physically do it. I have faith in you
The space allotted for the laser tube on the blackTooth would not allow for a higher power laser tube. As the wattage of the laser tube increased, so does the length of the tube.

We do have a larger and more powerful laser in design and should be available in the second quarter of 2015.
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Can you install a more powerful laser/tube for us if we pick the $2100 option to have you build it? It would be assumed that there would be a new price for the machine which would reflect the cost increase for the new laser. Please say yes, I know you can physically do it. I have faith in you
In the Build your own CNC machine book, You said you use 1 1/4" angle on the main table but 1" would be better. So my question is Should I use 1" angle on the main table (4' length) and 1 1/4" angle for the BRA's and other rails?
You can use either 1" x 1" x 1/8", or 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" x 1/8" angle on the table sides. The BRAs should all be 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/8". The Y ans Z axes should use the 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/8" angles.
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In the Build your own CNC machine book, You said you use 1 1/4" angle on the main table but 1" would be better. So my question is Should I use 1" angle on the main table (4' length) and 1 1/4" angle for the BRA's and other rails?
Can the vertical CNC router do about what a horizontal router can, like cutting out 3/4" cabinet doors from a 4'X8' formica clad sheet? If so, how do you hold it - with Vacuum? Is a vacuum system available?
Our hold down method is screws. For a 4'x8' 3/4" sheet, we use 6 screws around the perimeter of the sheet. This provides sufficient hold down for milling. For the vertically oriented machine, the sheet also rests on a small ledge, making it easy for the board to maintain position while fastening.
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Can the vertical CNC router do about what a horizontal router can, like cutting out 3/4" cabinet doors from a 4'X8' formica clad sheet? If so, how do you hold it - with Vacuum? Is a vacuum system available?
I build custom speakers and I work primarily with 5'x5' sheets of 9 ply (1/2") and 13 ply (3/4") plywood, but I occassionally cut 2" nominal thick wood as well. What kit would you recommend? Are your systems accurate enough to do angle cuts (45 deg?) thanks
The best machine due to the width, will be the greenBull 5x which would have a cutting surface of 5' x 10'. Also our machines with spindle are accurate for 1000's of an inch, and can do 45 degree angle cuts.
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I build custom speakers and I work primarily with 5'x5' sheets of 9 ply (1/2") and 13 ply (3/4") plywood, but I occassionally cut 2" nominal thick wood as well. What kit would you recommend? Are your systems accurate enough to do angle cuts (45 deg?) thanks
I HAVE A SIGN SHOP AND WE NEED CUT ALUMINUM, PLEXIGASS, FOAM AND OTHER MATERIALS FOR SIGNS. CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT MACHINE WE NEED? I LOOKING 4'X8' OR 5' X 10'
The overall size of the machine, really depends on both the area available to you and also the overall size of material being used. Now our larger machines (blackFoot, greenBull, greenLean) can cut all the materials mentioned above, and if equipped with our 2.2kW spindle you will be accurate up to ten thousandths of an inch.
Our greenBull machine does have an option for a long-z axis, that was especially designed to cut foam, but depending on the overall size it might not be a requirement for the specified request.
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I HAVE A SIGN SHOP AND WE NEED CUT ALUMINUM, PLEXIGASS, FOAM AND OTHER MATERIALS FOR SIGNS. CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT MACHINE WE NEED? I LOOKING 4'X8' OR 5' X 10'
Do you offer or can recommend a place where I can buy the Drive Pulley for NEMA 43 Stepper Motor (1586 oz-in 3/4" single shaft) 5.5 Amps?
We don't offer those drive pullies with a 3/4" bore at the moment. We can supply them if you are willing to wait. If so, what is the pulley pitch, how many teeth and the width of the belt.

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Meant to say pulleys, not pullies.
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Do you offer or can recommend a place where I can buy the Drive Pulley for NEMA 43 Stepper Motor (1586 oz-in 3/4" single shaft) 5.5 Amps?
I am looking at buying the blacktooth-laser-cutter-engraver-40w. Can you give me some idea of the types and thickness of material this machine will cut and/or ingrave?
Considering that "materials being lased by may emit gasses that are harmful to humans (corrode human tissue and cause damage to respiratory organs). Always read the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the material to be lased. You can find these MSDS from manufacturer websites for the material you are considering for use in the laser system."
We successfully have worked on Thin sheets of Brasswood, glass, foam, plexi-glass. The thickest materials you will be able to successfully cut is 1/4".
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I am looking at buying the blacktooth-laser-cutter-engraver-40w. Can you give me some idea of the types and thickness of material this machine will cut and/or ingrave?
Would you be able to provide .DWG/.DXF files instead of .NC files for the CNC Routing Machine Kit Version 1.3 please?
These files are no longer available. We suggest purchasing a kit, like the blackToe, or blackFoot as these kits are far more rigid and perform much better.

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/blackToe2x4v40.aspx

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-blackFoot-v4

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Would you be able to provide .DWG/.DXF files instead of .NC files for the CNC Routing Machine Kit Version 1.3 please?
Hi i am interested in the greenBull 6x with Hybrid Laser/Spindle Head (includes Spindle/VFD and Laser Components) - USB Interface (Long Z). I was wondering how much it would cost to get this machine to NZ?
You can use our shopping cart to determine the shipping. Add the machine and the parts you want to purchase, enter your shipping address and click on the Calculate Shipping Button to get a price for shipping. The shipping charges are determined directly from the carriers at the time of pressing that button.

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Hi i am interested in the greenBull 6x with Hybrid Laser/Spindle Head (includes Spindle/VFD and Laser Components) - USB Interface (Long Z). I was wondering how much it would cost to get this machine to NZ?
I'm not sure of ALL the things I will need to do some of my ideas for the cnc machine. I'll mostly be cutting out 3/4" plywood projects. How much minimum for a 5' by 10' system? I need the hardware and software to get the job done. I saw the price for your basic unit 3-4 grand but don't know what all I NEED to start work.
The 5x10 greenBull base kit comes with the structure, hardware, and electronics for motion control. In order to have a fully functional CNC you will need a table base for your machine, a spindle or router to handle your cutting applications, end mills (bits) for cutting, CAD, CAM and CNC software, and a computer. There are also accessories you can add such as limit switches, emergency stops, and cable carrier for cable management. If you are looking for more information or a formal quote please contact sales@buildyoucnc.com
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I'm not sure of ALL the things I will need to do some of my ideas for the cnc machine. I'll mostly be cutting out 3/4" plywood projects. How much minimum for a 5' by 10' system? I need the hardware and software to get the job done. I saw the price for your basic unit 3-4 grand but don't know what all I NEED to start work.
LIMIT SWITCHES FOR AXIS. THE PRINT SHOWS THAT YOU CAN WIRE LIMITS EITHER N.O. OR N.C. SO IF THIS IS CORRECT I WOULD NEED TO TELL BOARD IN SOFTWARE HOW LOOK AT THESE LIMITS, I'M GOING GET AN INPUT LOOSE DEPEND ON IT.
BYCNC Response:
This is correct. You will need to use a method appropriate for the software you are using. Also remember that NC switches are typically wired in series, while NO switches are normally wired in parallel.

User Response:
I am using the cnc planet software for your USB board. Are the limit configurations in this software?

BYCNC Response:
Yes, Planet CNC software is compatible with the use of limit switches. Configuration information will depend on your specific application. You can view Planet CNC's information here: http://www.planet-cnc.com/files/CNCUSBController.pdf
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LIMIT SWITCHES FOR AXIS. THE PRINT SHOWS THAT YOU CAN WIRE LIMITS EITHER N.O. OR N.C. SO IF THIS IS CORRECT I WOULD NEED TO TELL BOARD IN SOFTWARE HOW LOOK AT THESE LIMITS, I'M GOING GET AN INPUT LOOSE DEPEND ON IT.
I'VE BUFFERED A PWM SIGNAL TO 0-10V ANALOG AND I WOULD LIKE USE THAT RUN YOUR 110V 2.2KW SPINDLE VFD. COULD YOU PLEASE DETAIL THE CORRECT WIRING VFD SETTINGS GET WORKING?
This will depend on the VFD you have to identify the correct terminal. The terminal on the VFD will be labeled AI1 typically (Analog Input #1). You will also need to make sure to complete the PWM circuit using the GND terminal on the VFD.

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I have wired my 0-10V signal to the AI1 and GND terminals as suggested. I have also set the PD-01 and PD-02 settings to 1. Still nothing. Is there something else that I am missing?

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Thanks for the information. Can you let me know the model of the VFD that you have?

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VFD Model # YL600-2S-2K20

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Thanks. I will check our resources and documentation to see if there is another programming setting that needs to be changed.

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Does your VFD have a VI terminal?

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No, it does not. The terminals for this VFD are as follows (seperated by dashes "-").

10V-AI1-AO2-PLC-DI5-DI3-DI1-COM
AI2-GND-AO1-DI6-DI4-DI2-FM-24V

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Do you have a PD070 parameter?

PD070 is the main Analog Input parameter.

The options for that parameter is:
0: 0-10V
1: 0-5V
2: 0-20mA
3: 4-20mA
4: 0-10V (4-20mA Stacked)
5: XIA
6: (VI+XIA)/2
7: (3VA+XIA)/4
8: (XIA_XIB)/2
9: Max (XIA, XIB)
10: Min (XIA, XIB)

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There is a PD-00 thru PD-09. PD-07 is currently set to 0.

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It appears that the manual I’m using “Titled YL600” is not the same as your unit. I will check our manuals and find the one that has only PD-00 to PD-09.

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For that VFD, the parameters are P0. The 0 may look like a D on the display.

The parameters that need to be changed for the AI1 to work (Brackets [] around the correct selection):

P0-01: First Motor Control Mode
- 0: Sensorless Vector Control
- 1: Flux Vector Control (FVC)
- [2]: V/F Control

P0-02: Options of Command Source
- 0: Operation Panel Command Channel (LED will be off)
- [1]: Terminal Command Channel (LED will be on)
- 2: Communication Command Channel (LED will flicker)

P0-03: Options of Principle Frequency Source X
- 0: Digital Setting (Preset Frequency P0-08, UP/DOWN modifiable, no power-down memory)
- 1: Digital Setting (Preset Frequency P0-08, UP/DOWN modifiable, with power-down memory)
- [2]: AI1
- 3: AI2
- 4: AI3
- 5: Pulse Setting (DI5)
- 6: Multi Speed Instruction
- 7: Simple PLC
- 8: PID (Proportional Integral Derivative Control)
- 9: Communication Given

P0-11: Upper Limit Frequency Source
- 0: P0-12 (Make sure the P0-12 parameter has the correct max frequency if used)
- [1]: AI1
- 2: AI2
- 3: AI3
- 4: Pulse Setting
- 5: Communication Given

P0-27: Command Source Bundle with Frequency Sources
Single Digit: Options of Operation Panel Command Bundle with Frequency Sources
- 0: No Bundling
- 1: Digital Setting Frequency
- [2]: AI1
- 3: AI2
- 4: AI3
- 5: Pulse Setting (DI5)
- 6: Multi Speed Instruction
- 7: Simple PLC
- 8: PID
- 9: Communication Given
Double Digit: Options of Terminal Command Bundle with Frequency Sources
Hundred Place: Options of Communication Command Bundle with Frequency Sources
Kilobit: Options of Automatic Operation Bundle with Frequency Sources

P2-09: Upper Limit Source of Lower Torque Under Speed Control Mode
- 0: Function Code P2-10 Setting
- [1]: AI1
- 2: AI2
- 3: AI3
- 4: Pulse Setting
- 5: Communication Given
- 6: MIN (Al1, Al2)
- 7: MAX (Al1, Al2)
- Maximum range for options 1-7, accords with P2-10

If you elect to use a different AI#, then configure the parameters (P0-03, P0-11, P0-27 and P2-09) accordingly.
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I'VE BUFFERED A PWM SIGNAL TO 0-10V ANALOG AND I WOULD LIKE USE THAT RUN YOUR 110V 2.2KW SPINDLE VFD. COULD YOU PLEASE DETAIL THE CORRECT WIRING VFD SETTINGS GET WORKING?
can you please clarify exactly what I receive w/ 5' x 10' CNC machine kit and what additional items I would need to have a fully operational machine?
PC with parallel port and USB port
20awg stranded wires for the motors - http://www.buildyourcnc.com/electronicscombo.aspx
18awg stranded wires for power supply to drivers
24awg stranded wires for breakout board to drivers
(location and spacing of components varies from one person to another, so we do not provide cables/wires)
- General purpose extension cord (cut the female end off) to provide power to power supply
- USB cable to power breakout board
- Parallel cable to communicate to breakout board
- Router
- (optional - instead of router) Spindle with power inverter http://www.buildyourcnc.com/SpindlesAndAccessories.aspx
- (if purchasing spindle with inverter) General purpose extension cord (240v) (cut the female end off) to provide power to power inverter
- End Mill(s) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/ProductsEndMills.aspx
- CAD, and/or CAD-CAM software (to produce geometry, machine operations, and g-code) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx
- CNC control software (to read g-code and control machine) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx
- If the machine does not have the table included, then a table will need to be built. The rails, chain and chain mounts are included that are used on this table.

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can you please clarify exactly what I receive w/ 5' x 10' CNC machine kit and what additional items I would need to have a fully operational machine?
Many moons ago (when we were all a lot younger) you offered an export plan that consisted of various combinations of hardware/electronics and SketchUp of the CNC machine. Do you still offer SketchUp of your projects? I bought the new BlueChick and would like to build a roll-around cart for it. I might also wish to make modifications so a SketchUp would be most helpful.
We did give out the plans for our machines many moons ago, but a few winters back we had to cease this practice as the night was young and full of terrors. Unfortunately we no longer offer the .dxf files or g-code files for any of our CNC machines.

To build a roll cart for your blueChick, check out the similar cart we created for our blackTooth laser. (https://buildyourcnc.com/tutorials/Tutorial-sketchup-fabrication-fabricate-cad-cam-dxf).
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Many moons ago (when we were all a lot younger) you offered an export plan that consisted of various combinations of hardware/electronics and SketchUp of the CNC machine. Do you still offer SketchUp of your projects? I bought the new BlueChick and would like to build a roll-around cart for it. I might also wish to make modifications so a SketchUp would be most helpful.
IF I PURCHASE A GREENBULL 6X LONG Z CNC MACHINE KIT AND MACH3, WHAT ELSE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO ASSEMBLE THE WORKING MACHINE? HAVE CAD SOFTWARE.
You will need to build the table unit for your machine. There are instructions on how to do this at the bottom of the product page here, https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-blackFoot-v4
There is no estimate on how much this will cost though, since there are too many variables involved to do this.

- PC with parallel port and USB port
- 20awg stranded wires for the motors - http://www.buildyourcnc.com/electronicscombo.aspx
- 18awg stranded wires for power supply to drivers
- 24awg stranded wires for breakout board to drivers
(location and spacing of components varies from one person to another, so we do not provide cables/wires)
- General purpose extension cord (cut the female end off) to provide power to power supply
- USB cable to power breakout board
- Parallel cable to communicate to breakout board
- Router
- (optional - instead of router) Spindle with power inverter http://www.buildyourcnc.com/SpindlesAndAccessories.aspx
- (if purchasing spindle with inverter) General purpose extension cord (240v) (cut the female end off) to provide power to power inverter
- End Mill(s) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/ProductsEndMills.aspx
- CAD, and/or CAD-CAM software (to produce geometry, machine operations, and g-code) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx
- CNC control software (to read g-code and control machine) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx

This answer is applicable to most of our machines with the exception of the greenLean and the blueChick since those machines are equipped with a table structure.

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IF I PURCHASE A GREENBULL 6X LONG Z CNC MACHINE KIT AND MACH3, WHAT ELSE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO ASSEMBLE THE WORKING MACHINE? HAVE CAD SOFTWARE.
DO NEED TO SQUARE UP THE MACHINE AND IF SO YOU HAVE INSTRUCTIONS OR VIDEO FOR THIS?
The eyebolts are used in the squaring of the machine. I would use a standard carpenters square and first run the end mill along the edge of the square to first make it parallel with the long axis. Then run the end mill along the other edge with the short axis and adjust the eye bolts and chain according to the angle that the machine is out of square.

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DO NEED TO SQUARE UP THE MACHINE AND IF SO YOU HAVE INSTRUCTIONS OR VIDEO FOR THIS?