AlHutchinson, Author at APA21

Rabbit Laser USA Review

AlHutchinsonAugust 6, 2014

If you review this company you will discover that two similar sites come up: RabbitLaserUSA.com and RabbitLaser.com. I cant say much about RabbitLaser.com – other than it’s unquestionably a Chinese laser company. I would assume it is affiliate with the USA site. RabbitLaserUSA.com is an Ohio based company offering a variety of imported laser machines with an emphasis on CO2. Nothing fancy from their website other than pretty decent info on their systems. The appear to be imported laser machines with Chinese software, laser tubes, etc. But, USA support is better than overseas. So, the value added cost is well worth it. Seem to be a small outfit with basic part inventory availability. You mostly find advertising, reviews, and feedback within online forums. Seems to be several pitchmen that pop up in almost every laser discussion to promote Rabbit.

The control system and software is not the best: Leetro 6535 and LaserCut 5.3. This software is Chinese and know for being buggy and hasn’t been updated in a while. The manual will take some effort to work through. The software requires an external USB drive / ‘dongle’ to operate. What’s good is their website has numerous complimentary manuals to help with operation.

The LaserCut software manual:

https://www.nova-labs.org/wiki/_media/manuals/lasercut5.3_manual_v1.6.pdf

“The whole reason I went with Rabbit is the fact that Ray delivers, installs, adjusts, test, installs software and does a sample before leaving.” – CNC Zone

“All the caps in the world won’t get Ray out to Warranty a mechanical defect. I’m glad you’ve had a great experience with Rabbit. Obviously you haven’t needed anything covered under warranty.“

http://www.yellowpages.com/middletown-oh/mip/rabbit-laser-usa-460119580

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/general-laser-engraving-cutting-machine-discussion/39549-met-frank-rabbit-laser.html

Looking for a CNC machine for sale?

AlHutchinsonApril 16, 2014

More than a few buyers stumble into a competitive market looking for a CNC machine for sale only to find themselves confused, disillusioned and ultimately disappointed. This is mainly due to the fact that their search is random and unfocused without much knowledge or thought of exactly what their application really needs. The result is they end up researching or buying very cheap (expensive) machines that do not give them value or the tools they need to get their projects done. Key considerations have to be analyzed in order to make a sound and profitable investment when looking for a CNC machine for sale. The following questions will help one choose the most suitable machine.

Whats the point of a CNC machine?

Before searching for a CNC machine for sale, take a little time to really evaluate the reasons for buying one. This will help you select the best machine. It is important to establish whether one is replacing existing equipment, adding the capacity of the existing one or upgrading the current ones available. Whatever the reason, it is important to keep the objective clear. For example, purchasing excess CNC Lathes when one requires CNC mills will make one end up with fewer machines that they require and overpay for those they will not use. Moving into new markets also warrants an extensive research on the machines to buy and their prices.

2. What kinds of materials are being machined?

The materials you process will more than likely help you to determine the size machine you need. Easier-material to machine like wood or aluminum sheets under 4×8′ does not require a huge complex piece machinery. Since they an easier to machine, a light-duty piece of equipment is suitable. However, harder materials such as titanium and stainless steel will require more stable and heavy-construction machinery. The machines must have a powerful spindle drive to maintain high spindle speeds and feed rates. A CNC machine today offers a wide variety to choose form depending on the parts being created. The CNC plasma miller is a good choice to operate light material with. For tougher machinery the CNC is appropriate due to its stable high-powered spindle speeds. I have recently discovered that a laser cutter company Boss Laser is building both a spindle and laser in one. I don’t have any of the particulars as to how the 2 will work on the same gantry but it’s a very intriguing concept of adding a useful tool that will open up other opportunities.

3. What tolerances do your projects require?

When producing close-tolerance parts, a very stable and rigid machine is required. The machine should incorporate a powerful structure and design to produce parts at a high speed but while maintaining the accuracy of the parts. Temperature variations are bound to occur when production is ongoing. It is important to look for a device that will monitor the temperature to either allow increase or decrease of the machine speed. CNC routers are very good when considering this factor.

4. How much material does one need to produce?

The materials and production speeds will determine the type of CNC machine to be purchased. When looking for a CNC machine for sale today, the production rates of parts dictate the machine to be bought. For materials such as cast iron the machines chosen should have an adequate horsepower, torque and heavy duty construction. Machines such as the CNC Turret Punch are a wise choice for this job.

5. How complex are the parts to be produce?

There are more sophisticated multi-faced parts such as turbine blades, impellers and airframes that require a greater number of operations. These parts can be produced by using multiple CNC machines but it is always better to use a multi-purpose machine. The most common machines that facilitate the functioning of more than one CNC machine in a single one are the vertical machining centre (VMC). They are capable of up to a 5-axis machining functionality. The multi-purpose lathe is another good functionality combined machine. The advantage these machines offer is that they require fewer costly fixtures and specialized tools, reduce operator time per part, and increase spindle usage and provide flexibility of parts.

6. Are the parts being produced associated with each other?

A CNC machine comes with more interactive controls that help in reducing setup times, manage production schedules and monitor material usage. All a person does it to set the parameters for the associated parts and the machine writes a program to facilitate the production of all of them. All this will lead to better productivity and profitability. The best machines come with a swivel Head Rotary Table and a Travelling column. The VMC machines are the ideal ones to buy when looking for these features.
With the right answers to these questions, one will be in a better position to purchase better machines when looking for a CNC machine for sale. It is important to ensure that the investments people make are worth it to ensure long-term profitable investments.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerical_control

See laser cutters engravers here:
http://www.oxfordlasers.com

Automation Technologies Inc Reviews: High Precise!

AlHutchinsonMarch 21, 2014

Automation Technology is based out of Streamwood, IL. They sell mostly cnc machines, parts and co2 laser cutters and parts.

Automation Technologies, Inc Review Links:

http://www.cnc-arena.com/en/forum/my-new-kl6060-desktop-cnc-router-initial-review–177687.html

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/open-source-cnc-machine-designs/152736-automated-technologies-inc-dealt.html

http://www.cnc-arena.com/en/forum/g-weike-storn-600-direct-weike-full-spectrum-hobby-5-any-advice-appriciated–201378.html#post1485175

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/general-laser-engraving-cutting-machine-discussion/302322-chinese-manufacturers-local-distributors-usa-2.html?s=65ed451c26ae0f1822e8984f0f212754

Customer Testimonials

https://www.bbb.org/chicago/business-reviews/information-technology-services/automation-technology-inc-in-hoffman-estates-il-88649579

What has me confused with this outfit is the U.S. address. At the same time I get a strong Chinese vibe on their website and especially email conversations.

Even though they’re based out of a suburb of Chicago, Illinois but it was apparent that they’re “flipping” lots and lots of imported machines and parts. Almost a broker of sorts only using a U.S. address. Word out on forums at the time of this writing is they’re a ‘no frills’ type company shipping items in short order but without documentation. Complaint from feedback above is inconsistent local supply of parts and ongoing support.

When I contacted AT I got help and email support. But, their machinery is akin to buying a “40W HIGH PRECISE laser carving machine” on eBay.

Every time I asked about a specific machine I was told there was only 1 left and that more would come next week but of course a more expensive model was readily available. The prices were very cheap…VERY cheap.

TIP: Never buy baby blue $870 “laser engravers”.

Software on their imported machines is Chinese Logo Work which is similar to Lasercut, not terrible but dated and a very limited in terms of what files it will work with. I’ve worked with LaserCut 5.3 some but I much prefer Laser Works. In the end my personal Automation Technologies review is that sometimes cheap can get expensive real quick.

I’d do a due diligence on this company before buying any machine. Here’s their actual return policy – 5 words:

2 REASONS FOR RETURNS:

-Wrong Item Shipped
-Deffective Item

* All returns must be authorized. *

But, what if don’t like the “item”?

Could be wrong but the “company address” is stated as a mailing address?

[I]Mailing Address:

Automation Technology Inc.
2104 Stonington Ave,
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

My suggestion would be to look at more reputable U.S. laser cutting companies that manufacture their machine in house such as Epilog, Trotec, Universal, Trumpf that offer a better quality machine, software, support tech’s that show a history and a warehouse to visit as there are quiet a few to choose from as reviewed throughout this blog.

Epilog Laser Review

AlHutchinsonFebruary 3, 2014

Below are a couple links I found helpful with this Epilog laser review. I’ve found them and Universal a little over kill on price due to the extra features and CNC milled parts all done in the USA. Feel free to leave your comments.

http://www.signs101.com/forums/showthread.php?58487-Universal-vs-Epilog-laser

http://www.engraversjournal.com/article.php/2743/index.html

What is CNC Laser Cutter

AlHutchinsonSeptember 15, 2013

CNC stands for ‘Computer Numerical Control’. That means computer has the ability to change the design patterns into numbers, produced by Computer Aided Design Software (CAD). These converted numbers control the movement of the cutter. In this way, computer controls the cutting and engraving of the objects.

http://www.apa21.org/2013/04/factors-to-consider-when-looking-for-a-cnc-machine-for-sale/

A CNC Laser Cutter allows for extremely precise cutting and engraving of many materials such as wood, foam, concrete, different metals and many others. It contains a sharp and pointed router to produce clean and exact cutting of the material. This sharp cutter can even cut most organic materials and depending on the power metals as well.

This process of cutting is controlled by the computer system in which the required software and hardware are installed. In big industries, a high powered laser cutter is often used to cut sheet and piping materials. Different companies use this technique to increase their outcome. Because less men power is required for this technique and it consumes less time to laser the material in efficient way than the older process to cut the objects. You can attach this machine with your desktop to make designs and images.
High laser beam is required to obtain a clear and clean material. But the amount of laser cutting power is depending on the thickness of the material. It is the most easy and efficient way to laser or cut the materials.

The use of modern Technology has increased in last few decades. These technologies have made everything easy. CNC Laser Cutter allows you to make different patterns and designs on different materials. Some parts of jeweler are also designed and cut by using this technique. There are several methods that are used in cutting using lasers and such methods may include vaporization, melt and blow, melt blow and burn, thermal stress cracking, scribing, cold cutting and burning stabilized laser cutting.
This machine is easy in use and to handle. But a lot of concentration is required to control this machine. It is a safe mode of working especially in industries.

In CNC laser cutter mirrors and lenses are also installed and aligned. After which you can also design create different colors across all types of materials. Pulsed lasers is also a great factor that is very effective in Laser cutting processes specially piercing, or when very small amount of cutting speed is required. The technology of laser cutter is more precise and consumes less energy for cutting metal sheets than plasma cutting. But the maintenance of the machine is very necessary. It should handle with great care. By using CNC laser cutter we are able to design different wooden frames and there are unlimited opportunities for us to deal with this new technology in a useful manner. It increases the productivity of any company. In less time, it gives more outcomes with a small amount of men power. CNC Laser Cutter is very affordable and useful as well. This machine has a high processing speed. You can cut and engrave the material with the same machine. It has made human life easy. The worker has no direct contact with the machine tools; the machine can be controlled through operating system and by pushing just a single button.

CNC machine for sale

AlHutchinsonMay 9, 2013

read more about CNC machine for sale here

What is a CNC machine?

AlHutchinsonMay 9, 2013

Check more details about “What is a CNC machine?” here.

CNC Machine

AlHutchinsonFebruary 12, 2013

Â NC or “numerical control” machines are relatively speaking new mechanical tools programmed and encoded by software that began around the 1940s and 1950s. Existing machine tools were modified with motors moving specific controls to precisely follow coordinates fed into the system. Many of the early servomechanisms Â became augmented with analog and later digital computers,Â eventually leading to the modern day CNC machine which stands for computer numerical control.
CNC machines are automated milling Â tools that in turn create industrial components as detailed by a computer aided design without direct human intervention.

Today most CNC machines operate as milling machines, lathes, laser machine or even CNC grinders. Â Â These machines work to quickly and Â automatically engrave, route, or cut materials, including wood, plastics, Â and other materials. Â CNC machines used in major industry whether its for woodworking or metal can be sizeable (as many as 5 axis). Also, there are small CNC laser machines used by small businesses or hobbyists used for smaller design creatives. Â CNC mechanical benefits include the fact that they can be used with various types of engravers or cutters such as those that utilize CO2 lasers, water, and even plasma.

APA21CNC Laser Reviews