Flatbed Printer Jigs: CNC Laser Cut Formica & MDF

CNCROi.com offers a host of custom products and production techniques, in this case, we'll review Flatbed Printer Jigs: CNC Laser Cut Formica & MDF.

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http://cncroi.com/flatbed-printer-jig...

Jon from CNCROi.com explains the process of creating custom UV printer jigs using both MDF and Formica, materials commonly used for making jigs in various applications. CNCROi.com specializes in custom jigs, providing solutions for clients who require high-quality, precise jigs for different machines such as UV printers, routers, or waterjets. MDF is particularly popular for its ease of use and cost-effectiveness. In this case, the MDF is 1/8 inch (3 millimeters) thick, and Jon highlights that the laser cutting process is ideal for MDF due to its ability to quickly and cleanly cut the material without causing it to swell, which happens when MDF gets wet. While CNC routers are also an option, they are slower compared to lasers, especially for thinner materials like MDF.

Jon demonstrates how masking the back of the MDF helps in ensuring a clean surface for better adhesion, particularly when customers glue the pieces together. He explains that masking is faster and more efficient than sanding, especially when it comes to the back of the jig, where the gluing will take place. The masking tape can be easily removed, leaving behind a smooth surface for further processing.

In addition to MDF, Jon discusses the challenges of working with materials for thinner jigs, such as polycarbonate, which can warp under the heat of laser cutting. This issue is particularly problematic when working with 1-millimeter-thick acrylic, which is too brittle and prone to damage. Instead, Jon turns to Formica, which offers a strong and durable solution. Formica is about half the thickness of MDF, measuring around 1/16 inch (1.2–1.3 millimeters), and it does not warp like plywood. Jon explains that while Formica is challenging to work with due to its tendency to burn when laser cut, it provides an excellent material choice for custom jigs because of its durability and resistance to warping. CNCROi.com uses a high-powered laser (140 watts) to cut Formica effectively, as lower-powered lasers would produce suboptimal results and excessive burning.

Formica, when used in jigs, adds both strength and a unique visual appeal, especially when it has a textured surface. Jon combines two pieces of Formica to create a double-sided material that can be laser cut to shape. He emphasizes that the laser cutting process needs to be precise, and CNCROi.com’s equipment ensures that the material is cut cleanly and efficiently. The backings of the jigs are often made from 1/8 inch MDF, which is easy to clean and ready for gluing or further processing.

Jon also includes the importance of adding crosshatches to the jigs, which provide a reliable reference for production runs, ensuring the jigs are perfectly aligned during use. This feature is especially helpful in maintaining precision when handling multiple jigs in a production environment.

CNCROi.com offers custom jigs for various machines and applications, providing personalized solutions for UV printers, CNC routers, and other machinery. Whether you need a jig for industrial-scale production or a smaller, more precise jig for handwork, CNCROi.com can design and create a jig tailored to your specific needs. For custom jigs of any size, material, or application, contact CNCROi.com for expert fabrication and design services.

We care a custom CNC shop with lots of production equipment both CNC and manual for use across metal, wood, plastic and other materials.

CNCROi.com is a professional custom CNC shop with clients worldwide that can design, engrave, etch, mark, anneal and cut any material for any application in addition to custom design / build solutions.

If you want something CUSTOM by a passionate company that lives and breaths CUSTOM, you want CNCROi.com to make it for you!

We have a full online e-commerce section with model kits and shape ideas as well as a blog with over two thousand articles showcasing our capabilities.

Visit us at http://CNCROi.com for a free no-obligation quote.