affordable CNC cutting service in the U.S.?

[PaulP]

I'm not sure about compatibility with output files etc but has anyone here used Autodesk Inventor for their sheet metal designs..

It is specifically made for this type of work. Small, simple or complex, brackets and assemblies.

Using simple drawing techniques (must be learnt the basics in about 2 days) you design your 3d sheet metal bracket, tell it the thickness of the metal and type and the radius of the bends and it adjusts the drawing to suit.

When you've finished it, you can 'Flatten' the object ready for cutting and it will take into acount the extra metal need for the bends....

I think you'll find Kondo use it as they've released a 3d model of 2HV in it.

[Apeman]

Not familiar with Autodesk Inventor but I assume that is a CAD program only and cannot do CAM (toolpath). If so... you can design in Autodesk but need to find a CAM program that will take Autodesk output. It is the CAM that outputs the G code (toolpath)

[PaulP]

As Autodesk is the mother company of Autocad, I'm fairly certain that it can export or be converted to pretty much anything on the market..

For many years they were the international standard on this type of thing.

Even if its not the case, because it produces high quality 3d models and takes into account materials and bend radii to produce the 'flattened' product, the dxf or dwg exports would surely be useful in a multi-step process..

I've only had limited experience when it comes to parts manufacture but whenever there has been a problem, nine times out of ten the fault can be traced back to the original model or drawing somewhere.

[PaulP]

Just a thought,,

Has anyone approached the likes of LynxMotion. They seem to carry a stock of standard brackets at reasonable prices, perhaps they would be willing to process a few no-standard ones along with their normal stock runs.

[quasinuker]

http://www.jpspro.com/

http://www.esphobby.com/clod.htm


I'm not sure if this will help but these 2 web sights do custom cnc parts for
the clodbuster electric monster truck which has been around for about 10 years that I know of (I own one myself ) they may be in need of some new blood. There can't be that big of a market on old r/c trucks so maybe if enough people inquire they may be interested in a new market.And if you goto their web sight check out their work. The detail they put into their
product in in short fantastic! I am partial to JPS which are the parts on my clod but ESP does very good work too.
Hope this helps.....and if not ...well maybe ..you'll get hooked on a new toy
that your wife will love to hate you for
quasinuker aka jim

[quasinuker]

Ok
here is another sight I chanced apon that claims to do cnc projects


quickparts.com
877-521-8683
qphelp@quickparts.com


I havn't called myself yet (I just got control of the bridgeport machine at work !! ) so I will call soon , but for those who are looking I hope this will help..............luck
jim