[TheForge] optical trace cutting machine

[ries]

Sorry terry, I was going to send some of this to you, but its probably  
better to post here anyway, where all can see.

My optical trace is a C&G Aviator.
They still list Aviators on their website, but show no optical trace  
units, just full CNC ones.
You would have to call em and see if they still will make an optical  
trace unit.

http://www.cgsystems.com/

Koike also makes some optical trace machines.
They dont show a plasma model, but I am pretty sure they make one-  
here is a link to their oxy fuel optical trace machine-
http://www.koike.com/PDF/IKEngBrochure.pdf

http://www.koike.com/Machines/Machine.aspx?MachineID=42

pretty much all optical trace machines use an old GE designed HL8  
electric eye, so they are all pretty similar.

Here are some used ones, for example-
these guys have a Linde, good product, that has both optical trace and  
a cnc controller, for $14k- pretty decent deal-
http://www.nacuttingsystems.com/fabrication.htm

MG, Linde, Esab, C&G, Koike, and several other companies all made  
machines that look a lot alike. They are simple, sturdy machines. I  
would guess that in the midwest, there should be used ones available  
in the under $10k range, if you look around.

ries


On May 8, 2009, at 11:27 AM, terry l. ridder wrote:

hello;

i have been trying to google to find information on optical trace
sutting machines. these are not the typical cnc plasma cutting machines.
there are basically a 1:1 pantograph that follows a line drawing to cut
the part. just a photoelectric eye keeps the cutting machine following
the line drawing.

there are typical less expensive than the cnc plasma cutting machines.
the current plasma cutter is one that i built over many years and it
shows it. also to reduce enviromental concerns we are looking at having
a water table for the plasma cutter.

i have talked with several theforge e-mail list members and i have to
agree with them that i keep falling into the 'i have to do it all
myself' trap. i do not have to build the plasma cutting machine. i do
not even need to have a state-of-the-art cnc plasma cutting machine.
what i need to an optical trace cutting machine. a machine that will
follow a black line drawn on tabloid size paper to cut out the item
required. this is much faster than draw it in a cad program , reduce to
g-code, feed to the cnc machine.

would anyone have some links for information on optical trae cutting
machines?

-- 
terry l. ridder ><>
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Ries Niemi
Industrial Artist
http://www.riesniemi.com/