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I need to make a flat plate with some holes in it for a switch panel. I've tried 3D printing it but (1) its slightly too big for my printer so needs done in parts; (2) its a very large flat area which means it tends to curl up at the corners (probably all the worse because its close to the edges of the printer).
Rather than persevere with more printer settings (the print job is 10+ hrs long so trial and error is frustrating), I've decided to use a more suitable technique. Essentially I want a plate (could be plastic, aluminium, steel etc - its not structural but will be on display so needs to look nice, black would be ideal but I can paint it) with a bunch of holes* which is about 25x22 cm roughly. And another smaller part about 12cm x 3cm (IIRC). [*mix of circles and rectangles]
I have it drawn in CAD. Can anyone recommend a service I can send it to who can quickly bang out a one off for not too much money?
What do you mean by not-too-expensive? Sounds perfect for laser cutting from stainless steel plate. Most places have a minimum order charge of £70 (or more), but the part value will probably be less than £10 - if you can find someone with an account or able to tag on to a bigger job?
There are quite a few places that will allow you to order online.
Like here:
https://xometry.uk/laser-cutting/
or here:
https://www.andoverlaser.co.uk/
It's hard to make specific recommendations, as it will be highly location dependent.
There's a firm in Baldock called L&C Precision who do a lot of stuff for us and are top-quality. Not the cheapest though.
https://www.l-cprecision-eng.co.uk/
And I used to use Paxton Sheet Metal in St Neots (assuming they're still going), but that was years ago at an old job. Great bunch of guys though & competitively priced, although they would farm out any laser cutting of parts.
I've used a chap I found on ebay a couple of times..... good service and well priced.
What do you mean by not-too-expensive? Sounds perfect for laser cutting from stainless steel plate. Most places have a minimum order charge of £70 (or more), but the part value will probably be less than £10 – if you can find someone with an account or able to tag on to a bigger job?
I guess I was hoping less than the £70, but I wasn't expect it for a tenner either. I was assuming / hoping that there were places set up for doing this as on-line type orders rather than the sort of place that has minimum orders or accounts. I've used some machine shops for work stuff in past lives but am pretty sure that this job is too small for them. I'll take a look at sharkbait's guy. Thanks.
Yeah, I had 4 x 6mm mild steel plates laser cut and holes made for £23 + postage (was a few years ago though).
I’m I right thinking you’re in Edinburgh OP?
maybe try Edinburgh Open Workshop - either join and do it yourself or their rates a pretty good for doing it for you
Would IKEA chopping boards work? Easy to cut, drill and shape, I’ve used them for lots of different projects and spray painted they look quite smart!
From your description a sign company could cut it from a piece of DiBond
I've used a company called LaserMaster down in Cornwall for some similar sized sheets in 2.5mm Aluminium recently. The larger one was about £20 and the smaller one £4.
I email them my drawing, they send me a quote. I pay over the phone then they post it out to me. They've never mentioned a minimum order charge, but I tend to save up a load of bits and order them all at once. Postage always seems to be just less than a tenner, no matter how much I order.
Remember that there will probably be the need for some hand finishing of sharp edges, etc.
I think they only do metal, but there are other companies out there who will cut plastic sheet, which might be a better material for your usage.
From your description a sign company could cut it from a piece of DiBond
This is exactly what I was going to suggest. Plus you'd get nice labels for your switches chucked in to the price.
I’m I right thinking you’re in Edinburgh OP?
maybe try Edinburgh Open Workshop – either join and do it yourself or their rates a pretty good for doing it for you
I'm in the lothians but not auld reekie itself (although pre-covid I was daily), but close enough... I will investigate.
From your description a sign company could cut it from a piece of DiBond
I'll explore this - I think it might be too thick - but perhaps I'm not thinking of the right stuff.
Premier Laser in Corby, use them regularly for small batch stuff and they are excellent.
maybe try Edinburgh Open Workshop – either join and do it yourself or their rates a pretty good for doing it for you
I’m in the lothians but not auld reekie itself (although pre-covid I was daily), but close enough… I will investigate
One advantage of EOW compared to any other commercial alternatives locally is they are open into the evening and at weekends so a bit easier to deal with if you're doing something outside of your own work hours - even it its just to pick the job up
From your description a sign company could cut it from a piece of DiBond
I’ll explore this – I think it might be too thick – but perhaps I’m not thinking of the right stuff.
Dibond is a piece of nylon sandwiched between two thin skins on powder coated aluminium - total thickness is 3mm IIRC. A sign maker would be able to direct print onto it as welll as cut the shapes