UPDATE: back on topic.
In the last two weeks I have contacted 37... Yes, thirty seven ... outfits that advertise laser cutting services. That includes war games companies, craft companies and even bigger industrial outfits.
Many of them advertise a 24/48 hour response time. Only 2 companies have responded in that kind of time scale, with only 11 responses in total after around ten days.
So far I have been told...
"It is not possible to laser cut HIPS." (Response, "It is possible, my current supplier has been doing it for me, if you aren't able to then I understand." Their response "Well f**k off and use him and stop calling me a f**king liar then!")
"We can't cut your geometry files, they are very damaged." (Replied, "can you tell me how damaged, because they have been cut dozens of times before without problem, I can re save or export in other formats if that helps?". Their response "Too damaged to look at. Send us a sketch of what you want and we'll redraw them at £45 per hour.")
"We can't cut 1.5mm plywood because of the glues involved, we don't have the fume extraction. Can this be done in 3mm MDF instead, we use this material almost exclusively." (Replied "I'm surprised as the glues in plywood are much less dangerous than the resins in MDF, besides the thickness of the material is important." Their reply "I didn't know there was resin in MDF?")
"We can't cut this in 1.5mm plywood, as that thickness doesn't exist." (Replied with links. "It's available in lots of places and is commonly used for aircraft modelling. Your website says you are experts in aeroplane model kits, hence why I contacted you." Their response "your kit isn't an aircraft, so we can't get 1.5mm ply. Please redesign your kit for a material that exists.")
"For 10 A4 sheets of your product we are happy to quote £1045 plus VAT, Materials cost and shipping." (Replied, "is this correct? That's over £100 per A4 sheet. Could you look at your calculation please, for this price I could buy a machine for the price of 20 sheets." They replied. "Laser cutting is expensive. You think you can buy a laser cutter for £2000 you go ahead.")
And my personal favourite...
"Sorry but we don't do laser cutting so we can't provide you with a quote." (Replied. "But your website says you do laser cutting on a trotec speedy 400 machine." Their reply "Does it? I thought that trotec was a laser printer.")
So, my experiences here are depressing to say the least. If this is indicative of the approach of these companies then they won't be around long. I admit some of these are big outfits and I'm making an enquiry for very small orders. I also realise that at the other end of the scale, small one man band operations may not have all the knowledge necessary.
The positive news is that I am in discussions with a couple of companies that seem friendly and prepared to help.
So thank you for your recommendations, feel free to add more if you have them.
01 September 2013, 01:49:44 AM