scoop10 Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 Anyone have any experience cutting polycarbonate lips with any kind of a stamp press? Will it actually cut with such a press? A buddy says he can get me a hand press that will produce 500 lbs of pressure, but I'd have to get a machine shop to create the dies. I don't really know anything about these kinds of presses, so any advice would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 Yes, you can do this. I do not have a press but I do know that it can be done. I really don't think that 500lbs. is enough pressure to cut it. Also the polycarbonate can be no more than 1/8th inch thick. Really it needs to be about half of that. You need to have a perfect drawing of the lip and get a good machinest to make the stamp. The stamp should cost you between 80 and 180 bucks. Also remember that the stamp will have to be made to fit the press that you buy. Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuff-Tackle Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 I've got dies for three different lips that stamp 1/16th lexan. They work really well but cost alot to have made. I've got $1150 in three sets of dies and two die shoes....not counting hydraulic press. Tuff-Tackle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 What is a die shoe? Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuff-Tackle Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 The shoe is what holds the two die halfes so they stay in perfect alignment....then the shoe goes in the press. Tuff-Tackle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 So then your actual cutter is in two halves, then the shoe lines up the two halves, and holds them together. Then that is put into the press? Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuff-Tackle Posted July 3, 2005 Report Share Posted July 3, 2005 That's right....I'll try and post a picture of it tomorrow. Tuff-Tackle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter Posted July 4, 2005 Report Share Posted July 4, 2005 Thanks, it would be interesting to see. Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuff-Tackle Posted July 4, 2005 Report Share Posted July 4, 2005 Skeeter, You can probably get an idea how everything works by looking at these. Tuff-Tackle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuff-Tackle Posted July 4, 2005 Report Share Posted July 4, 2005 Here's three more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter Posted July 5, 2005 Report Share Posted July 5, 2005 BEAUTIFUL!!! Do you know how much pressure the die is using to punch out the lip? Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackjack Posted July 5, 2005 Report Share Posted July 5, 2005 Mark do you think those punches and press would be able to punch out circuit board?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpoRoller Posted July 5, 2005 Report Share Posted July 5, 2005 Thanks for the pictures Tuff! I thought all one would need is a press and a die to cut the lips out. That is why I joined the Army and didn't go to Engineering School! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoop10 Posted July 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2005 thanks for the info guys. So Tuff-Tackle, how much did the press itself cost, and how is it powered? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuff-Tackle Posted July 5, 2005 Report Share Posted July 5, 2005 Skeeter, I'm not sure how much pressure it's taking.....I use a hydraulic jack. BlackJack, Send me a small piece of the circuit board we'll see what it does. Tuff-Tackle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onlybass Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 It is not necessary to have a hydraulic press.You need a male punch that is shape of lip and it will slip fit (can feel "suction" or air resistance as part is slid through) into female shape.The female shape must have a slot near the bottom so that you can insert your lip material and room beneath the slot so the lip can "drop" as it is cut/punched,but the punch does not fall through.After punching lip slide female part over a hole/table edge to push lip out.I would suggest A2 for steel,both parts to be heat treated,female shape should be made by EDM(electical discharge machining).Find a shop/machinist that does alot of die work.To punch out lips you will set the male part on top of your lip material and strike the top of the punch sharply with a metal hammer.Looks very much like the 2nd picture from the top.Just remove male punch from block.Pieces do not need to be so tall,although male punch should be taller than female cavity for easy removal.Estimating towards the high and at $50/hr,$300 to $400 should get a couple cavities(can be different shapes) and mating punches if you are going through the shop.Maybe deal with an individual and barter if he fishes.A good trade school can be cheap labor if they have the equipment and a skilled instructor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Brush Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 Should work ok with a 6 ton shop press. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=4711 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
