[xyzpro]

We have a plasma and waterjet machine (still new in the game). Want to purchase something that makes drawing from templates much easier - but at a reasonable price. Digitizers or scanners - which would you recommend. Or are there other methods ? Would be grateful for any advice or product suggestions. Thanks

[Switcher]

What types of projects do you cut on your cnc machines?

How large are the projects?

[xyzpro]

Hi Switcher,

We cut mainly sheet metal and plate and various other materials like tile, glass etc. But mostly metal (gaskets, plates etc).
Largest size would be about 1200 X 1200 mm (4 ft X 4 ft). But most are a lot smaller than that - 600 X 600.
Thanks

[Switcher]

Are they really complex parts/patterns, could you draw them in a CAD program?

Sounds like everything is 2D (plasma/waterjet)?

[xyzpro]

We draw in Autocad - but sometimes people bring in complex templates made from cardboard etc with many radius and curves and those are the parts that take so long to do in CAD. All parts are 2D.
Thanks

[john_t_h]

If you get a copy of one of the Vectric products you could take a photo of the template, import the bitmap then trace vectors. It's a fairly simple process and should require only some minor cleanup in the software.

Asprie and V-Carve can do this, but Cut2D might as well.

[lsalme]

You can trace with Inkscape also and it's free.

[xyzpro]

Thank you all for your advice - will have a look at these options.
Much appreciated