I have never had work done by these type of machines, so I was wondering what type of finish and tolarances one can expect from a half decent machine?
How are jobs normally quoted, by length of cut and material, or machine time etc?
I need two parts made from plain sheet steel, one from 12 to 14 gauge and another from 5 gauge and trying to find the best process to use. Both items will be in the 1000+ quantity per batch (whatever fits in a 8 x 4' sheet). Both will need to be nickel plated once fabrication is complete. Flatness is not critical but a smooth nearly square edge is desirable (especially on the 5 gauge part). Desirable tolerances are in the range 15 to 20 thou but could live with a bit lower for most of the cuts.
The first part (14 gauge) is about 4" by 2" and moderate in shape completity. Looks like a question mark with one 0.150" hole and 4 x1/8" holes.
The second part (5 gauge) is simple in shape 4.5" long and 1/2" wide and resembles an arrow head in shape. The base of the head will need to be bevelled at 45 degree which means a 5 axis machine will be required. Alternately the 45 degree can be done as a second process.
Both items will need post processing to attach other parts etc and a CAD drawing can be made available. Can also translate to G-Code.
I am located on the North West Coast for shipping purposes. These are fairly cost sensitive articals.