What is cutting and milling?
Cutting and milling are both forms of subtractive manufacture. Subtractive manufacturing is the process of machining a model by removing material from a piece of material, larger than the final product you are making.
There are many different types of subtractive manufacture, that all use different methods and have different applications. See below for the cutting and milling machines available at uCreate.
What types of cutting and milling are available at uCreate?
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Laser cutting uses a high powered laser beam, which is focussed onto the material from above, to either cut (known as a vector cut) or to only partially cut through the material in order to create a visible pattern (known as a vector or raster engraving).
The uCreate laser cutter is the Epilog Fusion Edge 24, a 50W CO2 with a maximum cut size of 600 x 600mm.
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CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling, uses a fast spinning drill bit on a motorised head to cut away material from a block of material.
The uCreate CNC mill is the Nomad 3 Desktop CNC.
Cut area: 8”x8” (20.3cm x 20.3cm)
Maximum cut depth:1.5” (3.8cm)
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Vinyl cutting uses a small blade on a motorised head to cut through thin sheets of vinyl sticker sheets.
The uCreate vinyl cutter is the Graphtec CE7000, it can also be used as a pen plotter.
What could I use cutting and milling for?
The three different cutting and milling machines have different applications. See the individual knowledge base pages for more details.
Laser cutting is used for cutting any 2D shapes out of thin sheets of laser safe material. These 2D pieces can be joined together to produce 3D objects.
CNC milling is used for cutting 3D shapes out of blocks of material.
Vinyl cutting is used for cutting stickers, multiple colours of vinyl can be combined to create multi-coloured designs. The vinyl cutter can also be used as a pen plotter. Please note that we do not have any facilities to print onto sticker paper at uCreate.
How can I access and learn to use the cutting and milling equipment?
In order to use the laser cutter and CNC mill, you must have completed the corresponding training. These are bookable via our events calendar.
Once you have completed the training, you will be able to book the equipment on the uCreate booking site, SISO.
No training sessions are offered for the vinyl cutter. Take a look at the vinyl cutter knowledge base page, the printed handout (kept near the cutter) or ask a member of staff.
