CNC Flash Cutting

Blaylock Gasket & Packing operates a collection of hyper-precise, in-house CNC Routers – capable of cutting parts smaller than a dime and larger than an automobile. From print to production, CNC cutting is an economical, accurate, and expedient method for creating exceptional gaskets and more.

cnc flash cutting

 

INTRODUCTION TO CNC FLASH CUTTING 

Blaylock’s CNC Routers can cut just about any material you can imagine, including rubber, plastics, foam, sponge, composite sheets, cork, belting, and more. A powerful vacuum holds the material to the surface while the cutting instrument scores, cuts, or etches the material. Blaylock cuts using oscillating blades, drag knives, and precision carbide router bits.

HOW DOES CNC FLASH CUTTING WORK?

Every job on our CNC Flash Cutters begins with a special CAD (Computer Aided Design) file. These files are programmed using vectorized files like DXF or DWG – often provided by our clients. However, our dedicated drafting team can create a DWG or DXF file from your PDF file, description or even an actual part. Many of our customers send us used and abused gaskets and our team can analyze the part and create a professional, precise print. Our team then takes these prints, converts them into CAD router files, and sends them to our experienced CNC operations department. Our computers then place the part on an X-Y axis and the cutting begins.

A HIGH-PRECISION PROCESS CREATES HIGH-PRECISION PARTS

With high-end equipment like our CNC machines, our clients expect terrific parts. Adherence to strict tolerances is becoming the norm in America, and Blaylock’s CNC machines deliver pinpoint accuracy - with a tolerance below .01” possible with many materials. Our ISO 9001:2015 registered quality control team checks every job before it begins, during the manufacturing process, and after job completion.

WHAT MAKES CNC CUTTING IDEAL FOR MY PROJECT?

CNC cutting is a versatile and economical way to make parts for jobs of any size. We cut orders for one gasket and 10,000 gaskets on our equipment. If a client provides us with a DXF, DWG, or PDF of their needed part we can often ship the same day. We take our customer's downtime very seriously and frequently cut jobs within one hour to get partners out of a jam. With CNC cutting, there is no up-front die charge and no delay waiting for a tool to be made. A CNC part can go from print to production in minutes. CNC cutting saves our partner's setup charges, time, and wasted material – all the while delivering clean cuts, tight tolerances, and precision parts.

A WORLD OF MATERIALS TO DIE CUT

If you can name it, we’ve CNC cut it: rubber, foam, plastic, thin metal, cork, fiber, insulation, leather, films, tapes, EMI/RFI, belting, matting, papers, fabric, adhesives, graphite, non-asbestos, cardboard and much more. 


cnc flash cutting

 

PROS & CONS OF CNC FLASH CUTTING

PROS 

CONS 
 SPEED: With CNC cutting there is no wait time for a tool to be made. Parts can be made in minutes. We routinely ship CNC parts the same day they are ordered. 

     SPEED: When it comes to speed, CNC cutting offers the “pro” of getting you your part instantly, but the   “con” is that the cutting process itself can take longer. 

 ACCURACY: Our CNC software uses A.I. to lay out your parts in the most efficient manner. High-end precision components cut parts with tolerances often under   +/- .01”. 

   ECONOMICS: CNC cutting is not expensive. However, if you need a larger quantity of parts or a job that is frequently repeated, there may be more economical ways to manufacture your product. Our team will always figure out the best way to make your parts.

 COST: Most CNC jobs can be cut with zero setup charges. CNC cutting in many instances is also the cheapest way to produce parts – especially for small jobs and MRO repair jobs.   

 

 

 CNC CUTTING GLOSSARY

 

CNC MACHINE: CNC stands for “Computer Numerical Control”. These machines use computers to cut parts using vectorized prints, with coordinates laid out across an imaginary X-Y axis plain. 

 

CAD FILE: CAD stands for “Computer Aided Design”. These files contain the blueprint or schematic for a part's design. They guide a cutting tool, telling it exactly where to go.

 

DWG FILE: DWG is a shortening of the word “drawing”.  These files are the vectorized dimensions of your part. They can be both two and three-dimensional.  Blaylock can instantly convert a DWG file into a CAD file for production.

 

DXF FILE: DXF stands for “Drawing Exchange Format”. In the CNC routing world, these operate almost identically to DWG files. Blaylock can instantly convert a DXF file into a CAD file for production.

 

CNC Cutting is an excellent choice across a wide spectrum of materials. However, Blaylock offers a myriad of ways to create parts. Check out our pages on Die Cutting, Waterjet, Molded Rubber and Plastics, Extrusions, and more.

Contact us today or request a quote and we will put our decades of experience and knowledge to work to help you get the right start on your project.

cnc flash cutting

Massive Gasket cut on Blaylock's CNC machines!

 

Click here to Contact us today or call us at 800.259.8770