Sandglass Etching
Sandblasting on Stone
PLOTTERS
Although a plotter cutter
is by no means an essential investment when starting out sandblasting, it can
eventually become an excellent proposition for anyone who finds themselves to be
seriously sandblasting for a living. For the home glass-décor Artist and
ornamentalist working on larger scale projects it could even be considered an
essential tool.
In fact I’m sure many will
agree that the time spent actually sandblasting is often far less than the time
taken on art work preparation and application processes.
WHAT IS A PLOTTER CUTTER?
Basically a “plotter
cutter” or “vinyl sign cutter” is a computer controlled electronic, robotic
device capable of accurately cutting, “one off”, or repetitive outlines of art
designs (or text) to be used as masks or stencil resists for sandblast projects.
Plotters can cut a variety
of commercially available materials including, many different types of vinyls,
rubber masks for stone and deep stage blasting, specialized screen printing
materials for color printing or acid etching, felt cloth materials, some
reflective materials used in the sign trade and for Pen plots on paper, very
useful for line checks or stock design reference sheets.
When they are pushed to
their limits and used to their full artistic potential, they are pixel perfect
in their accuracy of line, cutting resists of a few inches square to fully
designed vinyls meters long.
TYPES OF PLOTTERS
There are many models &
makes of plotter available supporting various widths of material, prices vary
according to make & size but generally speaking some are quite reasonably
priced , there is also a thriving second hand market availability. (see makes below).
New Roland models are basically good and reliable, though not necessarily the
best.
Maximum cutting width and reliability are both important factors to consider.
Pinch Roller fed plotters
are now accurate, to at least 20ft of length cut. Earlier models were
Sprocket fed for accuracy in length, these plotters are used less nowadays due
to “off-cut” waste and set up time. “Weeding out” stencil masks is not
necessarily a chore, it's generally easy and relaxing, though complex, small
designs are best weeded on the glass for better adhesion of smaller areas.
Accuracy is total, double and triple application masks for glue chipping and
stage carving are easily produced, re-sizes, overlays, rubber masks for heavier
sandcarving projects on stone etc,.....and more.
GCC
Cutting plotter
PUMA III, Jaguar IV, RX Series,
cuts thick rubber resist for
sandblasting art glass effortlessly with an amazing level of intricate
detail.
GCC Cutting Plotter tested, can cut accurate, up to 20ft of length (4' x 20').
GCC Jaguar IV, 52"
GCC Puma III, 52"
GCC RX Series
For more information or test machine can contact:
Craft Magic Trading
For more about sandblasting pls visit:
http://www.sandcarver.org/plotters.htm
