Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 23:01:23 -0500 To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org From: Joe <joe-AT-dunfee.com> Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] foam patterns >By the way, the laser discussed earlier could very easily cut this type >of foam, though you'd need a laser with a big cutting area. > >Cheers, >DMCG Another method of mass-producing this type of thing is a dye. Basically, this type of dye cutter is a block of wood with a strip of metal put onto one side to outline the shape. In use, this dye is placed into a press, and is forced down on the material being cut. A friend made plastic animal carriers this way. The cost of the original dye is based on how many inches the outline is. His was made (about 15 years ago) for only about $40. The cost for stamping out the material was also pretty low cost, even for fairly low quantities. (sorry, I don't recall the price). I considered this as a method of mass-producing foam shapes for kids to use to make puppets (like the pattern you are considering using). But, I decided that having the kids cut the pattern out was part of the learning process that I didn't want to eliminate. I am not sure where to refer anyone to if you are interested in this process for foam or even shadow puppets. I know the printing industry sometimes uses this process to make custom shaped paper cutouts. So, there is the best place to start. Joe Dunfee joe-AT-dunfee.com Gordonville, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. _______________________________________________ List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org Admin interface: http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org Archives: http://www.driftline.org
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