Welcome to AK-Models

AKM

If you build it, it will fly

Economy Laser-Cutting services.

Promotional Discount of 10% given to new Laser Customers at AKM!*

AKM uses state of the Art Universal Laser System for all laser cutting and engraving services. 

Computer controlled Laser can provide cutting accuracy to .003" in balsa, plywood, and many non-metal materials. AKM is dedicated to provide quality work at most affordable prices in fact let us know and we will beat any legitimate job quote by 10%. Most of Laser-Cutting providers charge from $10-15 set-up fees. AKM instead will suggest how to set it up and will NEVER charge for any set-up fees even if we have to do small adjustments to your file. We have a flat shipping rate of $8.95 anywhere in USA, this is for any size of job, big or small. We also understand that quality and price are most important things when comes down to selecting the Laser-Cutting provider. Our services allow the scratch builder and small manufacturers the opportunity to create prototypes and small production runs at most affordable price and keep-up with market's demands for High Quality and Accuracy Kits. Accuracy is the key to building Straight and True Models. For a scratch builders Laser Cutting produces parts with a level of accuracy impossible to obtain by hand made parts.

If you need CAD assistance please contact Derek Staha from Juno R/C at info@junorc.com or William Kaminsky at coosbaylumbercom@yahoo.com or
Please tell them AK-Models referred you. 

Computer Files Guidelines.

AKM uses AutoCAD release 2002 as our primary platform for Laser Cutting. If you use other CAD programs please send us a .DXF format files. You can generate a rib or templates in CompuFoil and send the native files or "Exported" .DXF  files. Here is a link to a FREE Airfoil Generating Program witch is capable of Producing individual ribs and complete rib sets. It is also capable of exporting .DXF files required for Laser Cutting and has 1800 different airfoils.

When sending AutoCAD drawings or .DXF files make sure your file  comply with all mentioned below:

• QUOTES: We prefer not to do quotes as quote takes just as long as a actual cut itself. We offer guaranteed best price, if we fail and someone offers you better price we would beat anyone price by 10% on top of already offered 10% off for new customers. We do this to save our valuable time so we can help all customers in the most timely matter.

• To Help keep laser time and therefore cost down, have as least coordinate points (aka blue grips, nods etc) as possible.

• Keep all parts for each design on 1 file, but they must be sorted in their respective materials and include sheets size quantities and wood type next to each sheet. Use 1" letters to show wood type and quantities. 

• Remove all un-necessary line types, text styles and fonts.

• Make all LASER-CUT LINES RED and all MARKING GREEN (if you choose to have it)

• Use Txt Fonts to mark parts (this can be any size). Do not use filled or double line fonts.

• Check that ALL PARTS, lightning holes, slots etc. have brake tabs to hold them in their wood sheets. NO PARTS SHOULD FALL OUT. For Plywood use 1mm tabs and balsa 2mm. Make brake tabs so they go along with the wood grain it will make it easier to remove parts from the sheets. Best way to make brake tabs in AutoCAD is to use Multiline set accordingly to 1 or 2mm, and use it to trim the parts.

• All parts must be laid-out in 12" or 24" long and 3",4", 6" or 12" (for plywood only) high rectangles that represent the raw balsa or plywood sheets . Please click image below for sample view. Minimum wood use is 1/2 of 24" sheet (for example 3x12 or 4x12 etc.)

• LEAVE 1/8" between part and sheet's edges. THIS IS A MUST! Just of-set wood sheets edges and use it for references.

• From what I can gather,  0.008" is a reasonable estimate for kerf size, so a 0.004" offset should be about right. Ignore this unless you are after most precision fitting.

• Have your name, product description and contact information in the files. YOU FILES ARE TREATED AS "CONFIDENTIAL" AND WILL NEVER BE SHARED OR USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

SEND ALL FILES TO: akm@mchsi.com

This is how file should look like, it also might give you an idea of how much cutting will cost.

Wood Sizes available:

AK Models WILL DO WHAT EVER WE CAN TO BE YOUR SOURCE FOR LASER-CUT PROTOTYPING AND MANUFACTURING.

BENEFITS TO LASER-CUT

• Laser cutting is not as expensive as many modelers might think, in fact it is much cheaper and more convenient than old fashioned Die-Cutting.

• Laser Cutting does not require big expense in fabricating Dies, also parts can be up-dated very easy and at any time. 

• There is no maintenance to you for Laser-Cutting, as it is for Die-Cutting. 

• LASER cut parts are more precise than die-crashed parts. No trimming required.

• You can have your parts placed as close as you like to reduce material waist and cost. Witch means more effective pay-back for your time and effort investment.

• There is no minimum quantity for laser-cutting, one or one hundred can be cut.

Inside look at AK-Models.

* 10% Off Given to new customers for Laser-cutting Services, this includes Laser and wood only, shipping charges remain at 8.95 anywhere in USA.

• Owner: Alex Kolyvanov
• Address: AK-Models
• 1458 Wetherby Dr.
• Iowa City, IA 52240
• E-mail: akm@mchsi.com
• Telephone: (319)358-6911 (8am -12pm Central Time) or Leave a message.
• Fax: (319) 358-1399

© Copyright Protected All Rights Reserved 2000-2005 AKM