The freezing/wax idea seems like it has merit.

My first thought was waterjet.

-Pete
On Jun 17, 2011, at 9:13 PM, RussellMc wrote:

> Looking for a way to most easily, cheaply, quickly, ... cut
> alumin[i]um  softdrink cans (Coke, Pepsi, ...) into two pieces with a
> "vertical" cut. ie left with two U shaped pieces when viewed from top.
> No specs on amount of deformation or roughness of edge etc. Target -
> two half barrels which are not obviously rough edged or deformed.
>=20
> - Two pieces to be as close to halves as reasonably possible (ignoring
> assymetry caused by tab and hole).
>=20
> - Metal not to be bent or deformed. Clean cut with no need for
> smoothing desirable. Minor post cut tidy up OK.
>=20
> - Ease of cutting probably important. Low cost more important than
> speee BUT speed is good. Cottage industry / "appropriate technology"
> method preferred although, if a high tech method was very cheap and
> very fast it may be OK.
>=20
> - Both ends ideally left in place.
> Opened end may possibly be OK to remove.
>=20
> LASER cutting an obvious choice.
> How much power needed? (focus, conductivity, ...)
> Could a properly focused DVD writer LASER be used (bursts balloons but
> seems unlikely)
> That would be an acceptable "high tech" solution.
>=20
> Hacksaw or any hand saw tens to be brutal on such a deformable can.
>=20
> Flame? Hard to be neat or accurate.
>=20
> EDM - electro erosion. Speed? Would work.
>=20
> Maybe slipping over a slit mandrel would work with one end removed.
> End removable greatly undesired if possible.
>=20
> Suitable feed to a suitable high speed blade with good support ...?
>=20
> Blown abrasive cutting?
>=20
> ???
>=20
>=20
>     Russell
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