>
> Date: Mon, 8 Apr 96 06:52:32 EDT
> From: neilson@nando.net (neilson)
> To: rolls@foxtail.com
>
> Subject: Re: Automatic Music Digest 96.04.07
>
> Mark Fontana has given us his roll-editing thesis proposal, and Jody
> has suggested a CO2 laser as the output device.  I've always wondered
> if the system for those laser-cut greeting cards might be appropriate,
> ever since they appeared in stores ten or fifteen years ago.  Anyone
> have a friend or relative who works for Hallmark or their competition?
>

I've looked into the CO2 laser method for recutting original rolls.
There are a number of companies that provide CAM systems for cutting
wood, paper, plastic etc in two or three dimensions.  Most of these
systems can be driven by graphics or CAD packages like AutoCAD or
CorelDRAW and appear to a PC as an HP compatible plotter.  Problem is
they can run you over $20K.

I'll say it for all the experts I've consulted in the roll cutting
business both past and present: The issue is not a technical but
ECONOMIC.  Can you sell enough paper rolls at a price people are
willing to pay to pay for the equipment, supplies (roll boxes, spools,
paper, labels etc.) and show a profit so that the IRS does not accuse
you of being a hobbyist.

Right now, it makes more sense to deal with someone like Tonnesen or
Play-Rite and contract out your production work rather than make a
capital expenditure on which you cannot be assured of sufficient
return.

JMHO.

 -Ed