The Phlatprinter is a patent pending invention created by Mark and Trish Carew in 2006. This "printer" is designed for cutting out or engraving into sheets of foam.

It's concept is based on a 3 Axis CNC machine with the X axis being the driver roller feeding the foam through the machine. The Phlatprinter was an idea to allow for 2D cutouts to be folded into 3D models.

"One of the great features of the Phlatprinter is that it allows you to change mistakes on your design and tweak the variables of your design and save as you go.

For example, we have hundreds of R/C airplane designs on our computer created in a free 3D program called SketchUp. I can now lay out the parts and print out the plane. At that point, I build the plane and test fly it. If need be, (more often that not) I can make changes to that design and re-print and test fly until I get th plane flying jult like I think it should. Once I have what I believe is a great design, I have the option to see or share my creation with others that own the Phlaptrinter. They simply down-load the Phlatcode, print it out and ta'da', they have a new R/C aircraft to fly :)"

Mark and his wife Trish Carew are R/C kit manufacturers under the company of Phlatboyz, LLC. They created the Phlatprinter to make the process of cutting kits quicker and with precise repeatability.

The Phlatprinter can take a 3D model that has been unfolded to a 2D surface and cut it out. The object can then be refolded in the real world back into it's original 3D shape.

If you have any questions, please contact us (Mark and Trish) on the Phlat Phone (856-417-3377) or by email (phlatboyz@phlatboyz.com)

What materials can the Phlatprinter cut?

While the Phlatprinter was specially designed to cut sheets of foam, fan fold foam to be specific, we have found that it is much more capable than this. It has also cut:

EPP,
Depron (3 MM and 6MM),
1/2" Blue Foam, 1/2" Pink Foam,
1" Blue Foam, 2" Blue Foam, 2" Pink Foam,
Green Guard,
Foam Board,

Balsa,
Airplane Ply,
1/8" Aspen,
Cardboard,
Gatorboard,
someone has even etched glass!

What we are saying is while the Phlatprinter was originally designed to cut sheets of foam, we have all pushed the limits and experimented on many materials. The free software, The Phlatscript, has incorporated a multipass feature. This allows you to take step cuts. In other words, you can cut say 1/16" of the material at a time. This allows you to cut harder materials as it's easier to cut small portions instead of attempting to plunge right through. This is how larger, more expensive, CNC machines operate as well.

Why Choose USB?

- Connect through your USB port rather than a Parallel Port

- Ability to use a lap top

- No need to purchase separate control software (about $175 savings)

- Software includes many features including an import dxf feature which automatically generates the g-code

In order to operate the Phlatprinter and any type of CNC machine, some type of connection is needed to your computer. In the past, a parallel port (printer port) has been utilized. Modern computers no longer include a parallel port. This has forced us to purchase older used computers in order to run the Phlatprinter while we waited for technology to catch up. Finally, the day has come! New technology now allows us to properly run our Phlatprinter directly through a USB port. We can now connect using our modern desktop or lap top!

What software is needed?

- SketchUp (Free Version) and/or any CAD program that can export dxf files

- PhlatScript (Free Open Source Plug in for SketchUp)

- Control Software Free with USB Option

- Without USB Option, EMC2 which is free or Mach 3 is popular and is $175

Is the Phlatprinter a Complete Kit?

- Yes, the Phlatprinter includes everything you need to get you up and cutting

What electronics are used on the Phlatprinter? Are they included?

- 3 axis Mechatronics Driver Board

- 2 Nema 23 Stepper Motors with 166 oz. of torque when wired bipolar

- 24v 6.5 amp power supply

- Planet-CNC USB Board (optional)

Yes! The elecronics are included in our price. Unlike others, we don't strip down our machine and our price to attempt to sell you a "machine" that can't actually be used without these items.

What does the Phlatprinter use to cut the material and is it included?

- Flexible Shaft Grinder and Carver

Similar to a Rotozip and Flex Shaft but this tool offers better housing on the flex shaft to optimize cutting accuracy.

Yes! it is included with the kit.

Since the Phlatprinter 3 has interchangeable face plates (sold separately). The cutting tools are limitless. For example, we have a Sharpie attachment that allows you to draw with a Sharpie pen.

Is the Phlatprinter hard to build?

No! We have designed the Phlatpritner to be easy to build utilizing tab and slot construction. We include a step by step build log video to walk you through the entire process.

Do you need to have previous machine or CNC experience to run the Phlatpriner?

No! The step by step build log videos walk you all the way through to your first cut. If you have any questiosn, you can acces the support forum at www.phlatforum.com

Can the Phlatboyz Machines be shipped internationally?

Yes, we ship international. This is, of course, subject to your specific country's rules and regulations.

Does Phlatboyz.com offer discount to Schools?

Yes! We strongly encourage the purchase of the Phlatprinter for teaching institutions. Please contact us directly for available discounts.

I don't have a PayPal account. Can I still check out using a credit card?

Yes, you can. Please see the step by step instructions below.

Does Phlatboyz, LLC acept purchase orders?

Yes! We are familiar with the purchase order process are are happy to accept them.

Why the name Phlatprinter 3?

The Phlatprinter 3 is the third generation of the Phlatprinter. We designed the Phlatprinter 3 while moving the manufacturing in house. Since we were no longer constrained by a manufacturer who charges by machine time, we could incorporate any design features we chose. We have built the Phlatprinter 3 to be tough and compact. We wanted it to be able to fit all of your needs. You will buy it, most likely, for it's ability to cut foam. Soon after, you will find yourself wanting to experiment with other materials. We have upgraded the machine parts to allow you to be successful with your experiments and maximize customer satisfaction.

Where is the Original Phlatprinter and the Phlatrinter MK II?

We may, someday, bring back the Original Phlatprinter. It's simple design and hardware store parts are ideal for the hobbyist on a budget. However, we would still encourage you to purchase the Phlatprinter 3 as we have applied all of the feedback we received from the Original Phlatprinter into the changes that were made on the Phlatprinter 3. In the long run, for the small difference in price (about $300), we feel that you will be much happier with the Phlatprinter 3. Many who purchased the Original Phlatprinter are now upgrading to the Phlatprinter 3.

As far as the Phlatprinter MK II. We don't have any plans for manufacturing this machine at this time. Although a great machine, the use of the Rotozip and Flex and the fact that the Phlatprinter MK II cuts from underneath, made it necessary to have some type of stand to allow the flex shaft to have manufacturer specific radius clearance. This made it difficult to pack and ship, especially on international orders. The Phlatprinter 3 has addressed this and now cuts from the top. Therefore, any workbench or table will do.

Why the name Phlatprinter?

The name Phlatprinter (meaning Flat and Phat) is just a fun way to say that the printer cuts Flat media to create 3D object and it's Phlat because it's just cool! :)

The name Phlatboyz (meaning Flat and Phat) are remote control aircraft kits that are designed by Mark and Trish Carew. The Phlatboyz came from an attempt to make an airplane that could do a power slide in the air. Kind of like you could do on a bike when you were a kid.

The Phlatboyz kits are a blast to fly IMHO :)

Are there any Phlatboyz near you?

View Phlat Map in a larger map

.020 PETG Plastic

$6.50

Carbon Rod 1.4mm x 1000mm (.055" x 39")

$1.30

Sketchup Basics DVD

$10.00