Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any Phlatboyz near you?

What is a Phlatprinter?
The Phlatprinter, is a patent pending invention created by Mark and Trish Carew in 2006. This is a "printer" 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 drive roller feeding the foam through the machine. The Phlatprinter was an idea to allow for 2D cutouts to be folded into 3D models. Most of the machine parts can be locally purchased at a hardware store with the exception of a few pieces.

  " 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 to save as you go.

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

Mark and his wife Trish Carew are an RC kit manufacturer under the company of Phlatboyz, LLC.  They created this machine 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 it can cut the 2D surface and the object can then be refolded in the real world back into its original 3D shape. 

 If you have any questions please contact us (Mark and Trish) on the Phlat Phone
(856)417-3377 or email to phlatboyz@phlatboyz.com .  We are using a new shopping cart system.  If you have any difficulty checking out, please contact us.  We are working on improving our website and appreciate your feedback.

What are the differences between the Original Phlatprinter and the Phlatprinter MK II?

Original Phlatprinter 

• The original Phlatprinter is 31" X 12" X 15". 
• It uses a Dremel for it's cutting tool. 
• The maximum cutting width is 22" and it is able to accept 2" thick material and cut 1 3/4"! 
• There are reports of speeds from 15 - 40 inches per minute from existing Phlatprinter owners. 

Phlatprinter MK II

• The MK II is the second generation of the Phlatprinter. 
• It is 36" wide by 22 1/4" deep by 48" high. 
• The MK II sports a Rotzip RZ1 with a flex shaft attachment which are both included in the MK II Components Kit! 
• The maximum cutting width is 27 1/2" wide and it is able to accept 2" thick material and cut all the way through it! 
• The MK II is capable of speeds of 200 inches per minute or more on all three axis!

What material can the Phlatprinter cut?

We have cut fan fold foam, depron, EPP, 1/2" blue and pink foam, 1" blue and pink foam, 2" blue and pink foam, cardboard, gatorboard, 1/16" light ply, balsa wood, and poster board.  Of course, using multiple passes, cutting a little material with each pass, the possiblity of cutting thicker and harder materials may be a reality.  Please keep in mind, the Original Phlatprinter uses a Dremel for it's cutting tool and the Phlatprinter MK II is uses a Rotozip. The Phlatprinter was specially designed for cutting sheets of foam.  Other materials successfully and accurately cut are a bonus and guyz are successfully cutting new materials all of the time.

Is the Router included with the Phlatprinter Kit?

Yes!  The Original Phlatprinter Kit includes a 110v Dremel and the Phlatprinter MK II Kit includes a 110v Rotozip RZ1 and Flex Shaft.

How much is the software?

Most of it (maybe all) is FREE!  We use the Free version of Google Sketchup to design our 3D models.  We have created (with the generous help of many volunteers) a Free SketchUp plug in called the PhlatScript which is used to output the code that is needed to tell the Phlatprinter how to cut the model.  You will need control software.  We use Mach3.  It processes the actual code and sends it to the driver board (part of the electronics).  It costs $175.00 and can be purchased on the Phlat Store as well.  Mach3 is a very robust program and much less expensive than most others.  There is an alternative program which is called EMC2 and it is Free.  It's Linux based but does have a live CD which would allow you to run it on Windows.  There
are a group of Phlat Club members currently using EMC2 and they seem very happy with it.

What are the stepper motor specifications?

MFG: ORIENTAL MOTOR
P/N VEXTA PK266-02A
COIL: 3.6V/2A/1.8ohms/2.5mH
TYPE: 2Phase Unipolar, 6 lead
STEP ANGLE: 1.8deg.
166oz/in holding torque (bipolar), 1/4" X 3/4" flatted steel shaft. 4 corner bolt holes. 12" leads. L: 2-3/16" (Body) SQ: 2-3/16" WT: 1.6

Is the Phlatprinter hard to build?

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

Do you need to have previous CNC experience to run a Phlatprinter?

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

Do we ship international?

Yes!  If the United States Post Office ships to your country, so does Phlatboyz, LLC.   Unfortunately, the Phlatprinter MK II stand is not shipped internationally.

Does Phlatboyz.com offer discounts to Schools?

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

Does Phlatboyz, LLC accept purchase orders and can all needed items be included on one purchase order?

Yes!  We can include an entire order (including the electronics) on one purchase order.  Please contact us to work out the details.

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 objects and Its Phat because its 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, kinda like you could do on you bike when you were a kid.

The Phlatboyz kits are a blast to fly IMHO :)

PhlatCode - Is a type of xyz coordinate language that lets your computer tell the machine where to cut, how fast ect..