Duplo PFI Blade B3 vs Iecho PK 0604

[Eric Boucher]

Hi, we've been running a Duplo PFI Blade B3 for a couple months now and the machine performs just fine, actually above our expectations. We are now in need of a second or maybe even 2 more machines to accommodate our production needs. I would go with the Duplo machine without hesitation if not for one thing; its noise. The vacuum pump sounds like a jet engine, with both a low vibration and high pitched hissing sound. We run the machine all day long without any pauses and I can't imagine adding 2 more!

I did some more research (wish I did before...) and found the Iecho machine and had a demo. The machine is completely silent, just like a basic photocopier. I measured it at 72 db (against 81 for the Duplo), and that's just when it picks up a sheet and the suction kicks in.

It seems to perform just like the Duplo machine as far as I could see. On the plus side you can get an oscillating tool which we don't need but I'm sure having it would give us some ideas. On the down side the Ibrightcut software looks a bit clunky.

I was wondering if anyone was running that machine and could pitch in their opinion on both the machine and software. Or if anyone had managed to silence their PFI Blade. I was thinking if we run 3 machines, we could have a central vacuum pump in the basement and hook all 3 machines to it, I don't if that's technically possible.

Thanks!

 

[SoggyWinter]

You might look into getting some acoustic panels that are used in sound studios to dampen the pump noise. If you go that route, pay attention to the vaccuum pump's temperature. Plumbing in a big vaccuum pump from another room sounds like a good idea, but keep in mind that the plumbing would need to be rigid and you'd need on off valves. You might also need to hack it up with the machine firmware if the vaccuum pump or builtin valve is software controlled and the control software looks for keep alives from the pump controller. Using a 3rd party vaccuum may also create support, performance, or warranty issues.

I bought a vacuum pump for my CNC machines from Blackbox vacuum and am very happy with it.

 

[Eric Boucher]

You might look into getting some acoustic panels that are used in sound studios to dampen the pump noise. If you go that route, pay attention to the vaccuum pump's temperature. Plumbing in a big vaccuum pump from another room sounds like a good idea, but keep in mind that the plumbing would need to be rigid and you'd need on off valves. You might also need to hack it up with the machine firmware if the vaccuum pump or builtin valve is software controlled and the control software looks for keep alives from the pump controller. Using a 3rd party vaccuum may also create support, performance, or warranty issues.

I bought a vacuum pump for my CNC machines from Blackbox vacuum and am very happy with it.

Thanks for your input. I thought of acoustic panels but there's no room in the machine and it would indeed cause trouble with the ventilation. And you're right an external pump would need to hack the software and Duplo won't probably allow it. A quieter inner pump seems to be the only way to go. Or replace it with an Iecho...