Re: Tiny Rivet Heads
Posted by
Andrew Werby
on 2000-03-02 03:57:30 UTC
patv@... wrote:
I'm into model railroading and I've been trying to make HO scale parts
using automated techniques. Unlike most folks, I'm not as concerned about
power as I am about the ability to machine details. For example, a 1"
dome representing a rivet in HO scale is 0.0115" in diameter and 0.0057"
high. Spacing in between these may go as close as a scale 1.5" centers or
only 0.0057" gap between domes. As you can see, this would mean I need
some very tiny end and ball mills.
[Offhand, I'd say it would be a lot easier to make these in reverse, then cast
your final material against the milled part, using it as a mold. If you need a
metal part, you can cast wax against the mold, (using a release) then cast it
using the lost-wax process. ]
So, anyone have any experience with this type of work? What process do
the commercial boys use when making their molds? Are they using exotic
techniques? Also, do any of these CAD post processors like DeskProto allow
for programming of cutter geometries, such as conical as opposed to simple
ball and end mill diameters?
Pat
[Yes, DeskProto has preset conical cutters in its tool library, which can be
customized to match your tool. You can download a working (but time-limited)
demo at http://www.deskproto.com ]
Andrew Werby
http://www.computersculpture.com
Andrew Werby - United Artworks
Sculpture, Jewelry, and Other Art Stuff
http://unitedartworks.com
I'm into model railroading and I've been trying to make HO scale parts
using automated techniques. Unlike most folks, I'm not as concerned about
power as I am about the ability to machine details. For example, a 1"
dome representing a rivet in HO scale is 0.0115" in diameter and 0.0057"
high. Spacing in between these may go as close as a scale 1.5" centers or
only 0.0057" gap between domes. As you can see, this would mean I need
some very tiny end and ball mills.
[Offhand, I'd say it would be a lot easier to make these in reverse, then cast
your final material against the milled part, using it as a mold. If you need a
metal part, you can cast wax against the mold, (using a release) then cast it
using the lost-wax process. ]
So, anyone have any experience with this type of work? What process do
the commercial boys use when making their molds? Are they using exotic
techniques? Also, do any of these CAD post processors like DeskProto allow
for programming of cutter geometries, such as conical as opposed to simple
ball and end mill diameters?
Pat
[Yes, DeskProto has preset conical cutters in its tool library, which can be
customized to match your tool. You can download a working (but time-limited)
demo at http://www.deskproto.com ]
Andrew Werby
http://www.computersculpture.com
Andrew Werby - United Artworks
Sculpture, Jewelry, and Other Art Stuff
http://unitedartworks.com