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07-26-2010, 05:39 AM | #1 | |
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Plastic on CNC machine?
I have a computer-controlled router used for wood. Is it possible to machine plastic or similar material on my machine? The router has variable-speed control. I think that I saw a thread on this forum about someone using a CNC machine to create a Corvair van from plastic but I couldn't find that thread. This forum can't find threads using "van" as search word.
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07-26-2010, 03:41 PM | #2 | |
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Re: Plastic on CNC machine?
As long as the rpm is low (and the tool head moves nice and slow) it shouldn't be a problem. I'd use chunks of 2 pack polyurethane resin moulded vaguely to the shape you want first. I'm guessing that the usual kit polystyrene may get too hot and clog (has a lower glass transition temp).
Polyurethane cuts beautifully with milling tools designed for metal (and they don't go blunt too quick either)! Have a look at my RS60 thread - there are shots of me milling some polyurethane brake drums using a 1mm milling flute - around 300 rpm. I cast round resin shapes inside shaving can caps etc. ready to fit in the mill/lathe chuck. Good luck and let us know how you get on! |
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07-27-2010, 05:43 AM | #3 | |
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Re: Plastic on CNC machine?
Is there a material that is similar to wood so that woodworking tools can be used but has smooth surface like plastic? I wish to make model cars. Where do I buy polyurethane sheets?
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07-27-2010, 10:46 AM | #4 | ||
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Re: Plastic on CNC machine?
Quote:
http://www.sovereign-publications.com/renshape.htm Don't know how it behaves with powered wood tools, but can be shaped like wood using hand tools. Problem is; it is only available in big (expensive) chunks and is not easy to find in the USA. I think some American modellers were getting small supplies as off-cuts from their local art & design colleges...may be worth a try? A silly question, but why not make the master buck in something like pearwood and then take a rubber mould off it to cast the plastic? |
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07-28-2010, 01:42 PM | #5 | |
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Re: Plastic on CNC machine?
Quite the contrary in my experience. I usually machine plastics (delrin, HPDE, acyrlic, ABS, polyurethane) at high RPM (3000+) on full rapid. Any slower and I get crappy surface finish due to melting.
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07-28-2010, 06:51 PM | #6 | ||
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Re: Plastic on CNC machine?
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I can only guess that the melting is occurring because the cutting tool is getting hot? Try a very slow speed if you haven't done so already, you may find a cooler tool cuts better. I've found the same thing with cutting plastic sheet with a hand saw. Slow is good...get too fast and the blade sticks. |
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08-15-2010, 01:15 AM | #7 | |
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Re: Plastic on CNC machine?
cutting plastic should be no problem with a cnc router. Mike is correct on a vertical or horizontal cnc machine they use coolant so you do run above 3000rpm. You want a very sharp cutting tool... dull tool will make a bad part.
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10-27-2010, 05:39 PM | #8 | |
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Re: Plastic on CNC machine?
I master parts by cutting corian with a carbide mill at 30,000 rpm. The stuff machines very well, also sands and takes primer easily. Ettore
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