Tooling engineer from arkansas

[Mad_Scientist_565]

Hey clive.

The first machine might end up being a refit or upgrade. I need to make parts, and the more i look at this, the more i think i need to start with a more solid foundation. I'm mainly needing to do hsm and 3d surfacing. Any suggestions on machines that might fit the bill? I think id like to find something that's limited by its control and update that.

Now the graphite machine, that's just a light duty toy that will need to move fast. Im thinking maybe using pre-built linear motor setups. There is one available with glass scales. Just need to give it a control and enclosure. That's a ways down the road though.

[Robin Hewitt]

Does being a "plastics guy" mean you have access to fancy software that will give you a watermark tool path?

What precision will you be aiming for when cutting your graphite?

[Mad_Scientist_565]

Does being a "plastics guy" mean you have access to fancy software that will give you a watermark tool path?

What precision will you be aiming for when cutting your graphite?

Im not sure what you mean by watermark toolpath. I do have access to mastercam, hsm, and bobcad.


The graphite machine should be accurate to +-.0002 , but more importantly, it should be able To Move fast enough to negate wear on diamond tooling. Most tools wear out in Graphite because (most) machines cant deliver, totally 0 stop, true constant engage machining (hurco being a very notable exception. Ultimotion works excellent in graphite. As does gf micron machines) its usually either that, or limited acceleration that kills tools in graphite.

[Robin Hewitt]

There are two kinds of software, those that remove material with a series of close parallel line cuts moving the tool up and down, and those that cut everything to an ever increasing depth, as if the part were partially flooded with the tool following along the water line. Also known as tide mark or anything else that takes your fancy.

Glass scales. Is this an alternative to zero backlash? Do you have a cunning plan? Does graphite never snatch or what?