I've done this for thin wall brass parts and some other small aluminum stuff. Have used this method off and on for 9 or 10 yrs. We call it 'Ice Chucking" around here. A few key things: Freeze the subplate or fixture first. I've also used some refrigerant products to freeze just a "top plate" to minimize distortion. However, some of this stuff is illegal now ( and not sold in the US anymore to the general public ), or very hard to come by. Either way, OSHA would have a fit. Then pour a layer of water down, freeze the entire thing and machine away. Gotta be fairly quick on the cycle or you'll have to "refreeze". Hence the use of refrigerants. Dry machine, use no coolant.
Have been trying some other media (besides water) to freeze in order to get more clamping life. Haven't come across anything significant though. I don't do this on a daily basis (ice chucking that is). And I will seek for alternate methods first before going that route. |