BT-30 tool grippers for ATC system

[spoiledbrat]

This will really be 3 questions.

Does anyone know where I can purchase tool grips (for BT-30 toolholders) at a reasonable price? I have found some HSK ones for $50 on ebay, but nothing for BT-30.

The next question is: What would be the best plastic to use if I was to machine them myself? I can machine a slot in the bottom for a spring if necessary. I am willing to spend more to get the best material. I hope to machine them on my old CNC router (porter cable router). If not able, I do have access to a milling machine.

Third question is this: If I can produce the aluminum molds myself, what kind of cost will I be looking at to have them injection molded? It would be a limited run, maybe 50 total. I would like to embed the springs into the mold before the plastic is injected.

Would these parts be better machined, or molded?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Rob

[elmerfud]

Hi rob,
I'm designing a 6 tool carousel for my drill mill with Bt30, at my work we have a deckel maho with a bt40 carousel and the tools are retained with a simple sandwich of steel plates. No fancy machining, simply the lower two plates hold the tool and locate the key way, the upper plate is spring steel and bent to a profile that releases the tool as the carousel strikes the spindle face.

[spoiledbrat]

Elmerfud,
Do you have a picture of that wonderful contraption? I would love to see how it locates the key way.

Thanks,

Rob

[mactec54]

Hi spoiledbrat

For 50 pieces you would be better machining them, nylon 6/6 would be normal if you want the best ultem 1000 would be the one to use

[spoiledbrat]

Mactec,

If a superior part is delivered using injection molding, I would prefer that. I was wondering what the cost of injection molding would be if I provided the aluminum molds myself. I can machine aluminum very slowly with my current machine.

Rob

[mactec54]

spoiledbrat

In what way do you think you could get a superior part by injection molding them, I do molding & machining, Molding is only superior for hard to machine parts & when you need more than a 100 plus pieces

[spoiledbrat]

I guess I was mainly referring to the plastic properties desired for a part like this. (fatigue, memory, etc)

I have no experience machining plastic, and I am not sure what kind of success I would have using the porter cable router (lol)

I dont really have a finalized design yet, either.

Rob

[vishnu]

Rob,

I would be really happy to lend you a hand. I am happy to see elmer is designing 6 tool carousel. I think we can manufacture Nylon parts by injection moulding not an issue, do you have any designs finalised so we can work on them.