Machining Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)

[marting]

Hello, I am considering taking on some jobs on cnc machining parts made of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), however I have a concern regarding machinability by means of ball nose cutters. I know that this type of material comes in a variety of shore hardness (from plastic type to rubber like) and so it gets harder to machine as the material goes softer. I do not know the hardness of the EVA yet, but in case the type of EVA is on the rubbery side, is there any method of machining with ballnose cutters on a cnc router? I am also considering making the moulds for these customized items and then cast them in a similar shore type material; however before taking this route, I have to also consider any possible chemical reaction with the skin since this is an item that comes in contact with the skin. Does anyone have any ideas in this regard?
Thanks

[ckelloug]

Since nobody was answering you, I did a quick googling and found dupont's Elvax site. I think you'd be pretty hard pressed to machine the stuff though your post was the first I'd heard of it. I'd suggest contacting dupont and also to try asking over at a plastic molding forum: http://plecostomus.11.forumer.com/

Regards,
Cameron

[marting]

Hi Cameron,
Thanks for the reply, I have also done some research and have contacted some suppliers as well. I shall be recieving some samples for evaluation and data regarding the material. I too haven't heared of this before but am quite optimisic about maching as I was told that Delcam use this material as well on their cnc. I'll keep you posted on my findings and results.
Thanks
Marting