First CNC project - Nylon, Delrin or something stronger?

[christoph101]

Hi,

This is going to be my first CNC project. I need to make an enclosure for some electronic components on the side of a golf driving mat. The enclosure may take the occasional accidental hit from a golf club so I need the plastic to be really strong but it also needs to be low cost as I have to make a few of them.
Appearance is not an issue as they will be covered in a layer of neoprene.

I've been googling plastics all day and it seems like Nylon or Delrin is the best option. I can get a 24 x 48 sheet at 1/16th for around $40 which is about my budget. Any thoughts on which is better or any other options would be greatly appreciated. This will also be my first time using a CNC machine so if either one is easier to work with I'd love to know.

Thanks for your help

[awerby]

1/16" sounds pretty thin for an electronic enclosure that's going to get whacked by golf clubs. I'd say 1/8" would be twice as good, and 3/16" would be 3 times as good. Delrin should work okay; nylon is more difficult to machine and makes long stringy swarf. You can get the same kind of material cheaper as "Acetal" plastic; Delrin is just a trade name for one brand of acetal.

Andrew Werby
ComputerSculpture.com — Home Page for Discount Hardware & Software

[bebob1]

polycarbonate seems better for making boxes subjected to the impact of golf balls. polycarbonate is also quite expensive. 1/16 seems quite thin. What size is it? You can also go cheap or go home by using acrylic PMMA. If size dont matter, machine an exoskelton instead and assemble it. The through holes should be smaller than the diameter of the golf ball and you are golden.