Recommendation for CNC Mill for making Aluminum molds - Need a little help


Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Recommendation for CNC Mill for making Aluminum molds - Need a little help

  1. #1
    Registered
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    12
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Lightbulb Recommendation for CNC Mill for making Aluminum molds - Need a little help

    I am considering buying a small mill for making aluminum molds; 7075, QC-10, Alumold, Fortal. The molds are for making short run injection molded production plastic parts. Probably the largest piece would be in the range of 10 x 10".
    I want to minimize the finishing required for the mold. Machining speed is not the issue as a lot of the time it would sit idle waiting for instructions; it is really to reduce the turnaround time and control costs for the molds. Having said that, I want to be smart about my purchase and make sure I get the right machine for the job. And I am torn between buying a good used machine or opening my wallet further for a new machine.
    Quite frankly the shear volume of information and available machines is a little overwhelming. Hence, I am looking for some recommendations/guidance on purchasing a machine. This my first CNC machine purchase and I want to get it right. I will hire an operator but most around here are not used to making molds and I do not trust their opinion to get it right. Any takers?

    Similar Threads:


  2. #2
    Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    U.S.A.
    Posts
    131
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Recommendation for CNC Mill for making Aluminum molds - Need a little help

    check out the two CNC machines that Novakon have to offer
    here is there forum on this sight http://www.cnczone.com/forums/novakon-systems/
    Enjoy



  3. #3
    Registered
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    12
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Recommendation for CNC Mill for making Aluminum molds - Need a little help

    I have seen their site. I have also seen Novakon Sucks. WARNING .... Not sure what to think.



  4. #4
    Member hanermo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    barcelona
    Posts
    780
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Recommendation for CNC Mill for making Aluminum molds - Need a little help

    Likely, novakon or tormach will work out fine for that use.
    In bigger, industrial users, moldworkers seemed to use around 1mm end mill at 10-12.000 rpm and long run times (10-30 hours) to finish the molds.
    Spindle load was essentially zero (on 25 kW mills).

    DOC is really small for finishing the molds. Stresses are small. Chips are really small.
    Runtimes are long.



Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


About CNCzone.com

    We are the largest and most active discussion forum for manufacturing industry. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today!

Follow us on


Our Brands

Recommendation for CNC Mill for making Aluminum molds - Need a little help

Recommendation for CNC Mill for making Aluminum molds - Need a little help