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Hello
Nov 2, 2019 9:21:16 GMT -5
Post by camcut on Nov 2, 2019 9:21:16 GMT -5
Hello,
My name is Ryan Campbell and I have started a new small CNC machining business. I have had quite a few requests from fishermen and model makers to machine aluminum molds for custom parts. I am not a mold maker and wondered if anyone here has any tips on designing molds for this type of hand poured applicaction. Any info would be great!
Thank you
Ryan
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Hello
Nov 2, 2019 10:48:09 GMT -5
Post by Brian on Nov 2, 2019 10:48:09 GMT -5
Having no idea which system you're operating on I can only give you the basics..... If within the CAD software you are able to 3-D print, then you would need to have the customer provide to you a workable master to which you can make the copy of for the machines control instructions......i.e I provide you with one of my rubber molds and you make a copy out of billet Aluminum.
If your system does not have the 3-D printing capability, then you will have to enter the codes for the machines control instructions (x,y and z axis)
Not sure what the end cost would be to the customer ....might be prohibitive to the hobbyist as you are now dealing with a mass production type of mold.
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Hello
Nov 2, 2019 11:22:19 GMT -5
Post by camcut on Nov 2, 2019 11:22:19 GMT -5
Thank you for the response! I actually do CNC milling , which is a subtractive process starting with a solid block and removing material, as opposed to #Dprinting which is an additive process.Most of the time customers provide a CAD model of the end product that they want, and then I would need design the mold around that model. If there is no model available, customers sometimes provide hand drawn sketches with dimensions, that I then create the model of the end part for their approval. The issue I am hesitant to do these is, I don't want to make the molds and then for some reason the customers end product doesn't turn out. I suppose I just do need the basics of features a good mold requires or is doing this type of molding pretty fool proof?Get the material into the cavity, and that's it? The customers asking for this are usually small business that do have a product that they are selling.
Thanks again
Ryan
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