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Metalworking (rec.crafts.metalworking) Discuss various aspects of working with metal, such as machining, welding, metal joining, screwing, casting, hardening/tempering, blacksmithing/forging, spinning and hammer work, sheet metal work. |
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#1
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machining HDPE to high finish
Anyone here have experience machining HDPE?
I need some tips on how to get a (very) nice finish. The piece is a mould for a complex profile to be made in a sugar paste, and if the surface isn't nearly a high polish, it sticks too badly to remove the moulded item. Rakes? Speeds? Secondary finishing methods? There are several different tapers on the tip, and they must be maintained to a few thou accuracy, so heat polishing isn't an option unless it can be done in a manner that doesn't distort the shape. Thanks, LLoyd |
#2
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machining HDPE to high finish
Lloyd E. Sponenburgh wrote: Anyone here have experience machining HDPE? I need some tips on how to get a (very) nice finish. The piece is a mould for a complex profile to be made in a sugar paste, and if the surface isn't nearly a high polish, it sticks too badly to remove the moulded item. Rakes? Speeds? Secondary finishing methods? There are several different tapers on the tip, and they must be maintained to a few thou accuracy, so heat polishing isn't an option unless it can be done in a manner that doesn't distort the shape. Thanks, LLoyd HDPE isn't the best material for a mold for those reasons. Try Delrin. It cuts to a fine finish and can be buffed. |
#3
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machining HDPE to high finish
"Polymer Man" wrote HDPE isn't the best material for a mold for those reasons. Try Delrin. It cuts to a fine finish and can be buffed. Agreed. Acetyls like Delrin are definitely the way to go. Just keep your tools sharp and polished and the surface comes out wonderfully. Surface energy of acetyls is only slightly higher than UHMW so almost nothing will stick to it. -- Glenn Ashmore I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com |
#4
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machining HDPE to high finish
"Polymer Man" wrote in message oups.com... Lloyd E. Sponenburgh wrote: Anyone here have experience machining HDPE? I need some tips on how to get a (very) nice finish. The piece is a mould for a complex profile to be made in a sugar paste, and if the surface isn't nearly a high polish, it sticks too badly to remove the moulded item. Rakes? Speeds? Secondary finishing methods? There are several different tapers on the tip, and they must be maintained to a few thou accuracy, so heat polishing isn't an option unless it can be done in a manner that doesn't distort the shape. Thanks, LLoyd HDPE isn't the best material for a mold for those reasons. Try Delrin. It cuts to a fine finish and can be buffed. Is delrin food safe? When I was doing plastics for a living 15 years ago, we used Celcon(sp?) for food contact acetal. Just a thought or two. Mike |
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