-
CNC milling for vacuum forming moulds min 5′ angle surfaces
I am very new to this but know that its possible to, using cnc milling of MDF, to produce masters to use for vacuum forming moulds for plaster casting wall plaques etc.
The "problem" is that the master has to have a min angle of 5′ on all cuts to allow the plaster cast to be removed from the mould.
Does anyone make masters for vacuum moulds or have any tips on how I can ensure a min angle of 5′ on all surfaces.
thanks
Roy
-
7 Replies
-
I know absolutely nothing about this Roy but you might be better asking this question on the vectric forum. The forum is pretty well supported & members seem to be doing all sorts of different types of work
-
Roy
You can either cut out the voids in steps, each successive depth being slightly smaller than the previous. This would ensure any angle you wanted, but the walls of the mould would be noticeably stepped. THis might interfere with the mould release.
Or, you could have a cutting bit made up with a taper of whatever angle you chose. This way the walls would be smoother.
Obviously toolmaking is expensive and time consuming, so bespoke tools are a costly option.
Due to the nature of the work you intend to do with it, I would be quite surprised if at least one of the toolmakers did not include a tool for exactly this purpose, with a tapered side.
Simon. -
Thanks Simon & Phill for your replies ..sorry for delay in answering ..been away for a few days.
I will look into your suggestions and get back with any good results.
thanks again …this forum is very friendly 🙂
Roy
-
http://precisebits.com/products/carbide … 250b4f.asp
?
-
Hi Roy short answer is yes you can make a 3d model of the mould and allow clearance then simply 3d carve the mould , you can also use tapered cutters to cut clearance like what Jason has linked , if you uploaded a picture of the model you are trying to make I could advise you on the best technique to make it , I have made loads of moulds over the years in MDF and I works very well especially if you use high density Mdf or HDF
Hope this helps send more info and I should be able to help you more
Cheers dave -
if you have not solved this issue I would point out that most good 3d CAD/CAM software such as VECTRIC ASPIRE or Delcam’s ARTCAM have a feature to automatically add "draft" to your models. You can specify the desired angle and the software does it automatically. I use ASPIRE and have created a number of patterns for casting parts in metal. Sandcasting has similar 6 degree draft angle requirement for the pattern to release from the sand.
Gerald
Canada
Log in to reply.