Scott Ellis wrote:
>
> I have been following the group for some time, and there have been several
> posts regarding 3D milling for use in rapid prototyping.
> We are looking to setup a system so that we can do polyurethane castings
> into (probably) aluminum moulds.
I would suggest that you machine a pattern in Ren Shape, make a Silcon
Rubber
mold and cast the urethane parts in it.
> >From the information that I have gathered the following is the most basic
> system we could get away with.
>
> Basic level vertical Milling machine (Sherline if the job is very small)
> MaxPro CNC control software from MaxNC to control the steppers on each axis.
> Stepper driver cards (we have our own versions of these from other projects)
> & Motors
You should look at the Taig Mill, it is a heavier machine than the
MaxNC.
http://www.super-tech.com/root/minimill.htm
> 3D modeling software to create the model in the first place (We will probably
> use TriSpectives)
RhinoŽ, NURBS curve, surface, and solid modeling in Windows
http://www.rhino3d.com/
> STL to NC conversion software - possibly DeskProto from Delft Spline Systems
>
> Will this system work? Can anyone suggest better/cheaper alternatives in any
> of the positions?
> We do not need super accurate parts.
>
> All comments welcome.
>
> Scott Ellis
> Novatex Research
> scott.ellis@novatex.com.au
Please visit my website or contact me directly for more information on
Desktop Machining and Low Cost CAD/CAM.
Best Regards
-- Greg Pettengill greg_p@indirect.com Phone (602)375-2922 http://www.indirect.com/www/greg_p/index.html
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