Production updates http://www.contraptor.org/forum/t-217936/production-updates Posts in the discussion thread "Production updates" - This thread is for updates on the production of angle (and other components in the future) Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:23:22 +0000 http://www.contraptor.org/forum/t-217936#post-1111424 Re: Production updates http://www.contraptor.org/forum/t-217936/production-updates#post-1111424 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 06:16:15 +0000 Albanetc 381022 Received samples of the perforated angle:

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flickr:5591536328 flickr:5590945855 ]]> http://www.contraptor.org/forum/t-217936#post-738104 Re: Production updates http://www.contraptor.org/forum/t-217936/production-updates#post-738104 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:10:37 +0000 Albanetc 381022 Here comes the first batch of angle, fabricated on a big mill at http://www.salsaprototype.com
This is enough angle for 4 Structural or 7 mini CNC subsets.

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Unfortunately we had to raise the price of Structural subset by $50 to make this feasible. The price of mini CNC subset remains the same.

If anyone is interested, we might also sell 2-ft lengths of the perforated angle, for your own cutting.

]]> http://www.contraptor.org/forum/t-217936#post-706848 Re: Production updates http://www.contraptor.org/forum/t-217936/production-updates#post-706848 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:19:13 +0000 Albanetc 381022 The vibration problem when drilling aluminum on Shopbot needs more time and research. We decided to put in on the back burner for now, and get quotes from machine shops. The ETA for production angle is mid-March and the price will most likely be affected.

]]> http://www.contraptor.org/forum/t-217936#post-696025 Production updates http://www.contraptor.org/forum/t-217936/production-updates#post-696025 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 06:39:21 +0000 Albanetc 381022 Today we started testing the jig for drilling the angle on Shopbot. Designed and cut by Mike Gittelsohn, the jig is basically a 2'x4' double-layered MDF bed with 9x2 symmetrical channels where 4' lengths of angle are placed and clamped by the third sheet of MDF that goes on top. Several dowels align the sheets relative to each other and to the Shopbot table.

Opened up the jig after drilling one 4' length:
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Small error in X (about 0.03", we didn't zero the head properly):
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The angle looks pretty good and might require no countersinking which would be a huge time saver:
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The holes were not exactly drilled, but cut with 1/4" spiral O-flute carbide router bit for aluminum: http://www.amanatool.com/cncroutingdetails/aluminum-cnc-spiral-bit-51402.html. We started out at about 10 IPM for Z down feedrate and quickly dropped it to 5 IPM, then to one pecking cycle and then to about 1 IPM.

We still have the following problems to solve:

  • Even though the channels seem to be tight, the angle moves lengthwise in the channels. This should be easily fixed by adding some restraints at one end of the channels.
  • There is noticeable vibration in the gantry and Z stage when it's over the middle part of the jig. This might be more difficult to solve.
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