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Author: Subject: Machinable plastic?
David Jenkins

posted on 2/11/08 at 02:32 PM Reply With Quote
Machinable plastic?

I've got a little project in mind, and it requires some hard plastic that's easy to machine in a lathe and drill press. In the past I've bought some black nylon from a local supplier, but that's been a PITA to machine as the material tends to move away from the cutting tool and form a ridge that moves just in front of the cut. I've found it very hard to get a nice finish with nylon.

Can anyone suggest an alternative? I'm looking for something about 100mm in diameter, fairly tough, preferably black, dark grey or silver, and available at a sensible price.






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triumphdave

posted on 2/11/08 at 02:55 PM Reply With Quote
Nylon is quite nice to machine,but tool needs to be sharp with a good rake angle.Acetal machines well also.





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jambojeef

posted on 2/11/08 at 03:07 PM Reply With Quote
I machined a few bits from Delrin.

Turns well, firm - not sure of the shore rating but i think theres a range available.

Geoff






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Ivan

posted on 2/11/08 at 03:13 PM Reply With Quote
You need a support behind the piece moving just ahead of the cutting tool as well if the piece flexis at all.






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paulf

posted on 2/11/08 at 09:55 PM Reply With Quote
Acetal or trade name Delrin is a good material to machine it is more like brass to machine wheras nylon tends to be softer and binds on drill etc but is ok with sharp tools.
Paul

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iank

posted on 2/11/08 at 10:09 PM Reply With Quote
Have you tried putting it in the freezer for a couple of hours before turning?
Machines much better if it is really cold, as do a lot of the other plastics. Worth having a go if you've already got some in the right size/colour.





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Anonymous

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MikeRJ

posted on 3/11/08 at 10:01 AM Reply With Quote
Tufnol (phenolic/cotton composite) is very easy to machine and is very tough, but doesn't meet your colour requirements.
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