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Make 3D physical models with a PC and CNC kit

1398 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Makemineadouble
Tom's hardware have published a fascinating article on how to produce moulds using 3D software and a PC controlled CNC machine. Even if you don't plan to create the mould design on your PC, the information on the mould compounds used may be of interest. You can find the full article here

David
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It's a bit difference to, milling out cavities of injection moulds on a pantograph, and spending days and days polishing them like we did in the 60's.
I'm sure I could find a use for a little bench mill like that. Niffty and very clever. There was talk that Black & Decker were going to produce something along these lines. It could be used to copy most parts. Brilliant articel
and a very intresting read thanks.
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Interesting.

http://www.machsupport.com/artsoft/index/index.htm

http://www.maxnc.com/page3.html

Presumably this kit could be used to create moulds for resin injected scale bodies and parts?


Happy modelling
Gary
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>Presumably this kit could be used to create moulds for resin injected scale bodies and parts? question.gif
I don't see why not. That's why I posted the link. The major draw backs I can think of are the cost of the initial 3D design software. I don't think 3D Studio is all that cheap.

David
This company (for example) offer a service based entirely around parts that you design yourself. Presumably they utilise the technology under discussion here? :-

http://emachineshop.com/indexg.htm

Happy modelling
Gary
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The first machine show is a turret milling machine , there no limit to the type of cavities, or masters you could produce on it, only the size of the machine.
Bridport type turret milling machine

Hobbist Milling Centre
This is much more suited to hobbist applications and probably dosn't need 3 phase power. You certainly could produce the masters from which resin moulds are made without to much problem. These could be produced in variety of materials. I think the price you see is for the CNC controls to go on to the model mill.
Complete product price
Even at that price its cheap, provided you have the volume of work for it. This is a very smart piece of kit.
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