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New Materials for Machining


Metals
Metals such as aluminium, steel and stainless steel are available in "free machining" form. They machine well and generally give a good surface finish. Some free machining metal alloys do not produce long streams of swarf, which tangle round everything, but small chips which scatter everywhere. Protect the PC keyboard and other sensitive equipment from ingress by these metal chips.

Some new materials worth trying are:

Alternative Ivory
This is cast polyester which looks like the real thing but is much cheaper, kinder to elephants, finishes well and is used by ornamental turners who formerly worked in ivory. It comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes and might make a change from using metal, wood or acrylic. It is supplied in various forms. Round bar is in 1.5 metre lengths and is priced per kilogram plus p&p and VAT. Take steps to eliminate dust when machining this material. For samples, health and safety data for the all-important risk assessment and information about this and other products contact GPS Agencies, Units 3 and 3A, Hambrook Business Centre, Cheesmans Lane, Hambrook, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 8XP. Telephone 01243 574444 Fax 01243 574313.

Cibatool Board Modelling Board
This is available in epoxy or polyurethane slabs and in various grades and can be shaped on a CNC mill or lathe. As it is quite abrasive, carbide tipped cutting tools are essential. The most useful grade is likely to be BM5460 (brown). It is available from John Burn & Co. (B'ham) Ltd, 74 Albert Road, Stechford, Birmingham, B33 9AJ telephone 0121 783 4451. Web site www.johnburn.co.uk It is available in slabs 1.5m x 0.5m and in thicknesses 25, 50, 75 and 100mm. (A 25mm thick slab costs £76.25 plus carriage and VAT - December 2001 price.) Take steps to eliminate dust when machining this material. Health and Safety and other data are available from the manufacturer, Vantico, Duxford, Cambs., CB2 4QA telephone 01223 832121 Fax 01223 493322.

Modelling Wax
This is a hard blue wax, easy to machine at high feeds and speeds to check designs, make models and prototypes. It can be used as a mould for vacuum forming and casting resin. Used material can be melted and re-cast and re-used. However, casting into rod form is difficult as the wax pipes dramatically as it solidifies. It is obtainable from various sources including TechSoft UK Limited www.techsoftuk.co.uk

Protect the Computer
Protect the PC controlling the lathe and data disks from ingress of swarf, chips or dust when machining.

Care of a Lathe