1/4" aluminum parts on CNC table

[Creepy]

Got to try out cutting 1/4" aluminum for this project.....some beadlock innner rings for Rue's buggy, to weld onto aluminum rims.

Here's the test cuts for dialing in the holes.


Didn't cut them as a batch, in case the new cutting parameters were off. i could fix or modify after examining the part.


Good the go.


Moar! 4.5 minutes per ring.




the bad side, and 3/8" bolt


It leaves a funny hairy edge.


Cutting some .650"x45.5" flatbar. THC (Torch Height Control) got a real workout here, it cut that last bar up and over the curve. Zaxis moved 1.25" under control of the THC automatically.

[4X4PLAY]

Kool, impressive stuff Jan!


Jeff

[dan]

that's sweet Jan! amazing what that machine will do.

[Big G]

Hmm, that's interesting. I'll soon be in the market for new wheels and wanted a reasonably priced beadlock... in aluminum.

[rue]

They turned out great Jan.The cut is cleaner than I thought it would be,seen other cuts in Alum. and they were a mess.


I'lll be in Sat. afternoon.

[Creepy]

Oct 6, 2011 6:14:00 GMT -4 rue said:

The cut is cleaner than I thought it would be,seen other cuts in Alum. and they were a mess.

Thx. I spend a lot of time toolproving and it shows in the quality. My equipment is maintained in top shape.

[mrg]

Very nice.

[The Garagemahal]

Wicked !!

[chefted]

Is 1/4" strong enough, don't most of the alloy beadlocks use 3/8?

[MFR]

Nice work Jan! You got that thing working mint. Our million dollar laser needs a guy like you.

I made a 1/4" aluminum steering skid a few years back and it bent super easy. What type of Aluminum is it?

I guess Rue will know if 1/4" is okay soon enough

Eitherway, the machine is working great! and fast! A good operator makes all the difference

[rue]

I cheaped out and went with the low grade alum. The rings Jan cut out are the inner rings that are going to be welded to the wheel. I figured, if I had of when with the higher grades,once you got it welded to the wheel it would be soft anyways.Maybe not?Time will tell.

Bought TMR's steel outter rings for this project.Going to use the strips that Jan cut for me,and roll them into a ring to place between the two rings.Kinda act like a anti-coning rings(hopefully)!


I'll post up some pics when I get around to this project.

Rue

[theonlybull]

looks good jan. buy the cut, it must be pushing the capacity of your machine? hard to get a cut like that nearing capacity

[Creepy]

Rue spec'd the material, not my fault if they bend. ;D I invite you to check the $$$ difference in material grades in aluminum. yikes! These are holding bolts, the weld will be 1" away around the OD, not much leverage can be applied, the rings would have to rip right off the rims. and the coning rings will help with that too.

Oct 6, 2011 16:44:58 GMT -4 theonlybull said:

looks good jan. buy the cut, it must be pushing the capacity of your machine? hard to get a cut like that nearing capacity

not pushing at all, 1/4" is middle of the PM45 spec's. taper.edge squareness is as good as steel. i'm not sure what you are judging by (but I'm curious) - if its the finish, all aluminum is like that when plasma cut, you can't get it any better. 80ipm and the soft material leave the cut lines laid wayyy back, gotta go fast or the edge goes to hell- and you get the hair no matter what. the dross in the water tray is like dust, just blows the aluminum away.

[theonlybull]

yeah, i was going by the laid back cut lines..... but i never did any plasma on alum either

[Creepy]

The top should be almost straight, and then the lower 2/3rds trail back 20-30deg. Get it looking alike that, then fool around with fine tuning to reduce edge clean-up. There is very little slag attached, flakes off with fingernail.