Machining Aluminium Plate

Hi,

I would like to maching a house sign using Vcarv Pro to produce the artwork and cnc it on my Seig KX3 mill.

I know it alway difficult to decide on a material to use but I see that suitably sized 10mm off cuts of 6082 are available at the right price on e-bay.

Anyone have any experience of cncing 6082 or can suggest a better material/grade to use?

Thanks Peter

6082 is the equivalent of the old HE30. It machines well, but not as well as 6262. It doesn't like to be bent but is available in all forms. As its for a house sign then I presume you will, or have it, anodised. Any of the 6xxx alloys are fine but painting Ali is difficult, it needs a good etch and primer.

ray

Thanks Ray.

Yes we intend anodising it., Did my centering microscope which worked out ok but felt a bit inspired by the excellent article on anodising in the latest MEW especially as some dyes are available on e-bay.

Peter

If you use Ali for the house sign and have it anodised then it needs a very heavy anodising AA25 which should stop it bleaching from the Sun.

This is the quality used for shopfront fittings.

Anything less and it will fade very quickly.

Clive

Thanks for the advice.

Just looked up the spec and see it refers to 25 micron or 1 thou thick. As I intending doing it as per the article in the current MEW is there any easy way of measuring when I have acheived this or indeed is it possible to get this thickness within the limitations of the kit?

Peter

Peter, the time of etch in the Caustic bath is a key factor and then the time of replacing what has been taken off in the next bath, what process are you going to use?

If you just etch and then dye it that will not be any good. You have to use a process that is commercial.

Find a local Anodiser, makes it much easier. All he will do is add it to his next batch of heavy anodising.

Clive

Why do you not keep your nice plate of Ally for a model and use wood.

Thought.

Bob

I have made house nameplates from Oak wood, using the engraving machine.

Fill the engraving with two or three coats of black or silver/gold then varnish all over with yacht varnish.

Clive

6082 Ali or HE30 wont anodise that well, we use it in Photographic lighting equipment for its strength, the lower grade HE9 will anodise well but its not as strong. my own experence with anodising is fustrating, using some stock from the scrap box is a mistake as you dont know what grade ot is, the anodising can be patchy and looks poor, Anodising in the shed is possible with basic gear and makes items look much better, worth a try, but only with known grades of Ali. David