Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: Admin on September 10, 2007, 02:24:05 PM

Title: advice on milling fiberglass?
Post by: Admin on September 10, 2007, 02:24:05 PM
I plan to do some milling of fiberglass plates, but somehow I feel its not going to work like plastics or metals . . .

I googled around for tips on milling fiberglass with no luck.

Anyone with suggestions? Preferred endmill type? Feed and tool speed? Safety notes?

As a side note . . . what is the density and tensile strength of fiberglass? Was unable to find it with the previously mentioned links . . .
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=1758.0
Title: Re: advice on milling fiberglass?
Post by: hgordon on September 10, 2007, 03:46:12 PM
This might be a good starting point ...

    http://www.pcbmilling.com/

Also, wear a mask. 
Title: Re: advice on milling fiberglass?
Post by: awally88 on September 10, 2007, 11:28:54 PM

If you don't go really slowly with it you can rip chunks out of what you're doing.  Also don't breath the dust -  when I've done other, non robotic, stuff with fibreglass I've always found that its a good idea to have a vacuum cleaner next to me as the dust as well as being pretty bad for you itches like all hell.
Title: Re: advice on milling fiberglass?
Post by: Admin on September 11, 2007, 08:09:23 AM
Ive worked with carbon fiber in the past, I figured Id treat fiberglass the same.

I already put in an order for a good face mask and a 5 flute endmill (Im guessing that will work better for it?).
Title: Re: advice on milling fiberglass?
Post by: akres15 on September 11, 2007, 03:26:28 PM
i used a drill press for fiberglass
and cut it with a hacksaw
Title: Re: advice on milling fiberglass?
Post by: Admin on September 12, 2007, 07:12:24 AM
Quote
This might be a good starting point ...

    http://www.pcbmilling.com/
I couldnt find anything about fiberglass on that site . . .
http://www.pcbmilling.com/Site%20Map.htm
Title: Re: advice on milling fiberglass?
Post by: JonHylands on September 12, 2007, 07:23:06 AM
PCB's are made from fiberglass...

- Jon
Title: Re: advice on milling fiberglass?
Post by: Robotboy86 on September 27, 2007, 03:30:39 PM
So what was the result? How did milling go?
Title: Re: advice on milling fiberglass?
Post by: Admin on September 27, 2007, 04:34:34 PM
Havent had the opportunity.

You see, I work for the gov't, and sometimes they say 'stop ordering stuff' without giving a reason. Three plus months without being allowed to order stuff (such as the fiberglass) really slows down my work . . . but thats gov't work for ya! ;D

Ill let you guys know how it goes when I get a chance . . .