Milling through 2k?

[julianf]

I cnc cut a bunch of metal parts, and do this kind of stuff with them -

Someone wants the same, but painted.


I figured it would be better to paint the sheets (epoxy then 2k) and then mechanically mill it.

Do you think ill have less issues if i let the 2k fully harden, or mill it within 24-48 hrs?

Im thinking chipping around the cut.



What do you think?

Thank you.

 

[mike os]

How are you cutting? Mill laser water?

 

[julianf]

How are you cutting? Mill laser water?

Rotating carbide. I did mention "mechanically mill it" : )

 

[brightspark]

probably neater if u cut it when fully cured it wont chip

 

[Kram]

Cut it, then paint after.

If your going to cut after painting I think Id do a run with an engraving bit first, just through the paint before cutting the holes.

 

[Pete.]

Swarf will tear the paint up

 

[mike os]

Cut then paint...

 

[julianf]

If need be, I'll get it lasered, but I really don't want to paint after cutting.

The reason -

I don't have a booth, so removing tiny surface imperfections on loads of parts with holes all over them is more than I want to attempt, and...

The issues with varying the diameter of small holes is more than I want to deal with also.


I do a repeat job where I buy in pre painted white sheet, and that's lasered without issue. The reason I don't cut that mechanically isn't anything to do with chipping or scratching but that the stock is in an alloy that I find hard to mill nicely (gummy) whilst this is in my usual grade.

I guess I'll just give it a go and see what happens! It may all chip off or it may be fine - we can all see!

Thanks to all!

 

[brightspark]

cant you do a test piece on some scrap 1st

 

[grim_d]

Paint with 2k, allow it to fully cure.

Apply temporary/removable sign vinyl over the paint. (Something like oracal 631, widely used for car dealerships)

Mill holes.

Remove vinyl.

Beer.

 

[mike os]

Pre paint and laser would be my guess … I assume the bezels, nuts etc will cover the edges to some degree?

 

[Wozzaaah]

Pre paint and laser would be my guess … I assume the bezels, nuts etc will cover the edges to some degree?

If they’re sent out without bezels and nuts they’d look awful without neat holes.

 

[mike os]

If they’re sent out without bezels and nuts they’d look awful without neat holes.

True … must admit I had assumed it would go out built

 

[julianf]

Not looking too shoddy so far (i think that thing to the right of the hole is just a bit of swarf etc, not damage)

Plenty of time to send it to the scrap bin yet though...

 

[julianf]

I think im winning so far -

All ive done, post machining, is wash off with some warm water and fairly liquid. I cant use any polish until the print is done, otherwise the ink wont have a clean job to adhere to, but its not looking bad so far, even if i do say so myself.

Quite pleased... so far.