Which plastic for turning a wheel?

[inchpincher]

I need to modify a tool and turn a new plastic wheel approx 40mm dia, 30mm deep with a different radius profile, what material should I choose, nylon, acetal, Delrin (I don't know what this is btw, just from eBay searches)... Total unknown area for me

Picture of the bit I need to remake -


Thanks

 

[inchpincher]

Should also add there's no load bearing or friction considerations, it just crimps some aluminium trim on to the legshields of a scooter.

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

I would use Acetal as it's good with high load and low friction and fairly hard.

Acetal and Delrin are the same thing btw.

 

[armalites]

I guess if there is no load considerations then something that machines easily is best bet.

I have made stuff from Perspex before, I think I had to get extruded and not cast rod as it machines better.I've made a sight glass for a pump and tool for pressing seals into Landrover calipers

You could try this bloke for a bit of advice, he makes bite indicators for carp fishing, all nicely machined.

http://www.agt-indicators.com/products.php

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Maybe this eBay seller could advise on what plastic you need for the job:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Manufacturing-Woodworking-/147849/i.html?_ipg=25&_from=&_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ssn=ukroy

Has to be worth asking.

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

I can get the material required for you if it's a small piece, We work with plastics as much as metals in the machine shop.

 

[mike 109444]

If you are turning it on a lathe than take care as nylon and other similar materials with a good sharp tool will stream off the swarf. Looks good but will soon snag and failing plastic think strimmer!!. Just pause every so often to allow the swarf to stop. Keep area around chuck clear, stop chuck befor pulling any out from around area.

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

Oh and use HSS or Cobalt tools too as carbide isn't as good with plastics

 

[madkayaker]

I turn a fair bit of plastic at work. My approach is have a dustbin near head stock and as the string start to form guide it into the bin and keep feeding as you go. 3-4mm cut works best with quite a decent feed rate

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

Big cuts help keep the tool in cool material and it actually cuts rather than heats up and melts!

 

[inchpincher]

Top tips, thank you gentlemen.

Lawnmowerboy, I'll PM you about the plastic.

Ta,