Recommendation - CNC Machining Services

[MattHarper]

I'm in need of some one off prototype parts CNC machined from aluminium, and quite frankly, I haven't got a clue who to approach. Has anyone had dealings with UK based machine shops who don't charge and arm and a leg ? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks

Matt

[waveydavey]

The problem is Matt most of the cost is in the programming. It's a lot of time to put in for one offs. Your probably better off looking for a shop that specialises in development prototypes or a back street jobbing shop. what sort of thing are you looking to have made, a picture speaks a thousand words.

[MattHarper]

Thanks waveydavey. The part which I'm after making looks something like this :

Firewall - Aluminum - SoaringUSA.com

I have a CATIA model of it, so squirting into a 5 axis machine shouldn't be a problem. An alternative would be to make it out of layers of carbon sheet which may be cheaper. Any ideas of anyone who CNC's carbon sheet ?

[waveydavey]

Just one from a quick search, Tanfield Lee is close to Newcastle but as they should be able to deal with the file it shouldn't matter where they are. But I reckon looking at what you want produced, you won't get much change out of a couple of hundred quid if you go to a machine shop. You best bet is if someone has a hobby workshop. If you require the Catia file converted just ask, I can do most other formats

[pgkevet]

Is this a rotating part that has to be spot on for accuracy or just a divider with air and cable holes? And does it have to be alloy or carbon or just a strong 'spacer'?
I ask because it looks like something one could do with a lathe for the outer and then centre drill and the rest roughed out with a plunge router and hand filed..slow but cheaper.

[WOODSTER]

As said your going to pay out a lot for a one off in a big company the time it takes to program,tool up and set the machine off sets. better finding a smaller machine shop.

[Ubi22]

Hi , i own and run a cnc shop ! if you want to me send drawing i can give a price .

[marshdave]

hi matt go to sealand engineering the guy you want to speak to is vin he is a modeler and an enginear top man his work is first class sealand enginering will get you to his webssite any problems contact me vin's mobile 0777588410 work 01526352253

[MattHarper]

Hi , i own and run a cnc shop ! if you want to me send drawing i can give a price .

Thanks, I'll get some CAD files to you shortly. As others have suggested, though, the cost may be prohibitive

Matthew

[moyesboy]

If you are not getting anywhere I have some contacts but they are all commercial. What you really need is "mates rates" somewhere.
The manufactuirer probably wont want a native catia file, but a step or iges most likely.

[Ubi22]

Having cad files helps a lot to cut down on time, you would be surprised how many company's will not release the digital file which then have to be redraw from paper drawings with the extra risk of mistakes and time ! some think to do with uncontrolled copying ....pff

[Tolly]

I actually designed and made this for a guy call Roy Grandfield, when It worked so well he then asked me to make 50off which he shipped out to the states . I may have one spare kicking about in my office desk, I will have a look later and let you know.

Roy had said that someone in the states had copied it, he was a little upset but hay that’s life, lol

Cheers
John

[MattHarper]

I actually designed and made this for a guy call Roy Grandfield, when It worked so well he then asked me to make 50off which he shipped out to the states . I may have one spare kicking about in my office desk, I will have a look later and let you know.

Roy had said that someone in the states had copied it, he was a little upset but hay that’s life, lol

Cheers
John

You are not by any chance MrMagic over on RCGroups are you, or is it Roy ?

MrMagic's blog - RC Groups

[Tolly]

MrMagic is not me but it could be Roy! I do not see him very often but I will ask next time I do!

If Roy is MrMagic is that a good thing or bad!! Lol

Cheers
John

[Tolly]

Sorry just seen the blog link, yes that is Roy.