No Martin, they are good questions.
What is the expected number of this part you want to make or is it an open ended number of parts and different parts?
I envisage perhaps 20 different types of part. I have a fairly clear idea of what they will be.
Is there a timescale to meet?
Not specifically but perhaps Q1 next year. I’d like to get cracking with it because I already balk at having to do numerous tool changes just to get a part made. It’s annoying.
How many different tools does the job require, it is important information for anyone thinking about this?
Typically 4. If I add up all the tools for all of the jobs I don’t think more than 7.
Have you set up machine home zeroing?
In the past yes but I usually use zeroing to the local co-ordinates.
Can you set up a number of the parts to be machined per cycle and use work offsets to do the same process on each part before changing tools?
I can and have tried this once. Typically I’d be doing 4 parts at once (say) and they’d be different parts (but similar in that they share the same form).
Have you considered other toolholders, Tormach do their own system so BT30 may not be the only option?
I have. I don’t have thousands to spend and I am impressed enough with the rattm motor stuff I have to stick with that tech for the time being.
Are you proposing to use tool touch off to zero the tools after a tool change?
no, I’m hoping to have a probe of some sort.
What tolerances are you hoping to work to?
c. 0.001” is fine for what I am doing.
Is there going to be flood coolant?
No.
Is there going to be lots of swarf build up around the part?
to be blown away with the recently acquired blower.
Are you making them for sale or for yourself, the idea of a business makes it sound like for sale?
Hopefully, but I haven’t sold any yet!
Are you factoring in wear and tear on the machine from long hours of running?
That is a potential concern (or downtime due to breakdown is)
Are you factoring the running cost of electricity?
no.
Is there a cost for disposing of scrap and swarf?
not at the volumes I’m envisaging. Scrap will be melted down to be reused.
What are the likely consumables and what will they cost?
A few cutters, some spoil board.