![]() In this step, I used my 3D model to create a series of "tool paths" to be able to create the two dies. So be aware of your limitations and then get to it!ĬAM is an acronym that stands for "Computer Aided Machining". There's no use in designing something that you can't make. What that really means is that if the smallest tool you can put in your CNC machine is 1/8", you can't make any features on your 3D model that are smaller than that. The last thing I would like to point out on this step is that you want to design your model with your tooling in mind. Just remember to include it! Without this offset, your die may end up cutting your sheet metal instead of forming it to the desired shape. 019 inch offset).ĭepending on the capabilities of the programs you may or may not have access to, this offset may be included at various steps in the process. ![]() 019 inches from all of the geometry used to make the 3D model (or from figuring out a scale factor that would match the. ![]() While it would be possible to include this offset in my 3D models, I decided to incorporate it later on in the process. 019 inches, there must be a "gap" between the two dies that allows the sheet metal to "fit" during the stamping process. This is a good time to mention the offset between the two dies. There are tons of "how-to" videos and a great support system with answers to any questions you might have. For those of you that are not very familiar with 3D modelling, this is an excellent program to get started with. I use Fusion 360 since it's free for students, hobbyists, and startups. Propane Torch (we'll talk about this in detail later)įirst, I made 3D models for the positive and negative dies. 100" Drill Bit)įlathead Screwdriver (to pry the dies apart) Haas 3-axis CNC Mill (3/8" Flat End Mill, 1/4" Ball End Mill, 1/8" Ball End Mill. 100" Stainless Steel Round Bar (Hardened Steel) - I used two 3" lengths 019" Aluminum Sheet (not sure what series of aluminum it is, but the label on the box said that it was some sort of photosensitive aluminum?) - I used about 4"x24" of the sheet for this projectĢ.75" Diameter Steel Round Bar (Mild steel) - I used a length of about 2-3" total (approximately 1.5" per side of the die) ![]() Here's a quick run-down on the materials and tools I used: I'm hoping to share everything I learned but I'm also hoping to learn anything I can before I try some more involved projects! I would love to hear your feedback or any experiences you've had with this and similar processes. I'm hoping, however, that the lessons I learned from this project will be valuable to the DIY community, especially as I continue to explore more DIY-friendly improvements to this process. The materials cost me only around 5 or 6 dollars, although I admit that access to CNC machines and tooling is not included in that sum. I decided on stamping out a simple metal watch face out of some thin aluminum sheet I found lying around. I'll be doing some more complicated stamping in the future, but to start out I wanted to make something a little bit on the smaller scale. So I'm all about pushing the limits of DIY fabrication, and the thought crossed my mind to try out one of the more intensive manufacturing techniques: metal stamping! I've had quite a bit of experience with 3-axis CNC Milling, so I decided to try my hand at making some stamping dies. ![]()
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