Machining Intricate Metal Parts
Commenters suggest CNC milling, lathes, EDM, casting, and other precision manufacturing techniques as alternatives to manual or chemical methods for creating detailed metal objects like keys or cases.
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Why can't they cast/forge the base shape and mill the features?
wouldn't it be possible to use a cnc machine, with maybe a robot arm to mill the inside too?
Wouldn't a standard drill press accomplish the same thing, and be a lot cheaper?
Just get yourself a tiny CNC machine from banggood and then do this:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ak0IJUMBFgNo chemicals involved, no hacking a machine that wasn't designed for the task.
Wow. It's pretty interesting to see how the key is getting milled. I would've done this way if I had all those equipments.
We are using Shapeways.com to turn them into metal for us and it was the option they had. Haven't tried getting it CNC'd but thinking we might need to change the model up a bit to allow the tool to get into some of the gaps that are possible. If anyone wants to try with a CNC machine then love to know what the results are like
can you precut it, then solder/polish it to hide the cut?
This guy should seriously consider going to a CNC shop for the case.
I wonder why those parts are not made in the desired shape already with no need to cut or sand in place.
Looks like they just etch pattern into a single material.