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Machining a diamond tread pattern on a flat surface in aluminum
4

Machining a diamond tread pattern on a flat surface in aluminum

Machining a diamond tread pattern on a flat surface in aluminum

(OP)
I know this can be done on a cylindrical surface (knurling) but what about a flat surface?  I'm aware of the availability of tread plate but my part is substantially thick and the value (and quantity) is not enough to justify casting.

Thanks!

RE: Machining a diamond tread pattern on a flat surface in aluminum

It is possible to do this with a flat surface.  You could use the same roller used to make a cylindrical part as long as you use enough force against the flat piece and use an appropriate backing piece.

Regards,

Cory

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RE: Machining a diamond tread pattern on a flat surface in aluminum

(OP)
Thanks.  What I failed to mention is that the surface is at the bottom of a recess.  This would mean that only the middle part of the surface could be reached with the roller.  Any other ideas?

RE: Machining a diamond tread pattern on a flat surface in aluminum

Your subject says machining, what processes (equipment) do you have availble?  What size part are we talking?

mncad

RE: Machining a diamond tread pattern on a flat surface in aluminum

(OP)
mncad-
The parts are small:  1" X 2.5" x 4" with a .5 x 1" x 2" recess inside. As for processes, we have only a small shop for prototyping.  We outsource our fabricated metal parts.

RE: Machining a diamond tread pattern on a flat surface in aluminum

(OP)
mncad-
I should mention that the pattern need not be "machined" per se.

RE: Machining a diamond tread pattern on a flat surface in aluminum

One approach is to make a hardened metal stamp with the reverse of the desired pattern and place the stamp in the recess and apply a load on the stamp coining the material below. The back of the part will have to be flat and support by an appropriately strong plate. The strength of the material will determine the tonnage required. The ductility of the material will determine how good the material flows.

The material should be fully annealed to improve the ductility. Tonnage applied should be monitored first to learn what is the correct tonnage but also to avoid driving the stamp through the part. Stripping the part from the stamp may be required.

RE: Machining a diamond tread pattern on a flat surface in aluminum

You could EDM that pattern into your plate.

RE: Machining a diamond tread pattern on a flat surface in aluminum

(OP)
Thank you BillPSU and dvd!  Good ideas.  I'll run with them.

RE: Machining a diamond tread pattern on a flat surface in aluminum

When I was going to school for mahcining, years ago, we made a small bench vise.  There were serations, small diamond shape cuts, on the face of the vice jaws.  We did these on a broaching machine with a lathe tool.  about .005-.01 deep and sliced across the surface.  Little oil and a fast feed.

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