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Thread: Machining small aluminum Braille plates

  1. #1
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    Default Machining small aluminum Braille plates

    I've been asked to machine small (.125 x .5 x 2") aluminum plates. The finished product will be a plate with raised "Braille" bumps. I have no experience machining aluminum.
    I'd appreciate any advice and/ or warnings before I agree to the project. The aluminum is 6061.


    Thanks,


    Phil

  2. #2
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    ADA signs are made by inserting the balls into the plate. Do some googling...
    High Definition 3D Laser Scanning Services - Advanced ShopBot CNC Training and Consultation - Vectric Custom Video Training IBILD.com

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by phil_o View Post
    I've been asked to machine small (.125 x .5 x 2") aluminum plates. The finished product will be a plate with raised "Braille" bumps. I have no experience machining aluminum.
    I'd appreciate any advice and/ or warnings before I agree to the project. The aluminum is 6061.


    Thanks,


    Phil
    What are you being asked to do?
    If I were asked to simply make rectangular 1/2"x2" blanks out of 1/8" thick 6061 aluminum I'd just whip em out on a table saw with a jig. It's much quicker.

    If you are being asked to do the holes for the raster braille balls, it's just a drilling operation drilling 1/32"+ deep holes using a 1/16" bit.

    The raster braille system makers sell the drill bits for the balls at around $18.00/ea but they're essentially just a 1/16" drill bit. If you're doing the drilling buy a couple (or more depending on how many you need to do...)

    I have the raster braille pen with the accessories to do metal, so I've done a good bit of this. In both Aluminum and Stainless Steel.

  4. #4
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    I appreciate the help from all here. I searched for raster braille balls and found out that machining a metal plate to create the Braille "bumps" is not how it should be done. This video shows how it should be done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXXLuaRbZHM

    Thanks,

    Phil

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by phil_o View Post
    I appreciate the help from all here. I searched for raster braille balls and found out that machining a metal plate to create the Braille "bumps" is not how it should be done. This video shows how it should be done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXXLuaRbZHM

    Thanks,

    Phil
    That's for plastic or substrates that are NOT metal.
    When doing raster braille balls in plastic or wood the hole is a little undersized and the braille balls are press fit in place.
    When doing metal, the process is completely different.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by robtown View Post
    That's for plastic or substrates that are NOT metal.
    When doing raster braille balls in plastic or wood the hole is a little undersized and the braille balls are press fit in place.
    When doing metal, the process is completely different.
    Are you familiar with the process. Where can I find information for metal

    Thanks,

    Phil

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by phil_o View Post
    Are you familiar with the process. Where can I find information for metal

    Thanks,

    Phil
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcLUVy_bKDk

  8. #8
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    Thank you, Robtown

    Phil

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