Machining small aluminum Braille plates

[phil_o]

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

[Brady Watson]

ADA signs are made by inserting the balls into the plate. Do some googling...

[robtown]

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.

[phil_o]

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

[robtown]

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.

[phil_o]

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

[robtown]

Are you familiar with the process. Where can I find information for metal

Thanks,

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

[phil_o]

Thank you, Robtown

Phil