[Momentz]

Used the CNC router to cut the forms, a few more parts to cut tomorrow then I can start assembling the mold.

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[Mr-MaW]

I'm also looking forward to your updates, but can't wait, last month we completed the design and production of 6 products, and at the same time renovated our showroom, which is a machining center. Machining center for mineral castings.

[Momentz]

Form is all made up, all parts bolted in securely and silicon seals, now I just have to pour the mix then get to work on the gantry.

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[Marinkovich]

I saw a couple of videos on Youtube from guys choosing the same type of wooden plates.
Obviously the wet concrete was soaked by the wooden panels making it very hard to remove.
The overall surface also looked like a complete failure. They used the UHPC formula.
Maybe you want to use some kind of sealing spray or latex paint...

[peteeng]

Hi Moment - Have you waxed the melamine? I use moulding wax (carnauba wax, paraffin or silicon) Peter

[joeavaerage]

Hi,
the weight of the pour is going to cause the side panels (uprights) to bulge. You need to reinforce them or use external diagonal braces. UHPC is heavy.

Craig

[Momentz]

Pour is done, form is holding together very nicely.

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[peteeng]

Well done with the clamp! Now we wait. Peter

[Momentz]

Here is the base out of its casting.

Had a few little voids that need filling but should be able to avoid them next time.

Chipped the front centre when prying off the timber mould but it will be hidden.

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[peteeng]

Excellent !! Peter

[joeavaerage]

Hi,
I second that.

Craig

[catahoula]

Awesome. How will you mill the steel surfaces flat, take it to a machinist?

[Momentz]

Awesome. How will you mill the steel surfaces flat, take it to a machinist?

Still deciding what to do, I have a precision granite straight edge so I may scrape, epoxy level with granite or go get machined.

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[Momentz]

Made up a stand, it's 4x 250mm channel criss crossed to bring the machine up to a good height. This is just a temporary fit together to make sure all my M16 bolts fit together, I'll strip it down and get it prepped for paint.

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[joeavaerage]

Hi,
epoxy is too 'squishy' and is hopless for leveling CNC rail beds.

If they are within 0.05mm of flat now then scraping might be a go, if they are more than 0.1mm out then machining is the only practical way. That is, and has been the case,
since you started designing and building. You might not like parting with the money, I sure didn't, but when you get a top notch job done the result is a pure pleasure and forms
the basis of ALL your future CNCing......don't skimp or buggerise around, do it properly.

Craig

[Momentz]

Hi,
epoxy is too 'squishy' and is hopless for leveling CNC rail beds.

If they are within 0.05mm of flat now then scraping might be a go, if they are more than 0.1mm out then machining is the only practical way. That is, and has been the case,
since you started designing and building. You might not like parting with the money, I sure didn't, but when you get a top notch job done the result is a pure pleasure and forms
the basis of ALL your future CNCing......don't skimp or buggerise around, do it properly.

Craig

I should clarify, a metallised epoxy paste, I've seen this done on a few German machine with fantastic results.

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[joeavaerage]

Hi,
the best stiffness peteeng could get with a filled epoxy is 18GPa, thats still too damn squishy.

Your steel rails are 205GPa and your UHPC base is better than 50GPa...and then you use an 18GPa filler material?????

Craig

[Momentz]

Hi,
the best stiffness peteeng could get with a filled epoxy is 18GPa, thats still too damn squishy.

Your steel rails are 205GPa and your UHPC base is better than 50GPa...and then you use an 18GPa filler material?????

Craig

I guess we will see how we go, For me this machine build is all about testing things I've seen online, the epoxy is just the binder , I have a mix I want to try, it'll only be 1-2mm thick at the most so I don't see much compression happening.

Are there better methods, Absolutely but again I can just grind off the epoxy and take it to get machined If it doesn't work, I already have the epoxy so no harm in trying.

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[Momentz]

Little update.

Let's start with the bad news. The base has a few hairline cracks in it so I don't know how much that has affected the structural integrity but hoping it doesn't.

The good news is

1. the base has had all it's little voids filled, sanded and ready for some paint.

2. The riser plates for the gantry are complete except for 2 long threaded rods on each side that'll go right through to the top of the gantry for some eyebolts for lifting purposes.

Next step is to make the form for the gantry and pour.

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[catahoula]

Nice job. Do you think the cracks were from shrinkage, or from stress in demolding?