Metal shop and CNC question

Id like to try making my own metal stamp using fusion360 and use them to stamp leather. @metaltechs Which of the metal shop machines should I get familar with and is there any plans for us to get an anvil? @CNCtechs whats the hardest metal the mini cnc can handle?

Head of stamp example 2 metal head

Body and alternative head of stamp example

Hi,

In order to make those stamps, pretty much the only machine you can use is the CNC mill, I will let the @CNCtechs give you more info about that.

If your question was about embossing your design, the press should work well for you.

We have a couple of short sections of train rail that can work quite well as an anvil, but no plan on getting an actual anvil in the space anytime soon.

Hope this helps.

Hi Dorine,

I’ve done different brass stamps for myself on the mini cnc using a 15degree engraving tool on brass ( CZ121 alloy, better machining).
The tool holder was done on stainless steel on the metal lathe.

I don’t have pictures now but if i find them I’ll add them here.

1 Like

The stamp body needs to be made of steel as the hammering the leather needs a significant amount of hammering force, @federico says the cnc can handle steel but takes a long time. The first example is a 2 metal head with a T interlocking shape @stefanoromano can any of the metal shop machines help in creating that interlocking mechanism so we could just make the face of the stamp on the cnc machine
?

Found it :

1 Like

Fab :slight_smile: what time you in?

Regarding the interlocking mechanism, i went for a threaded end of the stamp.

I’ve also used a tool for an undercut ( a t-slot) on a brass holder, be aware this is an advanced cut so make sure you are comfortable in every step of the process or ask for tech assistance.

1 Like

Maybe November :smile:

I’m not around the makerspace these months

Hi Dorine.

The mini cnc should be just fine with brass/aluminium or bronze sheet/block. If you use V-carve and a fine v or ball mill (depending on the design) you should be able to get youd discs engraved adequately. It might take slighlty longer, but try keeping the passes to a small depths to get the best results. If you use a spoilboard (18mm ply or so) and double sided tape for your brass sheet, you should also be able to cut the discs/rectancgles out of the brass sheet with a bit change to an end mill.

A final point to consider is that if you will be embossing or heating the ‘‘stamps’’ for branding you may consider buying a thick enough sheet of material so it does not warp during the process.

There is also the second ‘‘mini cnc’’ milling machine that is in the process of being installed - from what I understand, that one should be able to take more materials up to mild and stainless steel. This however; just as the likely install date, remains TBC.

1 Like