Looking for a machine or CNC shop

AX-O · #1 03-26-2020, 03:05 PM

All,
I designed an air filter adapter for the carbon fiber part I have been working on http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ght=air+filter

I was going to make the adapter out of carbon fiber also but the fiber does not want to lay nicely. Does anyone have a machine or CNC shop? Ideally I would send the file in and a part would show up at my house, as long as it is not crazy expensive.

I found a few places online that supposedly machine your part as desire but have never used these types of services. has anyone on VAF ever done that?

I have a few different designs based on complexity, material and potential associated cost.

thanks,

rocketbob · #2 03-26-2020, 03:11 PM

I've got a very similar air inlet on my Rocket. You have to make it with tapered overlapping strips about 2" wide at the bottom. You can sort of see it thru the filler in the pic below.

krwalsh · #3 03-26-2020, 03:34 PM

Axel-

You?ll have more success if you make this in two halves. Build a joggle into the mold so you can cleco it together and then put a 2? tape over the seam. I did a similar mold for an interesting wheel pant shape:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RokgHJLPfFk6qHR98

The advantage is you can vacuum bag the half part. If you?re creative with the mold you can make it so the parts are symmetric and get away with a single mold.

hgerhardt · #4 03-26-2020, 03:47 PM

I've had good success with 3dHubs. Much of their machining capability comes via China, but quality is great and price is good too. Gotten several AC prototype parts from them. It's almost funny--you shoot a STEP file to the Netherlands and two weeks later you get a box from China with your parts.

As for your composite layup problem, use twill-weave cloth.

R_Heap · #5 03-26-2020, 03:52 PM

Try Andrew at Spingarage, LLC. He's up at L94 in Tehachapi.

https://www.spingarage.com/custom-solutions

He's a good dude and sorta local for you. He might not have the bandwidth to do it, but he has machining capability and this is right up his alley.

AX-O · #6 03-26-2020, 04:00 PM

Thanks for the info guys.

I was trying to make this out of one piece. Already made one out of 2 pieces with fractions of cloth. not happy with it. in the quest for learning, I also wanted to try the machine or cnc route.

Who knows, this may turn into a product for other folks.

Thank you again.

jimpappas · #7 03-26-2020, 06:02 PM

AX-O

Have you given any thought to someone with a 3D printer that could make it?

At Boeing we made some parts that way.

TFeeney · #8 03-26-2020, 07:23 PM

Axel,
I may be able to help you.
PM with contact info on the way.

Tim

vfrazier · #9 03-26-2020, 07:58 PM

We make the Wining's airbox for the F1 guys. There's another piece that isn't shown, a tapered tube that connects the filter to the Scat hose that goes to the adapter that mounts on the servo.

RVs wouldn't use the external scoop.

Blake sells the adapter here:

https://www.flyboyaccessories.com/Fu...ter-p/2103.htm

I couldn't see Rocketbob's photo for some reason, but he helped Jim with his original scoop and molds.

rleffler · #10 03-26-2020, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AX-O

All,
I designed an air filter adapter for the carbon fiber part I have been working on http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ght=air+filter

I was going to make the adapter out of carbon fiber also but the fiber does not want to lay nicely. Does anyone have a machine or CNC shop? Ideally I would send the file in and a part would show up at my house, as long as it is not crazy expensive.

I found a few places online that supposedly machine your part as desire but have never used these types of services. has anyone on VAF ever done that?

I have a few different designs based on complexity, material and potential associated cost.

thanks,

Talk with Geoff at aerosportproducts.com. Geoff?s main business is Aerosportmodeling.com.