Rigidax

[Tom Flyer]

We're trying to run a job here that's giving us fits. We refer to it not-so-lovingly as The Tuba. It's a titanium case casting with thin walls, providing little support for machining. Chatter like you wouldn't believe. Deflection and instability off the chart. We're considering using a wax-type filler called Rigidax in an attempt to stiffen things up. Anybody here have experience using this stuff?

[Rob Peirolo CNC Software]

Tom,

It seems we work for the same company ( small world, big company) We have that part here in our shop right now.

You guys did a great job machining it.

We have to install all the flange nuts in it.

 

As for the Rigidax, we did not hace good luck with it as it shrinks too much when it cools and pulls away from the surface it is supposed to be supporting.

There is a low melt alloy that melts with hot water (approx 150 deg.) but it is expensive.

 

Or the epoxy based stuff (we call) "facsimilie". It is used to make fixtures by molding around castings or forgings.

 

You have to be careful you don't contaminate the titanium.

 

I will ask around the shop for any other suggestions.

 

Rob P.

[Tom Flyer]

Hello brother Rob!

We're going to use the Rigidax WS formulation that liquifies at 180 degrees and is water soluble. Is that the 'low melt alloy' you were speaking of?

Thanks for the kudos on the machining. It may help in dispelling the nightmares this part is causing.

Tom at Smiths

(not the cough-drop king)

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Check here...

 

Casting Retainer Putty

 

Go to McMaster-Carr McMaster-Carr and search for Casting Retainer Putty. You'll get the hookup there.

 

HTH

[CAM-mando]

We have used rigidax successfully, but on parts around 6" diameter. I am guessing yours is larger than that so maybe shrinkage could be a problem.

[JG]

brother joe here, i have used a product called cerro-bend, doesn't shrink much at all, cools fast, melts in water.....err.uh.. very hot water, cuts great (wish they made aerospace parts outa that).

 

J.G.

[CAM-mando]

quote:

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product called cerro-bend

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Can you still get that ???

 

We used to mold spoons out of it and leave them by the coffe pot. Makes for fun on a friday.

[steve f]

I read an article awhile back about holding odd shaped parts in ice. Sounded farily labour intensive though.

[Tom Flyer]

quote:

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I read an article awhile back about holding odd shaped parts in ice. Sounded farily labour intensive though.

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Ice, huh? Hmmmm... the building that the machine is in isn't directly heated, so maybe we can wait until January for the stuff to freeze?

[Tom Flyer]

We used to use cerro pretty extensively many years ago to establish good roundness on the first turning ops, but GE forbade us to use it anymore because they felt it contaminated the parts.