What should our CNC machines make next?
Jessica Uelmen
Posts: 490
What do our Motor Mount & Wheel Kit, Caster Wheel Kit and Ping))) Protector Stand all have in common? Why, they're all quality machined parts made right here in at Parallax HQ with our Haas Super Mini Mills!
Now we're looking to expand our machined parts offerings, and want to hear what YOU want to see! We can brainstorm ideas all day, but unless it's something that you want to buy, it's not much good.
So please, let us know what you would want to see. Here are some guidelines & tips to help get you thinking:
Cheers,
Jessica
Now we're looking to expand our machined parts offerings, and want to hear what YOU want to see! We can brainstorm ideas all day, but unless it's something that you want to buy, it's not much good.
So please, let us know what you would want to see. Here are some guidelines & tips to help get you thinking:
- CNC milling products made from AL6061/6063. 2.5D machining chamfers and round edges in X/Y coordinate system is perfectly feasible but 3D surface machining (contouring) is out of the question.
- Minimal parts to comprise a finished product. Adding screws of various types is entirely fine.
- Ideal products made on the CNC are those that empower our customers to either achieve greater projects of their own, or make their projects more enjoyable to do.
- Think about compatibility with our other products.
Cheers,
Jessica
Comments
I "third" the LCD frame requests! A bracket that holds the LCD up and at an angle would be useful. I could mount one to my robot or to my controller. Would make the displays much easier to read. And perhaps a bit of a shield for viewing the LCD in sunlight?
dgately
Let us spec it... u make it. Maybe a good idea... maybe not. Wouldn't hurt to run a trial balloon
I would like to mount a TSL1401 board to the end of a wheel chair motor... on top of a thin metal can... point at the thingamajig that turns.
I could draw it... but darned if I know how to explain it:)
Rich
Ken Gracey
In an assortment of diameters of course.
Many years ago Beau made a metal detector for the BASIC Stamp (http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?62768-Sensitive-STAMP-based-Metal-Detector-enjoy!!). I think it would be kind of cool for Parallax to create a metal detector development kit based up his initial post, with most of the necessary parts being made from plastic or aluminum. As for the microcontroller, well of course there should be a choice between the Stamp and the Propeller.
This suggestion must be worth two XBee modules
Bruce
Telepresence something?
omni mechanum stuff?
Gripper/manipulators?
Arm and parts?
Docking charger components?
-Just chumming the waters here...c'mon all you brilliant minds out there!
We have a very talented couple of machinists (Kenneth and "Matt H") -
Put them to the test!
-MattG
If someone has an idea that's 12" x 12" x 3" and the reality is 12" x 8" x 2", then there need to be some re-thinking of the idea to match the reality.
Ah, the thought of sliding on the shiny pulleys, threadlocking the grub screws, using toothed belts . . . could it get any better than that?
Maybe a rack & pinion option also?
A sick pan-&-tilt for DSLR's would also be schweet!
We have a Haas Mini and a Haas Super Mini. I want to say 24" x 20" x 10". I'll verify this on Monday.
Plus, we have an SR100 which can handle 4' x 8' x probably 6" height.
-MattG
Those are the work envelopes, which are really massive. For the stock, any standard 6061 shapes can be put into our vises.
Three full-size Haas CNC machines, ready to work for you!
-Phil
The CNC parts kit is an interesting idea. Just like a 3d printer, there are probably a core set of CNC'd parts that could be provided to mate up with more common and easily obtainable parts to build a Parallax quality CNC machine.
In other words, I could use a few good standard mounts for powerful stepper motors and related items. Doesn't Harbor Freight sell cheap machne lathes?
How about some X-Y-Z tables?
Bezels for the lcd screens in alum or plastic.
Some medium size tracks and sprockets.
Mecanum Wheels
A decent gear box or Planetary gear set for humanoid builders.
Can I just come in on 3rd shift and use the machines?
Parallax brass blazer buttons for Forum VIP sports coats.
Beanie Propeller blades in anodized rainbow colored aluminium
Replica Robbie the Robot doorstops for trophies in Forum contests.
Lol
A bit more whimsical, but a coil gun would be cool. Perhaps as a kit? I'm imagining the machining part would be for the barrel, and maybe the shot as well.
How about an antivibration kit for the Elev-8? Something like what Tiger made could be a starting point: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?133372-Ken-Cluso99-W9GFO-JasonD-s-QuadCopter-Build-Log-(updated-info-ELEV-8-availability)/page45
I think it's called Bling!
Right, no Z-axis contouring. But secondary or tertiary machining operations are always acceptable. They're more a matter of staff time and less of really intense (i.e., long run time) ball-shaped end mill manufacturing. You know your choices for these operations at Parallax: bandsaws, drilling, tapping, additional 2 1/2D machining, etc. We have a vibratory tumbler inside Parallax and we currently go outside for anodizing, so both of these are options.
We don't have a press brake, automated or CNC at this time. It's one of those sheet metal tools that can be found quite easily in any shop, so it shouldn't be ruled out from a production process either. But be careful if you're thinking about applying CNC operations to sheetmetal [because we really don't want to do much of that if a CNC punch is really the right tool for the job].
Guess I'll be expecting an e-mail from you where you share your ideas. You can always call me today at Parallax.