Does anone know where to find suitable G-code or CAM for making hydrauklic seals?

I have been interested in making some seals for some old equipment I have here.
I want to use my Sherline CNC lathe (manual tool changing, hobby stuff) to do this but I am lacking the correct templates or CAM data to get started.

I know there are specialised packages out there that do only seals in all shapes an sizes. Basically you choose a type, enter dimensions and go for it on the machine that comes with the package $$$$$.

Since I am only a hobbyist, I need a poor man's solution.

Perhaps someone knows of a suitable free package or something I can improvise?

Best regards
Bernt

The current answer: Online CAD/CAM Design Software | Free Trial & Download | Fusion 36

Lars Christensen has a ton of videos from beginner to intermediate on Fusion: Lars Christensen
- YouTube

But that is not geared towards seals or is it? I don't need anything else but seal shapes and making.

berntd said:

But that is not geared towards seals or is it? I don't need anything else but seal shapes and making.

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Usually software that includes industry specific data to create a turn-key package considers that added value, which is why it costs more. You're not getting "more than you need" with Fusion 360, you are paying less than the industry specific software because it doesn't include design/engineering data and a streamlined process for your industry. Maybe you already understand this, but it's not clear whether you do from your question.

Fusion 360 is a good value for hobbyist situations. Depending on how good you are with learning new software, you should be able to begin designing stuff quickly and learn about the CAM side as well. There is a learning curve- nothing in manufacturing is going to be as simple as you describe without big $$ investments up front. You will need to know how to design/engineer your parts (or reverse engineer from existing parts), how to set up and toolpath the machining process in CAM or G-Code, how to inspect the machined part, plus any post-machining processes.

Yes, I understand all that and I am proficient in Solidworks and I write G-code by hand as well. I have also tried the Fusion 360 at home but got the shits with it and then the trial expired. There is also FreeCad.

However, I was just wondering if there are perhaps G-code files or pre-drawn files for specific seal types somewhere that only need the dimensions to be modified / entered. I am lacking the info on the specific seal lip shapes and specs.

How to activate Start-up, Student or Educational licensing for Fusion 36 | Fusion 36 | Autodesk Knowledge Network

This will help you get back into Fusion 360 with a free student/startup/hobby license. That at least gets you CAD/CAM at home for whatever you want to do.

Sometimes manufacturers or industrial distributors will freely provide datasheets or CAD files for their product online. For example, just checking McMaster-Carr shows lots of CAD files for different hydraulic seals. Most CAD/CAM packages including Fusion will readily load a STEP file which you could then use for CAM. Might be worth looking into if you can track down sites with the specific seal types you need. CAM files or pre-written G-Code...not likely but who knows, someone else on PM might have a lead.

Tracepartsonline has seal models from manufacturers, you could download a stock seal and modify it in your own cam.

Interesting. I will look into it. I only ever used Traceparts for electric parts igs and step models. Never thought of it.

Caution: Many seal elastomers are machinable, but the seal profile as manufactured is almost never accurately represented by the online 3D model. Just about all online 3D seal models have the shape of the installed seal (for example, expanded around a shaft) and not the relaxed seal, which is the dimensional data you need to make one that will work.

Oldwrench said:

Caution: Many seal elastomers are machinable, but the seal profile as manufactured is almost never accurately represented by the online 3D model. Just about all online 3D seal models have the shape of the installed seal (for example, expanded around a shaft) and not the relaxed seal, which is the dimensional data you need to make one that will work.

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I think you are correct. I have yet to come across any model that is basically public and gives away all the secrets of a design.

Having worked with hydraulic seals for many years and having made 3d models for same, you will have a hard time getting the information you need to do this. Dimensions on these items are usually general in nature at best. What I did was break out the measuring tools to get as close as possible. Also, as someone has pointed out already, what a seal looks like in it's relaxed state is usually a lot different than it looks installed.

So what is needed is drawings of the profiles of the different seal types as cut in half.
There will be a limited number of these shapes and the rest is just different dimensions for each size.
No 3D models required.