Matt@RFR
Titanium
- Joined
- May 26, 2004
- Location
- Paradise, Ca
I've got a customer in the design phase of some small (6" x 12") aluminum assembly machine pallets that need to be consistent above all else. 2 prototypes, 30 piece orders, up to about 100-120 or so total. The customer is asking me what is reasonable for a flatness callout, not providing a target. Thickness is up in the air, but I'm thinking 3/4" since MIC6 is spec'd .005" flatness at that thickness, but .015" flatness in anything thinner. Just seems like less hassle and more stiffness for a couple bucks more in material.
Main question: If I get TCI to cut oversize and grind to .002" flatness for me (the tightest they will quote), what are the chances of me bolting this to a nice flat fixture, machining the pictured features, and the plate staying flat? I know I'd be in for a fight with 6061, less so with 7075, but what about MIC6? We'll be using sharp tools, taking it easy on the roughing, good coolant, etc.
Main question: If I get TCI to cut oversize and grind to .002" flatness for me (the tightest they will quote), what are the chances of me bolting this to a nice flat fixture, machining the pictured features, and the plate staying flat? I know I'd be in for a fight with 6061, less so with 7075, but what about MIC6? We'll be using sharp tools, taking it easy on the roughing, good coolant, etc.