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To: antiRepublicrat

The Dremel-like tool is actually the tool in. CNC machining center.

A CNC can typically turn the tool at 8,000 RPM to 15,000 RPM, and has 3 to 5 axis positioning control down to 0.0002” ±.

With the tool turning at these types of speeds, the machine has multiple jets of coolant flooding the tool to keep it cool and flush the chips out of the working area.

Thus most CNC machining centers have big enclosures surrounding the actual working area. If they didn’t, the operator work be bathed in chips and coolant.

Injection molding doesn’t look as neat as CNC machining, but it can have much higher rates of production and lower costs per piece made.


74 posted on 08/15/2010 9:48:15 PM PDT by NVDave
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To: NVDave
I found some more info. Apple has been experimenting with this stuff for two years, and even had a SIM pin made with it as a live test. Here's an example of what it can do. The below tiny (see the specs of dust) perfume bottle was blow-molded with .3 mm thick walls and no seams.

You know Jonathan Ive has been having a field day with this stuff. Apparently it can be molded with micron-level detail for things like markings (that Apple logo), slip-resistant textures and even holograms. If Apple paid for an indefinite exclusive license, you know they're going to leverage it into some cool stuff.

75 posted on 08/17/2010 10:04:47 AM PDT by antiRepublicrat
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