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Non-Magnetic Hardware

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by Chris Wind, Feb 19, 2021.

  1. Chris Wind

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    Hello all,

    I've just purchased the C-Beam machine as my first CNC. I've had my eye on Openbuilds for years, but couldn't justify the cost of my own machine until a recent project came up requiring tight tolerances between moving parts. Specifically, I'm building a frame/jig for testing various magnetic components and their interactions (strong permanent magnets + amorphous metals, i.e. Metglas). I'm using a C-Beam Gantry Kit with C-Beam for linear movement parallel to a 40x40 V-Slot "H" frame used to adjust the height of a second magnetic component to that of the C-Beam (see images).

    Due to the nature of the magnetics involved, I can't use any ferrous or other magnetic metals for mounting the magnetic materials under test to the C-Beam or V-Slot - doing so will significantly alter the magnetic flux paths I'm studying. Fortunately, most of the C-Beam gantry components are non-magnetic (plate, rail, wheels), but the mounting hardware is not (screws, t-nuts). I'm managed to design around a lot of that, but I still don't have a clean solution for securely mounting the materials under test to the C-Beam rail. Please note: I need something decently structural as there could be up to 80 pounds of force between components So here's the question...

    tl;dr

    Can someone recommend a source of non-magnetic (austenitic) stainless steel t-nuts or other mounting solution I can use to couple a screw to the C-Beam slot? At present, I'm planning on fashion something out of brass.

    Magnetic Testing Frame - Front.jpg Magnetic Testing Frame - Side.jpg Magnetic Testing Frame - Back.jpg
     
  2. Kevon Ritter

    Kevon Ritter Veteran
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    Just use anything 304 or 316. Out of respect for the site, I won't post any links, but there are plenty of suppliers. As for t-nuts, it won't be as strong, but you can print them with nut drop in recesses, or just use the twist turn style "hammer" nuts.
     
  3. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

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    I don't expect you'll find stainless t-nuts commercially. If you don't need a lot making them yourself from stainless bar stock would not be a big deal. Filing a bevel on low profile stainless nuts such that they fit the slot may also be an option.

    If you don't expect high forces, making t-nuts out of aluminum would be fairly simple.
     
  4. Alex Chambers

    Alex Chambers Master
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    Brass is usually the best material to use that won't influence any magnetic fields.
    Alex.
     
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  5. Chris Wind

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    Thank you, Kevon. I assume when you're suggesting using 304 or 316 you're referring to screws, not t-nuts? Also, I don't have a 3D printer, and I don't think plastic nuts will be strong enough for this application.
     
  6. Chris Wind

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    I spent some time looking for stainless t-nuts before posting. You're probably right.

    What a good idea! I wouldn't have thought of this. It's certainly a simple solution and easy enough to implement.

    I did think of this and may try this just for kicks now that I have the C-Beam.

    Thanks for your input.
     
  7. Chris Wind

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    Agreed. All the magnetic assemblies I've seen built have used all brass hardware.
     

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