This 3D Printed CNC Mill Keeps its Concrete Mold As An Outer Shell
The "Rock Solid Milling Machine" might not be a go-to for heavy-duty work, but it certainly is an innovative approach to DIY milling.
A new CNC mill is up on Printables – and while it might not be suited for heavy-duty work, it’s certainly an eye-catcher.
Billed as an “experimental budget mill”, the “Rock Solid Milling Machine” consists of 3D printed parts and poured, reinforced concrete. However, rather than strip away the superglue-and-rebar-supported mold (which is itself 3D printed), designer Chris Borge keeps it in place.
The process would seem to approach one of the main challenges of mill-making: the substantial weight required for adequate stability. But while Borge says the end result is “solid and seems to run well”, he does recommend users take it with a rather large grain of salt: that being the mill was “designed by someone who has never actually used one before”.
This means the Rock Solid Milling Machine seems to occupy a space meant for curiosities rather than a full-on milling solution. That said, the nearly half-hour-long video documenting the design, build, and testing process is interesting – and full of merit that the end result itself may lack.
It’s also worth noting that Borge has used a similar method for a lathe and a sensitive drill press, both of which are open builds, and which seem to boast similar results in terms of functionality, so be sure to check those out as well.
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