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When creating the Male and Female dies - how much gap needs to be allocated between the two pieces?
Is there a ratio / rule of thumb based on the metal mesh thickness and the thickness of the dies themselves?
Example:
- 1/16" metal mesh
- 1/2" wood used for dies
How much gap needs to be allowed and how do you calculate?
T.I.A.
Charles
Mark from Car Audio Fabrication (https://www.caraudiojunkies.com/memb...73-caraudiofab) has a video on this very subject. His YouTube channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/user/CarAudioFabrication. Lots of information on system fab and component selection.
Here is the direct link to fabbing mesh grilles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbpYA6ZkVEQ
I haven't personally tried it, but I've thought about ways I would do it. My thinking is the gap should be 1.25 to 1.5 times the thickness of the stock being formed
Yeah, I haven't done it either but we seem to be thinking along similar lines.Quote:
Originally Posted by BigAl205
I guesstimated a 3/16" gap based on a 1/16" allowance for each side of the male die plus another 1/16" for good measure.
Is this similar to what you were getting at @BigAl205 ?
I might just have to try it and find out for myself, but I have limited amount of the metal mesh on hand and really don't want to waste material if I can avoid it.
I guess it depends on the shape of your mold and buck. If the edges were a slight angle, say 45 degrees or less, you could probably get away with just the 1/16" material thickness gap. As the sides become more vertical, you'd need more gap to allow compression/distortion of the material and to allow release after done.