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Deep pocket/cavity - CNC machining

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3

Hi everyone,

I understand that there are limitations on the depth of cavities, and it’s generally recommended not to exceed a depth-to-width ratio of 4:1. However, I have a design that requires a pocket/cavity with a depth about 7 times the width. Could someone recommend any design strategies to achieve this while still allowing it to be milled? I know about using stepped pockets, but my design requires a flat bottom. Any advice would be appreciated!

Solved by Nikolaus Mroncz

Hi Noah,

very hard to say just by a ratio, more important, if there is a fillet at the bottom and its size. If the bottom is sharped edged, what is the corner radius, then.

If you would upload the part on https://xometry.eu/en/, our IQE is also rating the producibility of your part.

Still sometimes you have better chances in 5 axis and finally EDM could also be an option.

BR

Niko

    • N

      Hi everyone,

      I understand that there are limitations on the depth of cavities, and it’s generally recommended not to exceed a depth-to-width ratio of 4:1. However, I have a design that requires a pocket/cavity with a depth about 7 times the width. Could someone recommend any design strategies to achieve this while still allowing it to be milled? I know about using stepped pockets, but my design requires a flat bottom. Any advice would be appreciated!

      0
    • Xometry Engineer

      Hi Noah,

      very hard to say just by a ratio, more important, if there is a fillet at the bottom and its size. If the bottom is sharped edged, what is the corner radius, then.

      If you would upload the part on https://xometry.eu/en/, our IQE is also rating the producibility of your part.

      Still sometimes you have better chances in 5 axis and finally EDM could also be an option.

      BR

      Niko

      0
      Reply
      • N
        Nikolaus Mroncz

        Thank you! Here’re a few screenshots –

         

        and the view from above:

        so, my pocket is about 7 times deeper than the width. Do you think it can be produced without any issues? 

        Thank you for your help!

        0
        Reply
    • Xometry Engineer
      Noah Johansson

      I think there will be issues in CNC, especially because of the small corner radii. This part looks more for me like an EDM part. Question is, if not it will not be too pricey then…

      0
      Reply
Deep pocket/cavity – CNC machining
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