Cutting Laminated Shim Stock

[R1100S]

Hi,

I have a design that calls for a sheet of laminated shim stock. The shims are located in a bolted joint and used to adjust freeplay. The shim stock is 16 laminations .002" think for a total thickness of .032". McMaster part #9720K16. I need to cut a shim that has a 20" OD, 16" ID, and clearance holes for 20 bolts. I am making 2 parts.

What is the best way to cut the shim stock: Laser, water jet, end mill? Any first hand experience would be appretiated.

Thank you.

 

[Goahead]

The cutting method should be tailored to the material which was not specified. Assuming you are considering hardened spring steel, it is probably a question of cost, for only 2 parts. Laser would be nice, except that it will leave a recast layer at the cut, possibly with microcracks that may be difficult to eliminate.
Milling tools will not last. Water jet would be perfect if tolerances and price are OK.

http://www.welding-advisers.com/

 

[R1100S]

Thanks Goahead.

Sorry about forgeting the material. It will be carbon steel. Tolerances are fine for wate jet cutting, I was more worried about delamination during the cutting process.

 

[rorschach]

Delam wiill be a big problem with milling, I know, I've done exactly the same thing using the stainless steel version of that very same mcmaster material. waterjet is the way to go.

 

[eyeloop]

We found a larger piece of steel(in diameter) and clamped the shim stock to the steel, then placed it in a lathe and cut what we needed using the lathe. Do not run the lathe at a high speed!!!

 

[BillPSU]

If you laser the material you will probably have to do some work on the start and stop points which will be thicker. End milling I think would be impractical, clamping the material will be tough.
Water jet cutting will also have its challenges as the material being only .002 thick will try to move just setting on the table. You will probably have to sandwich that thin of material between two sacrificial sheets of material andadd weights to stop movement due to air and water blow back.