Enclosure for the HDM

1

Hello :wave: I am with Navy Recruiting in Phoenix. We are interested in getting the HDM. However before we can do that we are trying to get a handle on a enclosure for the CNC. It seems that most make their own but we dont really have that availability without coming out of pocket. I dont really see any online being sold for it. Anyone have a link they know works or a company that would be able to build one? Also anyone know of a good vibration damping table that could be used? TYIA!

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I like to put a sheet of foam underneath my machines — the anti-fatigue stuff from Harbor Freight works well.

Usually the pre-fabbed enclosure option is something made of aluminum extrusion and plexiglass — there was a link to a product which would fit (albeit w/ some wasted space) here:

EDIT:

a while back there was one discussion which had an Autodesk link:

3

Thank you. I’m assuming the HDM is still going to require some sort of Ventilation as well. Have you heard anything about that with this enclosure?

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All I had was the bare link.

Our recommendation is to use a baffle to allow fresh air in.

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The HDM uses a water cooled spindle, so ventilation isn’t all that important though obviously you’ll want a little airflow so it doesn’t get stiflingly hot in the enclosure. However, the more important thing IMO is to use dust collection to limit airborne particulates.

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6

If you plan on using alcohol as a mist lubricant I think an exhaust vent ducted outside is something to consider to avoid vapor buildup. I have some pc fans acting as an air intake and exhaust, but I find that you only need a powered exhaust and just a vent for air intake.

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Here is my enclosure. FYI, HDM and enclosure are currently for sale.

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Thats what i was thinking but we dont physically have one yet so its hard to really determine without asking.

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Unless your selling new from a company then i wont be able to purchase lol. Gov doesnt work that way lol

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Another question kind of populated. How load does the HDM get? Can you equate it to something (i.e a car, a jet, a air compressor?)

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I was getting about 85db machining aluminum with no enclosure. A cheap, pvc sides & acrylic top & doors, enclosure dropped it to 65db

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Try openbuilds.com. They sell enclosures and extrusions you can make your own in any size you want.

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I measured 90-100 db with a phone app cutting mdf and around 75-80 db with metals with enclosure doors open 2 ft away from the machine. If you measure right at the source its going to be a lot louder, but practically, an average compressor or shop vac would overpower the actual cutting sounds.

It might be quieter cutting mdf if you go for a shallower cut/slower cut, mine makes a really loud high pitches sound when cutting MDF.

Cutting aluminum is around 65 db with enclosure doors closed.

I tried building a soundproof enclosure for my HDM using 3/4 MDF sheets but I found that you’re better off just going for a basic aluminum extrusion box with side panels because getting every single opening sealed is really impractical, especially with all the extra lines needed for airblast and coolant.