Cheap Custom Chassis Machining

[Tupinambis]

What are some available custom chassis machining services available online for your typical hobbyist? I have not been successful in finding one, primarily because I don't know what the correct terminology is.

To clarify, I would like to design the parts for a small robot (no larger than 5x5x5 in.) in SolidWorks or CAD and have them machined in a light but durable plastic material.

Thank you for any suggestions.

 

[jpanhalt]

Have you tried: **broken link removed**

They are expensive, but focused on the one-off prototype. I would also try a local trade school. I did that many years ago and only had to pay for materials.

John

 

[Tupinambis]

I will seek out my options with both of your suggestions. Thank you.

 

[Rbeckett]

Try looking on a site like Hobby Machinist and see if you can find someone interested in doing your one offs for a reasonable fee. I have a mill and two lathes so I do that kind of stuff quite frequently. It does kind of fit with the whole hobbiest/machinist/robotocist ideal pretty good. If I were well enough I would be glad to fo it for you, but my health has not been good and I have not been out to the shop much at all lately either.

Bob

 

[KeepItSimpleStupid]

Why not have your parts 3D printed, rather than machined?

 

[Tupinambis]

If you can recommend a reasonably priced 3D printing service for a project of this size, please let me know

 

[KeepItSimpleStupid]

This is one method I heard about. http://makerfactory.com/

There has been some efforts using this board anyway to make parts for Tektronix scopes.