Hello all, I've just purchased the C-Beam machine as my first CNC. I've had my eye on Openbuilds for years, but couldn't justify the cost of my own machine until a recent project came up requiring tight tolerances between moving parts. Specifically, I'm building a frame/jig for testing various magnetic components and their interactions (strong permanent magnets + amorphous metals, i.e. Metglas). I'm using a C-Beam Gantry Kit with C-Beam for linear movement parallel to a 40x40 V-Slot "H" frame used to adjust the height of a second magnetic component to that of the C-Beam (see images). Due to the nature of the magnetics involved, I can't use any ferrous or other magnetic metals for mounting the magnetic materials under test to the C-Beam or V-Slot - doing so will significantly alter the magnetic flux paths I'm studying. Fortunately, most of the C-Beam gantry components are non-magnetic (plate, rail, wheels), but the mounting hardware is not (screws, t-nuts). I'm managed to design around a lot of that, but I still don't have a clean solution for securely mounting the materials under test to the C-Beam rail. Please note: I need something decently structural as there could be up to 80 pounds of force between components So here's the question... tl;dr Can someone recommend a source of non-magnetic (austenitic) stainless steel t-nuts or other mounting solution I can use to couple a screw to the C-Beam slot? At present, I'm planning on fashion something out of brass.
Just use anything 304 or 316. Out of respect for the site, I won't post any links, but there are plenty of suppliers. As for t-nuts, it won't be as strong, but you can print them with nut drop in recesses, or just use the twist turn style "hammer" nuts.
I don't expect you'll find stainless t-nuts commercially. If you don't need a lot making them yourself from stainless bar stock would not be a big deal. Filing a bevel on low profile stainless nuts such that they fit the slot may also be an option. If you don't expect high forces, making t-nuts out of aluminum would be fairly simple.
Thank you, Kevon. I assume when you're suggesting using 304 or 316 you're referring to screws, not t-nuts? Also, I don't have a 3D printer, and I don't think plastic nuts will be strong enough for this application.
I spent some time looking for stainless t-nuts before posting. You're probably right. What a good idea! I wouldn't have thought of this. It's certainly a simple solution and easy enough to implement. I did think of this and may try this just for kicks now that I have the C-Beam. Thanks for your input.
