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Copper heat spreader plate
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 12:00 am
by redoverred
Hey, I just got a 0.0937 inch thick plate (10 gauge?) of copper that is 12x12 inches in from Amazon for just under $50. I traced the glass build plate onto it and it is just a tiny bit smaller than it but that should make no difference in the long run. Seems like a good thickness for a heat spreader as far as price goes.
I have 2 questions:
(1) Could I just print straight onto the 110 copper alloy? It's pretty smooth so I could use something to stick the plastic to it if required.
(2) What the heck do I cut it with? It is too thick for metal shears.
Re: Copper heat spreader plate
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 12:10 am
by Nylocke
I'm pretty sure the copper would warp pretty bad, so you dont really want to print on it since it wont be flat.
If youre dedicated and you have a fine tooth blade for it, you could cut it with a coping saw. Or a regular old hack saw. Or a dremel with metal cutting attachment. At least that's what I'd do.
Re: Copper heat spreader plate
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 10:20 am
by nitewatchman
I would not print directly on the copper. The soft surface will get scratched and scored up rather quickly I think.
I have sawn mine and some others on a metal cutting band saw or with a 20" scroll saw. Grinding soft copper tends to be a bit problematic since it tries(successfully) to load up grinding wheels and disks. If you run out of options, send it to me with return shipping and I will cut it for you. PM if you want.
nitewatchman
Re: Copper heat spreader plate
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 10:48 am
by Jimustanguitar
I believe that Brian cut my Trick Laser heat spreader (aluminum) on a mill...
Try putting window tint on the copper as a build surface. I've heard good things about that lately.
Re: Copper heat spreader plate
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2014 5:03 pm
by redoverred
I decided to just take the plate to my father in law's shop and cut it on a saw he has there. I'll post pics once I get it done!
Re: Copper heat spreader plate
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2014 6:38 pm
by teoman
I just got mine cut by a cnc. (Not Cu but Al).
The finish is rather nice.
Re: Copper heat spreader plate
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2014 8:17 pm
by redoverred
teoman wrote:I just got mine cut by a cnc. (Not Cu but Al).
The finish is rather nice.
I could definitely have done that or ordered a cut part from a metal manufacturing company, but I got this 12x12 inch sheet of copper plate for less than $50 on Amazon which was $100 less than the cheapest pre-cut option I could find for the same thickness otherwise and $50 cheaper than a similar 12x12 plate straight from a metal supplier. I don't know anyone with a CNC cutter, but I can use a nice jigsaw to do it so that should work okay. If he doesn't have the right blade I'll either buy one or just sneak into the engineering workshop at the university, heh.