Why does aixiz make thier modules out of brass?

[LSRFAQ]

Brass is easiest on the device known in industry as a "Screw Machine". Its a huge , specialized automated lathe with that self feeds material. It makes inside and outside threads and holes and swages, as well as other techniques. It also cuts parts to length. Brass dulls the cutters the least while being hard enough to keep a usable thread for a long time.

Screw machines existed long before CNC, and are pretty much cam and relay driven.

Screw machines make screws, standoffs, spacers, car parts, printer parts, shafts, some gears, etc.

No enuendo please, they are known as "screw machines" in the trade.

Fascinating machine to watch.

This is video of a SLOW one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62B2MhSIm0M

A bit faster one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDxvBHXklJo&feature=related

Making a valve:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPAK5I1HJAw&feature=related

Thats about 1000 times faster then a human on a turrent lathe.

New ones are really to fast for a decent video without a high speed camera.

This is what would make a pointer body:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aq-S7KPHvc&feature=related

Steve

 

[Benm]

Those seem like good examples of the mechanics involved.

And i personally think brass is a very nice material to work with when completed too - its sturdy, moderalely oxidation resistant, solderable, and has reasonable heat conducting properties as well.

Surely, both pure copper and aluminium boast better thermal conductivities, but neither are very practical to work with. This is a matter of mistake though - pure aluminium is rarely used, almost all aluminium products are actually alloys that offer poorer thermal performace compared to pure alu, but also offer increased mechanical properties.

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

@Steve -- You are likely one of few of us here to have ever seen a "screw machine". I like working brass.

To tell the truth, I turn my Aixiz modules true (smooth) in my lathe to get down to bare brass before pressing into a heatsink.I don't like that chrome plating either.

HMike

@Benm --- Most of the round stock aluminum I use is 6061-T6. It machines smooth and easily because it's not too gummy. Flat stock for heat sinks etc is usually 2024. It drills and taps easily. Heat conductivity can be helped by added mass and Arctic 5 compound.

 

[Flaminpyro]

The No.1 reason, MACHINEABILITY
LSRFAQ hit the nail right on the head

 

[Things]

If anything, I would think the chrome plating would be the limiting factor in it's heat conductivity, but OK

And yes, Brass is very easy to machine.

 

[Benm]

The chrome plating is probably only for looks - bare brass would probably become quite smudgy looking after a bit of handling with sweaty fingers and such.

I doubt its a 'limiting factor' since the layer is so thin though.

 

[Kenom]

I would have to say that machinability and cost are the main factors in the choice of materials. Brass is incredibly cheap in comparison to other metals.