Machining Aerogel

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the machining of classic Aerogel, specifically the "frozen smoke" variant, as opposed to the denser mat-type Aerogels used in construction. Participants emphasize the need for practical experience and appropriate machining techniques, including lathe turning and milling, while considering spindle tightening and rotational speeds. The conversation also references Aerogel Technologies' machining guidelines, which suggest contacting the company for specific advice on the frozen smoke variant. Overall, the discussion highlights the challenges and considerations involved in machining this exotic material.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lathe turning and milling processes
  • Familiarity with Aerogel properties and types
  • Knowledge of machining speeds and spindle tightening techniques
  • Experience with contacting technical support for material-specific inquiries
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Aerogel machining techniques on Aerogel Technologies' website
  • Learn about the properties and applications of frozen smoke Aerogel
  • Investigate best practices for lathe turning and milling of fragile materials
  • Contact Aerogel Technologies for specific machining advice and support
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for machinists, materials engineers, and researchers interested in the practical applications and machining techniques for Aerogel, particularly the frozen smoke variant.

Majorana
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TL;DR
I need to machine the "frozen smoke" stuff!
Good day folks,

I would like to know if anybody out there has any practical, hands-on experience with machining Aerogel (I do mean the "classic", frozen-smoke-appearance Aerogel, not the heavy mat-looking stuff used by construction workers for thermal insulation in buildings). I need to know whether a bar of Aerogel can be lathe turned and milled, provided that the operator uses appropriate strenght when tightening the spindle, rotational speeds etc. The stuff in itself is described as not particularly fragile or brittle (whereas in articles from 2006 it was said that Aerogel would break like glass if dropped, but the stuff might have been improved since then), and able to withstand considerable compression loads. Practical knowledge is essential here, but the stuff is quite exotic and it's very difficult to find somebody that actually machined it!
Thank you SO much! :bow:
 

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Majorana said:
I need to know whether a bar of Aerogel can be lathe turned and milled, provided that the operator uses appropriate strenght when tightening the spindle, rotational speeds etc.
Did you do any online searching before posting your question? The first link that comes up for me on Google for the search query "machine aerogel" is https://www.aerogeltechnologies.com/airloy/machining-guidelines/:
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renormalize said:
Did you do any online searching before posting your question? The first link that comes up for me on Google for the search query "machine aerogel" is https://www.aerogeltechnologies.com/airloy/machining-guidelines/:
View attachment 368136
Hello, I certainly searched (even with Google, that I normally avoid) but I used "lathe" as a search term (since it's the machine that we are 100% sure to have to use), and it did not return any page in the "aerogeltechnologies.com" domain. Anyway, the milling suggestions indicated on that page are referred to the "mat type" Aerogels that I specified are NOT the stuff we are working on. If one has to machine the "frozen smoke" Aerogel, the page says to contact the company, no other advice given there... Thank you anyway for highlighting that website, for sure I will add it to my aerogel bookmarks! :0)
 
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Majorana said:
the page says to contact the company
Have you tried that yet? Do they have some kind of Support link on their web page?
 
berkeman said:
Have you tried that yet? Do they have some kind of Support link on their web page?
Not yet, here in Italy it was quite bedtime when I saw the email notification of the reply. I will probably write today, but before that I wish to talk to our machinist to better define the questions... after all, he's "the man in charge" :oldbiggrin:
 
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berkeman said:
Have you tried that yet? Do they have some kind of Support link on their web page?
No answer from them at all. They only have a "contact" page, a form to be filled online, I filled it with detailed information about my needs but they didn't answer at all, neither sent back a simple receipt acknowledge. Do any of you know of an email address or even telephone number? @renormalize ?...
 
Sorry, I only know of Aerogel Technologies contact page at https://www.aerogeltechnologies.com/contact/, which lists their phone numbers as:
US Toll-Free
(844) AEROGEL (844) 237-6435
International and Boston Local
+1 (617) 800-0414
and their snail-mail address as:
Aerogel Technologies, LLC
106B South Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748
United States of America
No mention of an email address, unfortunately.