Strap buckle project

I started the design, i'm not really trying to make something fancy, just a clean buckle, titanium (6AI4V, gr5), probably with a light brushed finish. When I check buckles online, I hate zooming on it and see all the flaws in the construction and finishing, not sure but I think a majority of buckle are stamped. So my goal is to make a very clean part, crisp edges, well built.

Probably gonna play with it but thats where i am presently





Btw i'm really open to criticism
Thanks

Added thickness to the tongue, too thin, also added a little bit of relief on the front. Gonna be a lot of 3D machining

Yes i think you are right, I will flattened it a little bit but still keep a little bit of relief. A thing to consider is the render itself, it's look big like this but the thickness part in front is 2mm. I will do a machining test in aluminum very soon, the first operation, to have something similar to this, and see how i feel it. Thanks !

I finally decided to go with my initial design, with a thicker tongue


Locating my work coordinate system with the Haimer 3D-sensor. Basically telling the CNC where is the stock.


Roughing the part


Rocking the speedy when the machine is running


Rough part


And after the 3D machining with a 0.125 inch ball end mill and some chamfer, the part after the first OP (setup) look like this:





I did this test part in aluminum, just to test the toolpath. Next step is to make a "soft jaw", basically 2 customs made aluminum parts, machined to hold the parts the other way to finish the machining. I will also make another set of soft jaws to hold the buckle side way for drilling the small hole.

She thickkkkk

The bottom isn't machined yet, take a look on the first picture

Update

Final design:


Starting machining the prototype in titanium



Result of the first operation


OP2


Result




Next step is to round off the back and drill holes for the sprinbar, and of course hand finishing the parts. Brushed finish, and polish here:


After I will start machining the tongue, and rings (for the nato strap).

It's been a while, are they any updates?

Of course!












This is the first complete prototype, Horween latigo leather, titanium buckle and ring. Nothing is perfect but so far so good, I like it very much.
Edit: I'm working on a video, showing the making of, machining, finishing, leatherwork (still noob at this point)