oldguylearning
New Member
i would like to machine some 1/8" aluminum for signs does anyone have comments or experience
Posts: 4
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ACRYLIC
Aug 20, 2017 16:34:27 GMT -5
Post by oldguylearning on Aug 20, 2017 16:34:27 GMT -5
I want to cut some 1/2" Thk Acrylic but am unsure of the feed and speeds to use
there seems to be lot's of different advise from people so now I'm am a little confused
any help would be appreciated.
Old Guy Learning
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ACRYLIC
Aug 21, 2017 21:14:46 GMT -5
Post by traindriver on Aug 21, 2017 21:14:46 GMT -5
Don't know if this is the kind of help you are looking for, but I can tell you what I would do: Use a spiral upcut bit, probably 1/4" unless the detail of the cut required something smaller. I would use a piece that is (or will be) scrap and program a cut through it with my hand on the speed. I have the AR8Pro, so I have a variable frequency drive to adjust the speed with, and with the dust boot removed, I would start at around 300 (out of 400) and if it looked like I was melting plastic, I would slow down the speed from there. Speeds and feeds are all about heat removal. If you are turning too fast (speed) for the feed rate, the chips will melt together (I know by experience) and also stick to the end mill and melt the cut edge of the part. What I would be looking for is chips coming off as though it was wood. Disclaimer: I have only done acrylic one time, and it was thin. I was turning too fast, but only had two silver dollar sized pieces to cut out, so I didn't mess with the speed and cleaned the melted plastic off my bit when I was done.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2017 22:12:00 GMT -5
With plastic, you have to worry about heat so slow speed, high feed and fewer flutes are the way to go. A single flute bit would be appropriate if you can't get the RPM down low enough and the feed rate high enough so that you're removing chips and not rubbing, thus causing heat and melting. Get a bit intended for plastic as the geometry is different than for metal. Also, cast acrylic machines better than extruded so get the former if you have a choice.
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ACRYLIC
Sept 6, 2017 11:36:29 GMT -5
Post by Axiom Tool Group on Sept 6, 2017 11:36:29 GMT -5
The only bits that we use for acrylic are "O" flute bits designed for plastic, manufactured by AMANA TOOL. I have attached their online feed and speed chart for these bits, which we have used to great success for an 1/8" bit at 18,000 RPM, 70-110 IPM with a pass depth of 0.125". Plastic-O-Flute-Speed-Chart-v2.pdf (310.73 KB)
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