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Post by adam058 on Oct 25, 2022 15:12:06 GMT -5
This is my first time cutting aluminum. I just need to cut some ~1/4" (+ any tolerances) holes for some dowel alignment pins from McMaster. What bit should I be using, and what speeds and feeds have worked
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Post by windcrest77 on Oct 30, 2022 14:05:39 GMT -5
I cut a lot of aluminum plate. I use the Amana 1 flute upcut bits made for aluminum see link below. The two flute bits didn't work as well for me as the single flute bit. Start out with the Amana speeds and feeds on this page for this bit, then at run time tweek the hand controller faster/slower until you are getting nice chips (not powder!). The main thing with aluminum is you want chips not powder. Amana says 18,000 RPM. For 1/4 inch holes I'd use the 3/16 bit. Vetric will probably calculate 2 passes for a 3/16 bit through 1/4 inch thick material, I usually up that to 4 passes when doing 1/4 inch thick plate. I'm not sure how thick your plate is. I always make the center of my material my X/Y origin in Vetric (just me), then then I'll often add a test vector outside my piece, just a straight line. I run that "waste cut" path first just to nudge the feed rate until I see I have nice chips. Then I cancel that program and load the real project path, that way I dont have to experiment with the feed rate getting good chips on my real piece I did it on a waste cut outside my real piece's profile, same material. Less chance of messing up my real piece. I see they are on sale now, might pick up a few myself! www.toolstoday.com/v-13807-hss1621.htmlwww.amanatool.com/hss1621-high-speed-steel-hss-single-flute-spiral-aluminum-cutting-3-16-dia-x-5-8-x-1-4-inch-shank-up-cut-router-bit.html |
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Post by jgarciaa on Mar 3, 2024 22:18:29 GMT -5
This is my first time cutting aluminum. I just need to cut some ~1/4" (+ any tolerances) holes for some dowel alignment pins from McMaster. What bit should I be using, and what speeds and feeds have worked Consider exploring the Monport laser for your cutting needs; it's reputed for being user-friendly, high-quality, and affordable. Unfortunately, I can't access external websites like monportlaser.com/collections/co2-laser-engravers/products/monport-40w-lightburn-ready-12-x-8-co2-laser-engraver-cutter-with-fda-approval?sca_ref=5031521.ka374VZjm3 As for cutting aluminum, for 1/4" holes, you could use a carbide end mill with a diameter slightly larger than 1/4" to accommodate tolerances. Start with a lower spindle speed and feed rate and gradually increase until you achieve the desired results. Consult the manufacturer's recommendations for specific speeds and feeds based on your CNC machine and the type of end mill you're using. |
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