Hello,
I'm planning a new project in which I need to cut some small parts from 1/2" aluminum. I am looking for advice, council, and wisdom. I'm sure that someone out there has had an aluminum project. Yes, I confess I have cut aluminum before, but it was my CNC bed. Now this will be my first project in which I deliberately attempt aluminum. I thought that I will try a 1/4" end mill. Other than that I don't have a clue!
New Project using Aluminum
Moderators: al wolford, sbk, Bob, Kayvon
-
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Wed Apr 06, 2016 11:17 am
- Location: Holland, OH
Re: New Project using Aluminum
Grandpa B,
I've cut Aluminum many times. All you have to do is adjust some speeds in vCarve. For using a 1/4" endmill, I set my plunge rate to 5, and my Feed Rate to 30. Also, I would change the pass depth to .025, as you wouldn't want your bit plunging in that deep at once (which I've done before ). Also, make sure you put water on the piece from time to time to cool it down. That's how I do it, I haven't ever had any issues if I set up my tools right in vCarve.
I've cut Aluminum many times. All you have to do is adjust some speeds in vCarve. For using a 1/4" endmill, I set my plunge rate to 5, and my Feed Rate to 30. Also, I would change the pass depth to .025, as you wouldn't want your bit plunging in that deep at once (which I've done before ). Also, make sure you put water on the piece from time to time to cool it down. That's how I do it, I haven't ever had any issues if I set up my tools right in vCarve.
Brandon Albritton
Sales/Engineering - Next Wave Automation
Sales/Engineering - Next Wave Automation
Re: New Project using Aluminum
Brandon,
Thanks, I'll give it a go.
Thanks, I'll give it a go.
Re: New Project using Aluminum
another suggestion for cutting aluminum is to never plunge straight down into aluminum.
always ramp your cuts, so that the cutter is always moving sideways while descending.
always ramp your cuts, so that the cutter is always moving sideways while descending.