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Aluminum cutting for beginners.

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by MAFFPL, Sep 27, 2021.

  1. MAFFPL

    MAFFPL New
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    Good morning everyone. After testing wood and plexiglass, I decided to try to cut something into the aluminum. I searched various forums for information about the parameters but unfortunately I can not cope with it. I break the cutters one by one and maybe one of my esteemed colleagues is able to help me. So .. how to set the parameters for aluminum stamping.

    Program used: cam.openbuilds.com
    Cutter: 1P VHM 3,175 mm single-flank carbide, shank 3,175 L45

    Aluminum: 5mm

    Coolant: Wurth

    Spindle: Delwat 26200

    Below I present a table, an example of which I am asking you to explain this question to me.

    Thank you very much.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    Wbat parameter were you using when you broke bits?

    When does it break, during cuts or during plunge?

    Is it an Aluminum endmill (coated to prevent weld-on/gumminess)?

    As a beginner, start with 1/4 inch tooling, takes a better load, makes better chips, easier to dial in
     
  3. MAFFPL

    MAFFPL New
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    Peter Van Der Walt thank you for the answer Could you please introduce me to WBAT?
    In the attachment I am sending you a link to the action where I bought the cutter.

    Frez VHM węglik jednopiórowy 3,175 CNC PCV PLEXI

    I am a beginner in CNC and I think I can actually buy a 1/4 aluminum cutter. Do you have anything worth recommending?

    As for the current situation, the cutter breaks when it contacts the aluminum plate. I read somewhere that it is about settings because the cutter enters like a drill and not cutting.
     
  4. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    Openbuildspartstore.com > Sharkbits :)


    As you break during plunge, its probably not a plunge type bit, or you set plunge rates or depth of cut way too high. Or machine has rigidity issues and deflects when the cutting forces start loading up
     
  5. Gary Caruso

    Gary Caruso OpenBuilds Volunteer
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    Always want to ramp into aluminum.
    Speeds and feeds charts for commercial machines will not be achievable with our flexy hobby machines.
    Need to cut slower and with very shallow depth such as 0.5mm depth and 500mm/min feed, keep the rpm low to limit heat.

    Last time I cut with cheap 3mm o- flute bits I used 0.5mm doc, 500mm/min, 5deg ramp, at about 18000rpm no coolant just keeping slot clear with air blast often.

    The bit you listed looks to have a very long flute length, want to get shortest possible on smaller endmills or they will be very easy to break. I've used these with success.. Like Peter said larger bits are much harder to break and are more forgiving for settings.
    upload_2021-9-29_21-47-17.png

    Cheers
    Gary
     
    #5 Gary Caruso, Sep 29, 2021
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2021
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  6. MAFFPL

    MAFFPL New
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    Thank you very much for your help. I will buy cutters and try them out.
     
  7. Alex Chambers

    Alex Chambers Master
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    I use a single flute spiral upcut (3mm dia, about 15 mm length of cutting edge) at 10~13 K rpm, 500 mm/min 0.5 mm depth of cut on a standard workbee with V-wheels.
    Alex.
     
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  8. MAFFPL

    MAFFPL New
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    Alex, thank you very much. Today I will try to check it out.
     

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