I have an ox cnc for about 2 years, I have been using to cut aluminium cases like this one: US $49.5 |WA123 Power amplifier chassis Tube amplifier chassis DAC box 308*222*121mm|dac box|power amplifier chassisamplifier chassis - AliExpress I was able to cut sucessfully 72 of those. Looks like in the last batch the supplier changed the material, and now it's pretty much impossible to cut the boxes. As bit, I'm using those: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07P62RCGV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 And it used to cut like a charm, honest, would cut aluminium the same way that cuts plastic abs. But in this most recently batch, it's impossible to cut, the aluminium gets extremely hot, and the cnc have a hard time cutting it. I'm using the following settings: And also tried to change the Depth per pass to 0.1mm, and it got even worst, it started burning. I spoke with the supplier they send me a new batch, and guess what, same issue. I'm wondering if you guys have any suggestion what I can do to cut those. And if someone in Canada has a cnc that can cut those panels to me, please PM me.
Flat endmills and ramp in at about 6 degrees is what has worked for me with aluminum. I also find that moving up from 3.175 mm cutter to a 4.7625mm (3/16") makes the cutting so much easier. 1/4" is easier still. But, that may not be possible for your design. I also cut significantly faster. I will go look up my speeds and feeds when I get a chance.
I agree. Those end mills are a terrible option. O-flutes have the best chip evacuation. 2 flutes would be your next bet. DO NOT PLUNGE. Ramp in at 3-5 degrees. You can also run much faster than that. I run an 1/8" o-flute ate 500mm.
It might be the aluminum is not an easy to machine alloy? 6061 is common for its easy (easier than others) machining properties. Also that looks like anodized? that will make it harder to machine as well. Good luck Gary
