-
21-03-2016 #1
New to the world of cnc having recently got my 6040 up and running (0.8W spindle) I'm on the hunt for a plan of action for cutting some aluminium (1.5mm & 3mm thickness)
I'm thinking of buying some carbide TiAlN coated bits as I'm hoping to run it without flood but with an air compressor blowing air direct and a shopvac to collect the chips.* So I've heard that TiAlN coating would be best for that.
I'm looking at some cobra carbide bits from eBay.* Have people used/heard of these before? Recommended?
*http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/2mm-Carbide-...222?nav=SEARCH
For the actually toolpaths, I'm using HSMexpress in Solidworks and am thinking that for general front panels (3.5mm holes.. maybe larger ones for pots and things 11mm or so.. and the outside cuts of the panel too..)
Is the right thing to do, choose 2d contours in HSMexpress and use a 2mm bit to cut everything? Or is drilling more recommended?* I suppose if possible I'd prefer less tool changes rather than actually speed..*
-
22-03-2016 #2
Try the single flute carbide bits, they work brilliantly on aluminium with air for cooling and chip removal, I've had no issues with plain carbide.
I use 2D contour profiling for a lot of parts, holes too unless it would involve many passes to achieve the hole diameter with the loaded tool.
- Nick
-
22-03-2016 #3
Thanks for the advice.. I was looking for some single cutters too but couldn't find any TiAlN coated ones.. perhaps it doesn't matter so much for single flutes?
I'll pick up some 2mm single flutes then...
Perhaps these:
http://www.cutwel.co.uk/milling/mill...l-e5e47-series
Or Europa Tools http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...834460&alt=webLast edited by d4cnc; 22-03-2016 at 03:19 PM.
-
22-03-2016 #4
-
23-03-2016 #5
Thanks for advice.. is there a general rule of thumb for what diameter cutter for pocketing a hole.. obviously a 3.5mm cutter in a 3.5mm hole would just be plunging and wouldn't be able to spiral in..
Whereas a smaller bit can spiral in better.
Or is straight down plunging not too much of a problem in 3mm thick aluminium with a single flute cutter? So a 3mm cutter in a 3.5mm hole would be fine to pocket.Last edited by d4cnc; 23-03-2016 at 05:33 PM.
-
23-03-2016 #6
Have a look at these http://www.sorotec.de/shop/Cutting-Tools/END-MILLS/
-
23-03-2016 #7
Thread Information
Users Browsing this Thread
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Similar Threads
-
Milling Sheet Aluminium
By p1lts in forum Metalwork DiscussionReplies: 8Last Post: 08-03-2014, 12:23 AM -
WANTED: 100mmx100mm 6mm aluminium plate/sheet.
By Isaac in forum Items WantedReplies: 11Last Post: 06-02-2014, 12:11 AM -
FOR SALE: Aluminium Tooling Sheet - Various sizes
By Fewco in forum Items For SaleReplies: 4Last Post: 16-01-2013, 04:27 PM -
Drill 4 x 28mm holes through 44mm thick aluminium
By WandrinAndy in forum Gantry/Router Machines & BuildingReplies: 10Last Post: 30-09-2012, 09:17 AM -
Need to cut .5 Aluminium Sheet - Set-up Needed
By Andrew in forum Metal Finishing TechniquesReplies: 15Last Post: 15-08-2010, 04:12 PM
Bookmarks