[QUOTE=Steff;38127]Hi Guys,

I would really appreciate some help on machining Aluminium on my Pacer CNC machine.

I am going to cut a casting mold out of a 250 x 250 x 32mm slab. ( i purchased 3 grades to test the quality - 5083, 6032 and ecocast)

I have a 6mm 30mm cut twin flute and a 4mm 40mm cut twin flute aluminium tools to do the job.

My machine has a 2KW air driven spindle (pacer compact cnc) on an auto tool change system, and a misting spray system installed.

What feedrates would i need to use, and what pass depths could i get away with?? do i need a high spindle speed, the max i can go is 240K. I need to achieve a high quality finish, all my design work is carried out in aspire.

Again i really do appreciate all your help.

Cheers

Steff



UPDATE:

Ive been cutting the aluminium today and im not getting on well, been using a Belin single flute 6mm upward spiral. Running at 21k spindle speed, 2 m/min feedrate, 2mm pass depths.

The first cut is flaring the alu outwards, not cutting clean like you would expect. im pocketing down to 25mm and on each pass the edges are getting rougher. I tried to slow the spindle speed but this made very little effect. I changed the feedrate down and this too made the job worse. i was running at 21k rpm at 2.4 m/min and then my tool snapped :( , this is still under the cnc cutter guide stated at 3mm pass depth --- 2.5 m/min --- 21k spindle speed.

Any advice would be highly appreciated right now!

Thanks again

steff