Cutting Aluminium Composite

[komatias]

ah, squareness.....Yes the chinese machines are all over the shop by the time you remove them from the crate and worse when you want to use them. It comes with using the aluminium extrusion unfortunately.

If the Z is the issue, then you can skim the spoil board but realistically you will need to check each axis against the other.

We can go into details if you want.

For cutting aluminium, I recommended you get some cooling first. You may be more efficient with the single flute but that does not exclude 2 flute endmills, if you go shallow and fast as you note, but you may need to clear chips well when going deeper than an 1mm. You could get a shallower angle 2 flute endmill though which is specific to ali. I always wanted to give a mist cooling things a go.


With composite materials like the alu comp you are thinking of, you will need to experiment a bit. Typically on ply material it is recommended to use a downdraft or compression bit when doing the edges so as not to rip the top and bottom ply. Not sure if this will apply to your case but the option is there.

[Rye]

Just been up to the "shed" and made a quick video. When moving X, the Z will cut into the spoiler from 0 to about 0.25 when it reaches the other end. So that's not as bad as I thought TBH. The screech on the Y though is great if you want to torture someone:



Would like to get it sorted, although I am thinking of getting a new and stronger base/gantry made (in the summer) and using the motors, etc from the C6040. Be nice to know what some of you guys would charge for making it?

[Chaz]

Just been up to the "shed" and made a quick video. When moving X, the Z will cut into the spoiler from 0 to about 0.25 when it reaches the other end. So that's not as bad as I thought TBH. The screech on the Y though is great if you want to torture someone:



Would like to get it sorted, although I am thinking of getting a new and stronger base/gantry made (in the summer) and using the motors, etc from the C6040. Be nice to know what some of you guys would charge for making it?

Wow, horrible sound. Sounds like something urgently needs lube or realignment or both.

Can you disconnect the ballscrew from the frame and move the frame by hand? Might be worth a try ... if its free and quiet, id then investigate the ballscrew and its mounting.

[Rye]

Yes, sounds sweet doesn't it..lol From the start I've mainly used the nice sounding side of the machine - so I'm not sure if it's a recent development or if it's had the problem from day one. I'll take the plunge tomorrow and see if I can find the problem. Just hope I've still got a machine when I've done...lol