Desktop sized CNC

[JoeHarris]

Awesome looking machine, very nice and very neat. I'm impressed. I like how you have concealed the linear carriages.


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[Nr1madman]

I'm in awe :D
What kind of equipment did you use to make the aluminiumparts?

[TadasM]

I'm in awe :D
What kind of equipment did you use to make the aluminiumparts?

Nr1madman,

All parts were made using industrial machining centers... In order to get machine compact, some parts got more complex, for e.g. All aluminium parts were machined from approx 18 mm down to 15 mm (both sides machining) to get as much accuracy as possible.

I'm considering to anodize aluminum parts, but didn't had time to do a research how it will effect part accuracy or what are the options to protect some particular space on same part from anodizing.

[A_Camera]

Nice machine. Now you need a dust shoe so you can leave it alone working on it's own...

[TadasM]

Gents,

I have tested aluminium machining. It is a first time that I have machined/cut aluminium and I'm not very happy with result.



In the attached picture the blue line indicates the pocketing path and red line profile cut path.



pocketing path settings:


Profile cut path settings:


Spindle speeds and feeds are from HSM advisor:


Pocketing toolpath on part looks really good - shiny finish. But on Profile path - looks like crocodile just cut with his teeth...

Could someone point out where is the issue here and how to get same surface finish as per pocketing toolpath ?
Thank You

[JAZZCNC]

You'll never get nice finish on slotting profile toolpath without using Finish pass. So leave material offset and do full depth 0.2mm finish pass.

[TadasM]

You'll never get nice finish on slotting profile toolpath without using Finish pass. So leave material offset and do full depth 0.2mm finish pass.

Thank You, will do so in next tests. What about speeds and feeds - does it look corrcet ? I tried to use G wizzard, but it gaves me somewhat different settings (24000 rpm and approx 1500 mm/min feedrate). So im not sure if I made a good choice :)


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[JAZZCNC]

Speeds and feeds are not far off and good point to start. I'd play with DOC to see how your machine handles different depths. 3mm on 6mm tool is little agressive for this type of machine and high spindle feed. Might get better results with 2mm and slightly higher feeds, same out come in cutting time terms but with better finish because less tool chatter.

Much about Feeds And speeds is learning your machine and what likes or doesn't in terms of tools and materials.!

My prefered setup in regards tools and cutting stratergy is to use 3 flute serated edge ripping cutters then finish with 3 flute Spiral flute.! . . . . It's often thought that aluminium needs to be cut with single or Twin flutes cutters only but this isn't the case. 3 flute cutters actually cut better and leave better finish on aluminium and can run higher feeds. However must have very good chip clearing and use coolant.

[TadasM]

Speeds and feeds are not far off and good point to start. I'd play with DOC to see how your machine handles different depths. 3mm on 6mm tool is little agressive for this type of machine and high spindle feed. Might get better results with 2mm and slightly higher feeds, same out come in cutting time terms but with better finish because less tool chatter.

Much about Feeds And speeds is learning your machine and what likes or doesn't in terms of tools and materials.!

My prefered setup in regards tools and cutting stratergy is to use 3 flute serated edge ripping cutters then finish with 3 flute Spiral flute.! . . . . It's often thought that aluminium needs to be cut with single or Twin flutes cutters only but this isn't the case. 3 flute cutters actually cut better and leave better finish on aluminium and can run higher feeds. However must have very good chip clearing and use coolant.

Thank You once again JAZZ. Originally I was planning to do single pass - 6mm DOC, but decided to go "easier" for a first cut :) looks like I need to reconsider DOC when cutting metals... I will test my machine further.

It would be great to hear from others reg. DOC and feeds settings on such machinery :) (not only aluminium).