Just as the title says, I am new to the world of machining. I have experience in 3D printing and wanted to jump to the next level, so to speak. I have had some fun with some plywood, making a few signs and other trinkets. I am now trying to tackle aluminum. The sheet is 1/8" thick. I already broke a bit (also 1/8) and can’t seem to get clean cuts. I’m not familiar with all the terminology, so I’ll add pictures for context. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Oh my. You should post your feeds and speeds (depth per pass, plunge rate, feed rate, RPM). Also the tool you are using.
There’s a 100% chance the aluminum people (or the “aluminium” people from the UK) on this forum will get you fixed up.
Post the cutter info and cutting parameters (Depth of Cut DOC, Speed RPM and Feed IPM) you used to cut the Aluminum. That way someone who knows can help you and that’s not me.
Sorry for not including that information. I used the stock settings from Carbide Create, they are as follows:
Tool: #102 1/8" DEFAULT
Stepover: 0.062"
Depth per Pass: 0.05"
Plunge Rate: 8.0
Feed Rate: 20.0
RPM: 10k
Please see:
and note that there are feeds and speeds specifically for aluminum in Carbide Create (#102 DEFAULT is just that).
Using a single flute coated tool w/ feeds and speeds for aluminum in Carbide Create (and ramping in if you have a Pro license) works well.
1 Like
Try a downcut bit, the #102 is an upcut, should keep the edges clean.
1 Like