Machining Torlon

[OC_THE MCX]

Hello everybody,

Can anyone please give me some tips and or pointers on milling, drilling and tapping TORLON 5530. I have researched the web but info is too vague. looks like this stuff is abrasive. On a particular feature, I need to drill a .120 dia hole all the way thru a part that is 6.685 thick. It is ok to drill from both sides but what is the best drill point to use? .118 or .135. I do plan on using a split pont carbide drill to start and a longer drill to finish.

 

Any info is much appreciated. thanks guys

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

I've found when machining it, if you can spring for PCD coated Carbide drills, you'll get much better tool life. It is soooooooo abrasive you'll think you're machining cast iron. The stuff will just chew up HSS like it's nothing. Going from one side to the other should be ok.

 

HTH

[3R!< W3NG3R]

isn't it as messy as cast iron too?

[strabe]

I only machined it once several years ago. James is right, very abrasive stuff. I'd use 135° point for the drill. If you use carbide you should be fine drilling half and half. I'd be afraid of a HSS drill dulling and walking off center.

[35K chipper]

We machine it everyday. carbide drills and diamond coated endmills from harvey tools. it will chip with dull tools. the 5530 torlon is hydroscopic and will change dimensions when it drys out you can bake it to speed up the dry out. we do this when we have to hold +/-0.0001 this material in expensive. hope this helps.

35k chipper

[OC_THE MCX]

Thanks for the replys guys! any info helps.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

I'm glad 35K brought up the "Heat Treat" aspect of it first... I was going to say it but I was afraid you guys would have me committed prematurely. "... heat treat plastic???... are you out of your mind???..."

[Zoober]

James teh "Crazy^Apps^Man.

[35K chipper]

Yes we anneal 5530 at 400deg F 4hour ramp to 400 deg hold at 400 for 4hrs ramp down to ambient at 50 deg per hour. this material will maintain its properties up to 500 deg F and yes its plastic !!!!!!!

35k chipper

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

I beleive they use it in fuel systems for aircraft often. It's probably the toughest plastic I've ever machined, tougher than A LOT of metals actually, and it just brutalizes cutting tools if you're not using the right ones...