Inconel 718 steel

[bamavick]

We are going to be machining on Inconel 718 steel for the first time. Can anybody help me out with what Cutters/Wire and any other tools that work best. Also experiences working with it in a annealed or hardened state. I specifically need to know if anybody has wire cut this material and what works best. Thanks!

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

If you do a search for "Inconel", you will find just about everything you need. CUtting parameters, cutter reccomendations, etc...

 

 

HTH

[bamavick]

Thanks

[Dan_AKA_ROY]

Check out this link. HTH

 

^^^

 

EXAMPLE: Slotting with a 1/2" end mill

 

Solid carbide (3 flute)

 

SFM: 100

CPT: .001

Axial DOC: .125

 

Metal Removal Rate per Minute

Carbide = .143

 

EXCEL Cobalt Rougher (4 flute)

 

SFM: 25

CPT: .003

Axial DOC: .500

 

Metal Removal Rate per Minute

EXCEL = . 575

 

EXCEL Tool Life can be 3 to 10 times longer

[Dan_AKA_ROY]

So doing the calculations..

 

The Carbide endmill has a chip load rec of 0.001 ipt while the EXCEL Cobalt has 3X the FPT (0.003) AND a 0.575 in^3/min MRR (compared to the Carbide with only 0.143 in^3/min)

 

The DOC only 0.125" (for the 3 flute carbide), but 0.5" for the 4 flute EXCEL.

 

The speed is 764 RPM for the Carbide, but a mere 191 RPM for the EXCEL. (Feedrate the same for both at 2.292 ipm)

 

So... the EXCEL uses a much slower speed but cuts 4X deeper (hogging out much more material). It is the superior choice...

[jeff]

Who uses a 3 flute in Inconel? Niagara must be crazy comparing their Excel to a 3 flute.

I've only cut it once or twice, but a 3 flute seems like it would be a poor choice.

[Goldorak]

a good quality variable endmill + dynamic toolpath will be 4 to 5 times faster and you will get around 10x the tool life than a conventional milling method

[overthecrossbar]

Hanita Varimill would be my choice.

[Dan_AKA_ROY]

Who uses a 3 flute in Inconel? Niagara must be crazy comparing their Excel to a 3 flute.

I've only cut it once or twice, but a 3 flute seems like it would be a poor choice.

 

Thanks for the info, Jeff. I've never cut inconel, so a good pointer if I ever do.

[jeff]

well don't take my word for it, it's been years since I've cut it, but I just can't see using a 3 flute in any type of steel or nickle alloy.

I may be WAY off,and I've been known to be wrong once.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

The more flutes the better IMHO.

[neurosis]

Ive been wanting to try a little of this!

 

 

[T_MALENA]

High speed machining Inconel is awesome. I've got a couple videos doing it. How about 18,000 rpm 315ipm at .04 doc & .6 woc for a 25mm 3-flute button cutter!! I ended up getting the best tool life at 18000rpm & 250ipm .04 doc. There isn't too much information out there about how to do it though. Look through this site for "Inconel" & you should find a lot of info.

[T_MALENA]

For general cutting AlTin coated carbide works good. Take a doc as deep as you can WITH a light radial cut. Like many semi finishing passes. You'll get a higher rpm & feed = a faster cut part.

[bamavick]

great info guys... thanks

[Dan_AKA_ROY]

well don't take my word for it, it's been years since I've cut it, but I just can't see using a 3 flute in any type of steel or nickle alloy.

I may be WAY off,and I've been known to be wrong once.

 

Never cut inconel. Will now soon.

 

Edited the rest... Not the proper time right now.