Surfacing 954 Aluminum Bronze

[SpecialtyMfg.]

Looking for some advice for machining, surfacing in particular, of 954 aluminum bronze. Also need some tooling recommendations. 3/8" or 1/2" ballnose. I don't have a ton of parts to do, so just something to get me thru.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

op_20_rh_rear_05.pdf

[Matthew Hajicek - Singularity]

Aluminum bronze cuts pretty easy, like brass or aluminum but a bit stronger.  I'd recommend tools ground for aluminum; Helical makes some pretty good ones: http://www.helicaltool.com/cms/findatool_374.aspx

[METALMERKER]

I always like to use the largest size ball the geometry will allow in order to achieve the best finish possible with the largest stepover permissible

[jlw™]

I'd use an uncoated carbide bull mill on that part.

[Matthew Hajicek - Singularity]

I always like to use the largest size ball the geometry will allow in order to achieve the best finish possible with the largest stepover permissible Sent from my SM-S902L using Tapatalk

 

If your part and tooling is very rigid, then yes, that's usually the way to go.  If you have any deflection issues though the smaller tool will push less and give you a better finish.

 

You can make a bull mill act like a ball of a much larger diameter by surfacing in the up-down direction.  When geometry permits that's a pretty efficient way to do it.