Feeds and speeds for Aluminum

[ellett88]

I just started machining aluminum and was wonder about calculating speeds and feeds using cemented solid carbide endmills (coated). Ballnoce and flat. Any comments???

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Max RPM and about .005-.007 IPT for finishing. I've been up around .045 IPT roughing at MAX RPM before.

 

HTH

[crazy^millman]

Balls to the wall for roughing and really depends of the finish you are looking for to control finishing.

[DavidB]

Reply do a search I asked same question a while ago.I ended up roughing with an 20mm dia Sandvick RMR cutter at 20000 rpm and 15 meters a min feed with no prob.At 10mm deep and 10mm stepover.Most of the time the machine could not reach the programed feed rate any way .

 

Most people say push it till the cutter breaks and then back off 5%.

I just start at tool supplyers recomendations.

 

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Max RPM

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Balls to the wall for roughing

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Most people say push it till the cutter breaks and then back off 5%.

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When cutting aluminum, all the above quote are right-on. Been there, done that . . .

 

My only suggestion, is to use 3-fluted cutters for hoggin material, 2-fluted for ruffing contours, and 4 flutes for semi-finish and finish.

 

IKTWH

HF

 

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[Chris Rizzo]

I have completly converted to the 3-Flute school. Very stiff, and clear chips very well. Amazingly high feeds in short lengths, and amazingly chatter free in longer lengths. Very capable as finish tools, also. I'm fond of the M.A. Ford line, (models136,137,138)

[Oppiz]

I like the way 3 fluted cutters cut but the machine operators complain about not being able to mic the diameter. I tell them not worry about it that I'll take care of it with my program but they still feel the need to check size.

[cadist]

Aluminium being a nonferus metal requires high spindle speed and feedrate. We prefer M.A.Ford tools with cutting velocity of more than 800 and chip load of .2mm with a depth of cut of 2mm for dia 20 tool. Well the scene is amazing.

[DavidB]

oppiz

 

They can check diameter in the machine with an indicator. Keep them happy and they will appreciate you a lot more.I try keep my operators as happy as can be.Sometimes they wont trust you but they will after time and learning.

 

 

[chopsley]

I like three fluters as well. As for checking the diameter, an anvil mike works just fine.

[Jimmy Wakeford from Barefoot CNC]

Ask the guys you are gettimg your tools from for recomendations based on your max rpm and rigidity of machine. Those guys should be as good at tooling as you guys are at programming cause its all they do. Around here most tooling companies will send an ae out to look at your machines and product to come up with the best solution.