TwoWheeler
Aluminum
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2021
I have to machine a 5mm slot in aluminum with a tight tolerance. Position is critical, as is the width of the slot. I'm using a Bridgeport CNC knee mill. My procedure so far has been:
I'm close, but not close enough. I'm getting enough cutter deflection that I'm having a tough time staying within the .0004" high tolerance limit. I'm using a solid collet and only have as much cutter sticking out as needed and have barely enough flute length to break through (15mm deep).
Any suggestions as to procedure, speeds & feeds, number of cutting flutes, finish allowance and/or Z steps?
Oh and did I mention I'm very limited for tool holders, I have 80 of them to do, they're all different and they're in a hurry?
- Center Drill two holes
- Drill 11/64 two holes
- Pocket Mill with3/16" carbide end mill, stepping down .05" on Z 2500 RPM and 3" min feed and do a finish pass.(Machine tops out at 3000RPM )
I'm close, but not close enough. I'm getting enough cutter deflection that I'm having a tough time staying within the .0004" high tolerance limit. I'm using a solid collet and only have as much cutter sticking out as needed and have barely enough flute length to break through (15mm deep).
Any suggestions as to procedure, speeds & feeds, number of cutting flutes, finish allowance and/or Z steps?
Oh and did I mention I'm very limited for tool holders, I have 80 of them to do, they're all different and they're in a hurry?