Help - Our first milling machine

CanisMinor · Oct 14, 2014

My company is a precision sheet metal fabricator. We've always outsourced our machined component or tight tolerance features to a local machine shop. We have justified the expense of purchasing a CNC mill. We will not be doing any uber critical tolerance features in the machine. 90% will be features added to .190" & .250" thick aluminum 5052-H32 (i.e. drilling, tapping, and some milling) to either laser cut blanks or saw cut to size channels and extrusions. What specifically I'm looking for is assistance tooling the machine up and advice on work holding / part holding. I have no idea what I'm getting in to here and have no machining background. Any advice is appreciated.

bw_4000 · Oct 14, 2014

I would get some local tool reps. in ASAP. Iscar/Ingersoll, Kennametal, etc.

Mtndew · Oct 14, 2014

CanisMinor said:
My company is a precision sheet metal fabricator. We've always outsourced our machined component or tight tolerance features to a local machine shop. We have justified the expense of purchasing a CNC mill. We will not be doing any uber critical tolerance features in the machine. 90% will be features added to .190" & .250" thick aluminum 5052-H32 (i.e. drilling, tapping, and some milling) to either laser cut blanks or saw cut to size channels and extrusions. What specifically I'm looking for is assistance tooling the machine up and advice on work holding / part holding. I have no idea what I'm getting in to here and have no machining background. Any advice is appreciated.

Oy... where to begin?

AARONT · Oct 14, 2014

First you need to figure out the sizes of the pieces you will be putting in the mill to figure out your needed table size.

Metalcutter · Oct 14, 2014

You'll be sad to know 5052 is not too willing to be cut in the milling environment. Just expect that difficulty. 5052 loves to be bent, thats why you use it.

I've never tried it, but it may cut better with more relief behind the cutting edge. The trouble is, its soft, and doesn't have the strength to support the cuttting process.

What machine did you buy?

Regards,
Stan-

KilrB · Oct 14, 2014

Actually, you need a location in your profile first.

Curt B · Oct 14, 2014

Poach one of the guys familar with your parts from the local machine shop you were using.

Skillet · Oct 14, 2014

What name brand and where are you located?

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Help - Our first milling machine

CanisMinor

Plastic

bw_4000

Cast Iron

Mtndew

Diamond

AARONT

Stainless

Metalcutter

Titanium

KilrB

Stainless

Curt B

Cast Iron

Skillet

Aluminum

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