Tips for Cutting Aluminum with our CNC Routers
1. Proper tooling and coolant are crucial when cutting aluminum. In most of our videos, we
use a spiral oflute upcut bit. The reason we use an upcut bit is because the upward spiral
form of the tool forces the chips up an out of the cut, ensuring that chips are not left behind.
These chips left in cutting channels can result in “jagged” edge quality. This tool, with the
proper feeds and speeds also will leave a polished edge.
2. Coolant helps the tool maintain a reasonable temperature, helping with tool expansion
and deflection, resulting in a polished edge and better tool longevity.
3. When calculating feeds and speeds, we use the following formula:
Feedrate = Spindle RPM x Chipload x # Flutes
Feedrate = Cut speed
Spindle RPM = the speed at which the spindle rotates the tool in revolutions per minute.
Chipload = The recommended size of the chip produced by the cutter per revolution of
the spindle. Any reputable tooling manufacturer should have data sheets that show the
recommended chipload range for the corresponding tool diameter. I have put a link below
showing an example of this data sheet.
#Flutes = The number of cutting edges on the tool. The tools I use in the video are single
flute (1 flute) cutters.
Here is an example of how this formula along with the right tooling can help a businesses
productivity,..
One of our customers, Sound Marine services, was originally cutting at 12,000 rpm @ 30
inches/min.
After selling him a better 3/8” tool, we recalculated his feeds and speeds to run at 24,000
RPM @ 190 inches/min, increasing his productivity by more than 6 times his original rate.
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