CNC routers are capable of making quick work of metal tasks that are difficult or complex. Many industrial firms, on the other hand, avoid projects that call for the use of aluminum in favor of plastic or wood. Although milling machines were formerly assumed to be necessary for aluminum processing, this is no longer the case.
CNC routers, on the other hand, are ideal for working with aluminum, which is a softer metal. Despite the difficulties, aluminum cutting may be gratifying. Aluminum may be used to make a broad variety of unique goods for your company. Something plain may be transformed into a piece of beauty with the use of exquisite cutting and eye-catching patterns.
Using a CNC router, what aluminum products may be made?
CNC routers may be used to create a variety of great aluminum items, such as:
- Decorative Privacy Screens have gone viral, and can be seen all over the world in patios and backyards. Great house expansions and lucrative items may be made by cutting aluminum sheets into 4-foot and 6-foot lengths.
- CNC routers may be used to make bespoke automobile emblems, which are popular among car enthusiasts.
- Intricately cut lampshades with gentle lighting patterns are a favorite item among designers. CNC routers may also be used to make Moroccan drum-like lights, which are a popular item.
- Many ornamental elements may be made with the CNC router. There are also a wide variety of CAM software tools available to assist you create eye-catching designs.
- Customers want to personalize their houses by using high-end things to make their homes stand out. There are several floral and geometric motifs available for use on register and vent covers, for example.
- A variety of sizes and shapes are available for these custom signs, which may be made out of metal. Signage is a company’s initial point of contact with customers, so it’s understandable that owners would like to spend more money on it.
Using an aluminium CNC router, you may be able to make any metal product you choose. You are only limited by your own ideas.
Cutting Aluminum Correctly: 6 Tips
Develop an understanding of your own rate of feed and rate of speed
When working with aluminum, you must take your time; it is not the same as routing wood. Because of this, you need to figure out your feed and speed rates before you begin. Using an online feed rate calculator is the most efficient method.
Use Carbide Bits
Aluminum routing requires high rotational speeds, which can only be achieved with carbide-coated cutters. High-speed steel and cobalt will be unable to manage the workload. Remember to notify your feed and speed calculator that your carbide-coated bit will offer you extra RPMs, so don’t forget to do this.
Utilize misting system:
When cutting aluminum, a Mister system may assist cool down the cutting bit to improve it’s shelf life and preserve its integrity.
Shallow Passes on a Regular Basis
To save time, don’t make the error of cutting too far into the budget. Aluminum is incompatible with this process. Making a series of shallow passes will give you greater access and make the removal of the chips simpler.
Keep an Eye on Flutes!
However, you may be used to using a four-flute cutter for woodwork; this is not the case with metal cutting. This will save your router from jamming due to chips that are too big. As a reminder, your CNC router is better equipped to manage a lower feed rate since it has less flutes.
Clearing chips is a source of constant anxiety for you.
Most cutters are damaged by recutting chips. Be on edge about getting the chips all cleared up. Even the deepest cuts can’t rely on a nearby vacuum dust collector unless you’ve personally tested it. An air blast attached to the spindle and aimed directly at the place where the cutter hits the material being cut is more dependable. Ignoring the chips isn’t paranoid enough if you have a nozzle in your hand (or much worse, a brush) and assume you can keep things clean.
Final thoughts
In most cases, a CNC Router can be used to machine metal. With the right tooling and cutting settings, you can tailor your machine’s capabilities to a material’s “sweet spot” feed and speed needs. Use a feeds and speeds calculator to make this process easier for you Consider the necessity for lubrication and the fear of chips stacking up and you’re ready to take on an aluminum job.
