red-stripe/Alu_mill.md

## Alu_mill.md

      
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              Alu_mill.md
            
          
    Milling Aluminium on the TinyRobo CNC router

Machine: TinyRobo CNC T30series

Tooling: 3 Flute 45°Helix End mill

Material: Mystery aluminium offcuts
TLDR:


Bit Diameter
Flute Count
Step over
Cut Depth
Spindle RPM
Feed rate
Plunge rate
Tool


3 mm
3
1.2 mm (40%)
0.1mm
12000
1200 mm/min
300 mm/min
3 Flute 45°Helix End mill


Always run with air assistance on.

The three flute cutter is very sensitive to any changes in depth of cut.
If necessary run a surfacing pass on the material to ensure a level work surface.
Tests


Test #
Feed rate


1
600


2
800


3
1200


4
1600


5
2200


6
2600


All other settings are the same as above


From test #4 onwards, the toolpath is slightly deformed on the ends.
On deeper cuts the chips fail to clear and start binding to the cutter, which can lead to tool brakeage.


Further optimisation

The TinyRobo can go up to 18000 RPM. So it might be possible to optimise for a faster feed rate at that speed.
JJtools also offer O-Flute & 2 Flute cutters that would likely be able to clear chips better & handle deeper cut depths.
Other tests

I also ran tests with a deeper cut depth. The results were less than encouraging...