Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...

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Warped Mind
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Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...

Post by Warped Mind »

I have a order for several of these plaques cut from .5" colorcore. I have cut one sample as you can see and the issue is all the fuzzies. It is almost impossible to get them of for a good clean look. I did a final clearance cleanup pass at .o1 and this is the end result. Can someone please share with me the best end mill .125 for this project? Thanks
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Leo
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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...

Post by Leo »

I really do NOT know the answer.

BUT

I did watch a video where the test conducted was comparing an upcut - downcut and straight flute router bit in wood. The straight flute made the cleanest cut.

Not - I cannot qualify that as I have not tried the testing myself and that the test was in wood.

I would add that REALLY SHARP would be key.
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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...

Post by ger21 »

Have you tried cutting in the opposite direction?
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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...

Post by Pete Cyr »

Amana Tool 46292 CNC 2D and 3D Carving Flat Bottom x 0.10 Deg Angle x 1/8 Dia x 1-3/32 Cut Height x

I like these bits when I need to make an 1/8" profile cut. - I typically make convential cuts unless working with material that splinters easily. I almost always run a final single pass to clean any indexed cuts.

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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...

Post by Warped Mind »

Thanks for the input, I will give Toolstoday a call.

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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...

Post by martin54 »

Can't help with suppliers being on the other side of the pond but I buy endmills specially designed for cutting plastics & laminates when I have this sort of work to do, I am guessing most manufacturers will have bits along the same lines as those I buy so look out for cutters that say they are specifically for cutting plastics. Most of them are single flute bits, they have a high helix angle which helps with chip evacuation & they tend to be at the higher priced end of the market as well :lol: :lol:
Good chip evacuation is essential to prevent re-cutting & heat generation, my dust extraction system isn't the best so I tend to direct an air hose at the cutter & blow them out of the way, it is very messy & cleaning up afterwards is a pain but at least the material cuts well.

Had a quick online search & found some videos about machining this material that you may not have seen, scroll down the page & there seem to be a few of them. hope they help :lol: :lol:

http://www.kingplastic.com/products/king-colorcore/

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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...

Post by Warped Mind »

thanks Martin, will do.

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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...

Post by Warped Mind »

The video had a lot of good info, thanks again.

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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...

Post by Warped Mind »

UPDATE the colorcore web page is the blast, they had a video explaining exactly how to set up to cut the .5 colorcore. 80ipm and 15 to 18000 rpm with a final clean up pass of .015 using a .125 o-flute upcut end mill.. They are perfect just blow them off with the air nozzle and done. Thanks for all the input.

cbr_speedster

Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...

Post by cbr_speedster »

Have you tried finish cutting again with a spring pass? Conventional cut? Slower feed?

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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...

Post by Warped Mind »

No need they are perfect.
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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...

Post by martin54 »

glad to see it all work out well for you & thanks for updating the thread, makes all the difference & now we all know what to suggest if someone asks a similar question :lol: :lol:

From my own experience plastics & metals are less forgiving than wood so making sure speeds, feeds etc are correct is more critical for achieving good results :lol: :lol:

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