Advantages of aluminum
Milled parts made of aluminum are light but highly stable. This makes CNC aluminum a material in demand wherever a high strength-to-weight ratio is required. Thus, aluminum parts are used from the automotive industry to mechanical engineering to aerospace technology. CNC aluminum is also not only easy to machine, but also has high thermal conductivity, natural corrosion resistance and good electrical conductivity.
- High strength-to-weight
- Corrosion resistance
- Easy to machine
- High thermal conductivity
- Good electrical conductivity
Lubrication and cooling
Aluminum generates high temperatures during milling, so lubricating aluminum and cooling aluminum is very important. Use a suitable cooling lubricant solution to dissipate the heat and facilitate the formation of chips.
Optimized chip removal
Aluminum chips can easily accumulate and impair the milling process. Therefore, use spiral flute end mills or end mills with special chip spaces to ensure effective chip removal.
Pay attention to safety
Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection during aluminum processing. Aluminum chips can fly around when machining aluminum, so it is important to protect yourself properly.
Adjust feed rate
Aluminum typically requires higher feed rates than other metals. Experiment with different feed rates to find the optimum speed for your milling application.
Reduce cutting speed
Aluminum requires lower cutting speeds than wood, for example. Be sure to select the correct cutting speed depending on the diameter of the end mill and the type of aluminum alloy.
Keep tabs on tool wear
A dull end mill can lead to poor surface quality and this in turn to increased heat generation and longer machining times. Replace the end mill in time to achieve optimum results.
Shank cutters
Shank cutters have a cylindrical shank and are versatile. Whether you choose a 1-flute, 2-flute 3-flute or 4-flute depends on the aluminum alloy you want to machine. To minimize wear, a basic rule of thumb applies: The harder the CNC aluminum, the more flutes you should use.
In short:
- Milling cutters with cylindrical shank
- 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-flutes possible
- Number of flutes depends on the hardness of the CNC aluminum
HSS End Mill
HSS cutters are milling tools made of high-speed steel. HSS is a special tool steel that has a high hardness and wear resistance. HSS cutters are therefore not only particularly durable, but also versatile and available with different designs and cutting edge geometries.
In short:
- End mills made of high speed steel
- Particularly durable
- Different cutting edge geometries available
Indexable insert milling cutters
Indexable insert milling cutters, such as the Amana face milling cutter, consist of a milling body and replaceable inserts that have different cutting edges. These inserts can be rotated or replaced when they become worn. The indexable insert milling cutter enables precise and efficient milling in a variety of applications.
In short:
- Milling cutter body with replaceable inserts
- Inserts can be rotated and replaced
- Durable and cost efficient
Solid carbide end mill
Solid carbide end mills are designed for high cutting speeds and feeds. They are usually made mainly of tungsten carbide. Due to their hardness and wear resistance, solid carbide cutters have a long tool life and are suitable for demanding milling work.solid carbide cutters are available in various designs and cutting edge geometries.
In short:
- End mill made of solid carbide
- Particularly hard, wear-resistant and heat-resistant
- Different cutting edge geometries