cutting carbon plate

[JohnCoker]

I just cut my first parts out of carbon fiber plate, and it worked perfectly. I'm not sure how to choose feeds/speeds for composites, but the aluminum settings worked well (1/8" end mill, 17,000RPM, 0.01" pass depth).

http://jcsw.com/temp/aerobeesustainerfins.jpg

http://jcsw.com/temp/aerobeefinholes.jpg

[khaos]

Looks like great clean cuts. Id say use some of you scraps to find the limits your machine will make an acceptable cut.

** Make sure you use a respirator when cutting carbon.

[JohnCoker]

Looks like great clean cuts. Id say use some of you scraps to find the limits your machine will make an acceptable cut.
Yeah, I think these settings are quite conservative, but I was worried about heating the end mill.


Make sure you use a respirator when cutting carbon.
I use a 3M PAPR unit when cutting composites (as well as when using solvents or applying large volumes of epoxy).

[knight_toolworks]

yes the dust is a killer. these work well too and are dirt cheap
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221396883244?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

[khaos]

Heat is the enemy. Carbon is going to eat the bits faster than wood or foam. The finish will be the guide. I think that if the setting you used worked nicely let it ride. :)

[ccwerks]

John,
Was that CF a baked or hardened CF?

[JohnCoker]

John, Was that CF a baked or hardened CF?
I'm not sure, it doesn't say on the product description:
http://www.cstsales.com/carbon_plate.html