Cutting 5052 aluminum help.

[Andrew Kreutter]

I have cut plenty of 6061 aluminum on the Bot without isue. Today I am trying to cut 1/8" 5052 aluminum. I need to cut about 50 parts that are 3"x4 1/2" with a fair amount of detail that requires a 1/8" bit. I tried to cut these all day with air on my cut and cutting oil. Best I did was 15 parts on a $30 onsrud bit. I cut 1/32 per pass at .7 " per second and at 15000 rpms. I tried faster and broke bits. I tried 1/16" per pass faster and slower and broke bits. This part needs to be bent after it is cut. We tried to make the part out of 6061 and it cracks when we bend it. The bits I used only have a 1/4" cut length. This aluminum wants to gum up and stick to the bit one the bit is not real sharp. I only have 4 days to finish this job. Looking for a source for a less expensive bit that I can have in Western NY fast that will work well for what I am doing. Also looking for any advice on cutting this nasty 5052 aluminum. Thanks everyone!

[gundog]

5052 does not cut as nice as the harder material as you have learned I make a product out of 1/4" 5052 and I have them water jet cut for that reason. My parts are bent to a 90* angle I use a 3/8" radius die to make that bend. Try going slower I have had success with my milling machine on 5052 @ 4000 Rpm.

Mike

[rb99]

A-9 Cutting Fluid might help along with the other advice.

http://www.diamondtool.net/sites/default/files/imagecache/product/product_images/365190_0_orig.jpg

[Alex Naumenko]

I cut 5052 with .25 single flute bit. 110 ipm with .065 per pass last pass .040 using cold air gun. Whatever your feed rate is make sure you get chips in the shape of the "C".

[knight_toolworks]

if you only cut at .01 depth per pass you can cut most aluminum. but it sure takes some time. .01 per pass 14k rpm and 1ips. the depth per pass was the critical one.

[Brady Watson]

Whatever your feed rate is make sure you get chips in the shape of the "C".

Yes...good. With the gummy alloys you want to make sure you get a good chip off of it to carry the heat away. You may find a straight O-flute (or straight double O) will work better with 5052.

-B