Speeds for .08 polycarbonate

[waynek591]

After checking chipload calculator it recommends .545 inches per second. At that rate it would take 4 hrs to cut what we cut in 20 mins. We use a single flute 0 geometry .125 dia.
bit. Is there anyone else that cuts polycarbonate and at what speed do you cut to reduce rough edges?

[paco]

How are you holding down this 0.08 thick polycarbonate?

What are you cutting from it?

Chipload is only a (rough) guideline.

[knight_toolworks]

at what rpm? can't you crank the rpms and increase the feed. your not even at full depth so chipload would even be lower since the material is so thin. a o flute will get you about 1.5ips

[waynek591]

We hold it down with vacuum. On an ultra lite sacrifice board. Our RPM's are at 21000. We use a Micro 100 SFP-125-44 1/8" SINGLE FLUTE 0 GEOMETRY. We realize that we our not at full depth that is what we were wondering does the chipload formula even pertain to this situation?

[knight_toolworks]

it sounds like the big issue is cut quality I doubt chipload is important. changing bits may be better a o flute is about the best bit around for plastic. https://www.onsrud.com/oc/pdf/Super_o.pdf

[waynek591]

Thanks for the info onsrud is exaclty where we went.