PVC with aluminum face Question

[signtist]

I need to route 1/4" PVC letters with a burnished aluminum face. I can't remember how to cut them with a clean cut!
If I use a 1/8" down bit, it messes up the edges of the PVC. If I use a up bit, it leaves all the top edges rough.
Can anyone help? thanks

[steve4460]

It is all in the RPM and feed speed plus the cooling I would try this at 0.5" ips at 10000 rpm with my router and a stepdown of 0.0312 and a single flute cutter eather v bit or straight .
The main thing is to keep the heat down as much as posible .
Let me know if that worked .
Bot on

[joe]

Howdy John,

I don't know if it's too late for this suggestion but here goes.

We have a client who oreders some intricate letters with brushed aluminum letters. This has been going on for about three years. Here's what I do.

I get 1/8" engraving stock, which is plastic with a perfect looking brushed aluminum surface. We laminate it 3M counter top contact adhesive and route with a strait bit. The PVC is 1/2".

When cutting PVC I'm partial to strait bits. There's no reason to use bridges, tabs, or vacuum. The Shavings left behin hold the letters firm.

I'd suggest you do a test and see how it works.

[joe]

John,

This is a single pass operation unless you use bridges. If that's the case and you want to do multiplal passes I'd use the 1/8" Belin O bit.

[signtist]

The logo part is 55" horizonal with 3" upper and lower case Palinto lettering. I don't think the engraving material comes that wide.
I'll test a straight bit. The cooling is not a problem with the thin aluminum.

[joe]

I believe your correct about engraving stock. It's only 49" wide.

I've never had any issue with aluminum getting too hot with the Belin bits. Once upon a time I used cooling liquid and a cold air supply. Once I swithched over to the Belin O flute there isn't a concern with heat. As a matter of fact the edges look polished without the mess.

Knowing you, I know it will turn out well.

Best luck

[jhicks]

John, not sure if you are aware of materials like DiBond or other brands but you can buy some brands like C-Bond in 1/4" thick with prelaminated silver/chrome brushed aluminum face.
T think DiBond is a max of 1/8" thick but believe both are alternatives you may want to explore and come in 48 x 96 sheets.

[jamesgilliam]

You can get DiBond in 1/4" (6mm). Another brand you may look at is PolyMetal. It also comes in 1/4".

[wcsg]

I cut 1/2" & 3/4" PVC with .040 brush aluminum as well as painted aluminum all the time.

My favorite bit is the Belin O. Depending on the size I will us a 1/8" to 1/4" CED.

For 1/8" CED single spiral flute:
18,000 RPM @ .4 IPS

1/4" CED spiral single flute
12,200 RPM's @ 1 IPS

I always laminate the sheets with a 3M VHB tabe then route. Hold down with Home Depot Carpet tape. You'll get a nice clean finish.

If you want a clean edge, you don't want to use a down spiral bit because it will trap the chips on your cutting and you will get gouges on the sides of your letters.

Or buy a cold air gun, like a vortex and it will blow all your chips away from the cut. Vortex guns are SICK!!!!!

[signtist]

Eric -Is this a single straight bit, or spiral bit (down)?

[wcsg]

Single flute down spiral