cutting aluminum

[2006prt]

I am thinking of cutting some aluminum plate about .5" thick and drilling some holes in it. I am relatively new to the bot and have not cut any metal yet. I have a spindle with speed control. Any help with respect to bit choices, rpm, and x,y and z speeds would be great. hole diameters will probably be about 6-8mm.

thanks

[garyc]

Todd...
For the Holes... do not drill straight down. Use a 3/16 or 5mm single O flute bit in a spiral inside profile (ramp) with about .020 step, .5 move, .125 plunge rate and 12-15K rpm convention direction.

For cut thru profiles (in or out) use 3/16 or 1/4 single O flute, same rpm, 2ips move, .020 step, 12-15K rpm, .25 ips plunge and ramp into every cut 1-2". Spritz some water or water & dish soap mix on the cut path if needed. Do a test to see if climb or conventional works better with your machine/material.

[2006prt]

thank you Gary for the quick reply, I will order a 5mm from centurion and use your settings.