test cuts in dibond

[knight_toolworks]

I did some bit test cutting dibond (will this is the generic) I tested a 1/8" 2flute upcut endmill a single flute straight bit 1/8" and a 2flute downcut endmill and a 0-flute 1/4" all at 8k and each one at 1ips and 2 ips. the two is below the 1.
the picture is a closeup and the edges from a foot away are hard to see a difference.
so top to bottom and they are in pairs the top 1ips the bottom 2ips.
the top 1/8" 2f endmill
the next was a 1f straight bit
the next a 2 flute endmill
the last is a 1/4" o flute.
up close the o flute is pretty much perfect. about the best edge I have seen on the cnc. the 1/8" endmill was very close. not enough difference to really worry about. the straight is a little rougher but for my customers they would not care as long as there is not a burr. Plus the straight keeps all the parts in place but makes cleanup easy.
the 2 flute downcut is the worst and this is the first time I have used the bit for dibond. I did not have a 2 flute upcut in 1/4" to test.
the 0-flute was great of course but it is also the most expensive.
so cost wise the 0-flute is about 35.00 the 1/8" endmill was about 2.00 and the straight bit about 14.00
most of the time I choose between the 1/8" endmill and a 1/16" or 1/8" straight bit depending on the size of the parts.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s266/knighttoolworks/posting/e4cd3631.jpg

[steve_g]

Again, Steve gives us quantitative and qualitative proof! Thanks.

Steve G

[knight_toolworks]

too bad I can't do bit life but I seldom cut enough dibond at once streach to wear out a bit

[blackhawk]

What brand and part number o-flute did you use? I am cutting dibond for the first time myself. Thanks

[knight_toolworks]

I bought it from centurion but they don't have anything smaller then 1/4"
http://www.centuriontools.com/index.html?cart=1205519234587759
but only use a upcut if you can keep the parts in place.

[blackhawk]

Steve - I just checked Centurion and they now offer an 1/8" and even a 3/16" upcut o-flute. I tried cutting some Dibond last night with a Centurion 1/8" downcut and the results weren't too bad. The chips really packed in there and stuck to the parts in places, but it popped off easily by hand. I ran at 1.8IPS and 16,000 RPM with a conventional cut. The Dibond was .236 thick and I used two passes.

Do you think that I could cut this in one pass with an 1/8" bit? I know that it is easy to test, but I hate to break off a bit to find out.

I may go ahead and order the 1/8" o-flute and give it a try before the next round.