PVC Pipe Slotting with SB

[pclscl@netup.cl]

We have been asked about 2" to 8" PVC Pipe Slotting.
The job consists on cutting radially oriented slots, 0.020-inch wide with a special blade.
Pipe diameters to be from 2-inch up to 8-inch, with pipe wall thickness from 0.15 to 0.50-inch.
Slots length to be 80º (degrees) aprox. so, four slots spaced 10º completes the circle.
Q #1: Anybody knows where to obtain special PVC cutting blades required? (We estimate that a 4-inch diameter will do).
Q #2: Anybody has experience with similar appl.?
We have a PR96 that will have to adapt for job.
CNC is a must in view of the many hundred slots involved (spaced about 0.15" axially).
Any help/suggestion will be apreciated,
Bill Pullen
pclscl@netup.cl (mailto:pclscl@netup.cl)

[Ron B]

Bill,

I would set up the fourth axis. For the cut I would first try a metal slitting saw from one of the machine supply houses. I would also cut on the 'pull'. I would have the pvc stabalized with a spring style hold-down and cool the blade with a mist of air/water, light on the mist.

Large gullets and slow speeds; high speeds and clear the chips with speed? I can't help but, I'd guess the first.

E-mail if you need more crazy ideas.

Ron