How do you adjust CNC feed and speed for aluminum when using different cutting strategies and depths of cut?

2 Why are feed and speed important for aluminum?

Aluminum is a soft and ductile metal that requires a different approach than harder materials like steel or titanium. Aluminum has a low melting point and high thermal conductivity, which means it can easily overheat and weld to the tool if the feed and speed are too low. On the other hand, if the feed and speed are too high, the tool can experience excessive wear and chatter, which can damage the workpiece and the machine. Therefore, finding the optimal feed and speed for aluminum is crucial for achieving a smooth and accurate cut.

4 How to adjust feed and speed for different cutting strategies?

Different cutting strategies require different feed and speed settings to achieve the best results. For example, when roughing, you want to remove as much material as possible in the shortest time, so you need a higher feed and speed than when finishing, where you want to achieve a finer surface quality and accuracy. Similarly, when contouring, you need to reduce the feed and speed to account for the varying engagement angle of the tool, whereas when drilling, you need to increase the feed and speed to avoid clogging the flutes and breaking the tool.

5 How to adjust feed and speed for different depths of cut?

The depth of cut is another factor that affects the feed and speed for aluminum. The depth of cut is the distance that the tool penetrates into the workpiece per pass, measured in inches or millimeters. Generally, the deeper the cut, the lower the feed and speed should be, and vice versa. This is because a deeper cut increases the cutting force and friction, which can generate more heat and wear on the tool. A shallower cut reduces the cutting force and friction, but also increases the chip load and the risk of chatter. Therefore, you need to find the optimal depth of cut that balances these effects.