Plunge roughing??? Why

[cjdavis618]

Title says it all. What would be a good reason to use plunge roughing of a part?

I just either haven't seen a need for it or maybe I don't understand why would it be used.

Thoughts?

[Kingjamez]

You can use a drill bit to make deep pockets and save the fine detail cuts for your long endmill that will have to go slow due to deflection.

[christinandavid]

The job I am doing at the moment has shown me the possible advantages of plunging. It is a large cast quick-hitch coupler for earth moving machinery. We have to machine the inside faces reaching down 250mm, which, when using an endmilling strategy causes the whole thing to flex and vibrate. Not good for the cutter or my ears. We have switched to a cutter designed for plunging, which is turning out to be quicker, less hassle and gives a more attractive, uniform finish.

DP

[LongRat]

Most machines are more rigid vertically than any other direction, so with the right cutter and material it can be faster to rough out by plunging.

[cjdavis618]

Thanks for the info, this makes more sense. I just wasn't clear on the benefits of it.

I can see where it would be useful on a deep pocket. I think I will try it when I do my next project.