Machining Molybdenum

[DCogswell]

Anyone ever run molybdenum on their swiss-type? I may have an application that needs this material. I've never machined this material and I'm curious to see if it's possible on a swiss cnc.

[A1CNC]

I haven't run it on a swiss but, I had some moly parts that were turned and milled.
It is chippy, The threads were hard to get a good finish on.

[hacdlux]

http://www.espimetals.com/tech/machiningmolybdenum.pdf
the as sintered thing sounds a little scary through a guide bushing, and it sounds like it work hardens prettty bad

[DCogswell]

Originally Posted by hacdlux http://www.espimetals.com/tech/machiningmolybdenum.pdf the as sintered thing sounds a little scary through a guide bushing, and it sounds like it work hardens prettty bad

I read that document this morning. I don't think it's relevant to swiss in regards to turning however, the drilling suggestion seems ok.

I haven't decided if I want to quote this job yet.

[A1CNC]

I will only quote moly again for double my usual rate knowing it will give me double the usual grief!