jagged edges and flying sheets

[Mahoney30]

I am building a permanent installation at Ryerson University with my team, using an axiz cnc router machine to cut straight edge shapes on 4' x8' sheets of 0.03" aluminum. The bit we are using is a 60 degree v groove. our feed is 20" per minute and our speed is 13 000 rpms. We are having trouble on two fronts.

1. The first problem is the edge condition of the finished shape is very jagged and not clean looking at all.
2.The second issue we are having is the vacuum is not strong enough to hold down the 4x8 sheet of aluminum.

If we could have some possible suggestions for speed and feed to create a cleaner cut, and possibly some suggestions on how to fasten the aluminum sheet so that it does not lift up. Any help would be very much appreciated,

- RSID

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[awerby]

Your two problems are closely related. If you aren't holding the sheet down firmly, then the bit will pick it up a little as it cuts, and then drop it - hence the jagged edges. Get a bigger vacuum - a Shopvac isn't going to work; you need a high-volume vacuum pump. And a straight bit would probably work better than the V bit for cutting out shapes.