Alumina Composite

[big_mak]

Any one have any experience with Alumina Composite in regards to milling?

[Geof]

I did a Google search and found this: http://www.zrci.com/zrci001.pdf

Supposedly it can be machined with carbide tooling. I would expect tool life might be short and I am not sure I would want the dust getting into my machines. Here is a description stolen from a different website:

"Any of several forms of aluminum oxide, Al2O3, occurring naturally as corundum, in a hydrated form in bauxite, and with various impurities as ruby, sapphire, and emery, used in aluminum production and in abrasives, refractories, ceramics, and electrical insulation. Also called aluminum oxide."

The idea of filling my machine with an abrasive dust doesn't turn me on.

[big_mak]

I already thought about having dual shop vac's set up as dust collectors.

The Zrci was the page that I got my info from. Tey state RPM, but no cutter dia, so you can't even work out SFM!!!!!!!

[fer_mayrl]

Alumina composites are the same as solid surface materials. (corian)
It is very easy to cut, maybe like a hard wood. if you have a high speed spindle, you can cut it at 20000rpm, with a 1/4" or 3/8" carbide endmil, (use only corbide) you could go at least at 100ipm if your machine permits, at a 1/2"DOC.

Look for solid surface fabrication manuals, you might find what you need.