Machining Tantalum-Tungsten

[JWB_Machining]

Hey,

I have a .25" (Approx) piece of Tantalum (with 2.5% Arprox Tungsten). I need to face this down to 0.160. I am going to Use a 1" indexible end mill with Carbide inserts. And Recommendation on feeds and speeds and depth of cut? There's no info in the Machinery's handbook.

[djr76]

found this, could use this as a starting point

http://www.hcstarck.com/index.php?page_id=354

[JWB_Machining]

Hey,

Thanks a lot I'll defaintely take that info into consideration. Odd though because Mastercam actually has Tantalum in it's materials library and it gives a SFM of 140, which is what I'm using right now along with a Feed per tooth or 0.0001 because this is what Mastercam gave me for another job. I'm also using a depth of .005 just to get a feel. Unfortunately I actually don't have any HSS end mills to use. I'll try these values out afterwards though and probably change my inserts. This material takes so long to machine.

[claya]

Have some questions on your tantalum experience. Sent a PM, but your PM box is full... Please empty..

ca

[Cmailco]

What's the material condition? As long as it's not annealed, shouldn't be much of a problem. Use speed/feed data for Titanium, from whichever manufacturer you use for your cutter. Very highly positive cutting geometries seem to work best, moderate feed, lower speeds. 125-175 SFM, .004-.006 inch/tooth, keep the axial depths under .100, radial .2-.3D (peripheral milling) at the higher SFM range, .65-.7D radial (rough milling) at the lower range.