Milling SKD11 steel

[mattpatt]

Hi,

Hoping you may be able to offer some assistance.

Gotta cut some SKD11 and would like some recommendations on cutting speeds, feeds etc.

Main issue is some 8mm wide slots, 9mm deep. Open entry, so no plunging required. I'm thinking a 6mm 4F 1R carbide bullnose.

The above tool is the main issue as it's the only one taking a full diameter cut.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Matt.

[PixMan]

From my cross-reference material, it seems to be a hot-work mold steel, not far from what we in the U.S.A. refer to as H13.

What condition is the material in terms of heat treat/hardness?

[mattpatt]

Hi PixMan,

Sorry for the delay in replying.

Don't know the exact spec of material. Less than 40 HRC I've been told.

Been playing with trochoidal milling recently in some 6061 T6 and having fun, so was thinking that I'd like to give this a go if it's recommended.

Do you think I could go the full DOC (9mm - finish) with a carbide TiAlN 6mm 4F endmill?

Going from this tool spec sheet I'm looking at 5800rpm, 0.03mm/tooth, 0.15mm stepover.

I'll be having a go at this tonight, so I'll see how it goes.

Let me know if you think it'll all end in disaster! :-)

Thanks,

Matt.