CNC type for milling polycarbonate

[Johnnybgood3]

I currently own an Accurate 365 which primarily makes PCBs. I've used it a few times to cut polycarbonate (all 5mm thickness and below) but it's very slow. Because the spindle isn't made for running at low speeds it has very little torque and can easily bind up. As a result I have to use a very low feed rate. My question is this, with a more powerful CNC made for machining (rather than trace isolation) be able to feed material through more quickly or is it limited by the material? I think that will be fine but I want to make sure I'm not missing something since I have relatively little experience with machining. Thanks in advance!

[RomanLini]

I have some single flute tiny endmills specialised for cutting plastics in high RPM small spindles (like engraving spindles).

I have single flute endmills in 1mm and 2mm diameter, these won't take a lot of torque to spin and they are excellent for cutting plastics. They have 1/8" shank.

I can't remember the supplier but it was a US firm that have a massive range of bits.

You might also find a drop of water or water with a tiny amount of detergent will help a lot too both to keep the tool and material cool and lube it to throw off chips.

[Geof]

When the power is available polycarbonate can be machined very fast as in 10,000rpm at 100ipm for a 1/4" cutter taking a 1/8" wide full depth perimeter cut on 1/4" polycarbonate. Coolant/lubricant is essential for this speed and feed and the cutter must be sharp. My experience is that micrograin carbide tools intended for aluminum work very well. These have a high helix so the polycarbonate must be very well clamped or it will tend to climb the cutter.