Cutting Delrin with Taig.

[SpeedsCustom]

Hello everyone,

Been working on the Taig lately and making some great parts. I now need to make a part in Delrin.

I just got new tools from MariTool, which I need to say is amazing. His site, his whole business is fantastic, great tools and just a great service from Mari.

What kind of speeds? Feeds? And even RPM? can I look at when cutting the Delrin with a 3/16 End-mill? (Very sharp, brand new).


I usually cut aluminum at like .8-1.8 mm at around 9 IPM.


Thanks,

-Jason

[Geof]

You can cut Delrin at the same speed and feed as aluminum but there is onhe big difference; aluminum needs a cutter with top rake but for Delrin zero top rake is needed and a cutter with top rake will tend to grab if you have any play or the part is not well fixtured. Delrin also has a low coefficient of friction so it can be difficult to hold just in a vise relying just on friction.

With milling cutters of course you cannot avoid top rake on the cutting edge so the part needs to be well supported and you just need to be modest with feed until you are sure things are not going to move.

Always use brand new cutters and with black Delrin carbide is almost essential because it is very abrasive on HSS tools.

A small amount of coolant/lubricant helps tremendously and just a simple soap solution sprayed on is fine.

Don't let drills dwell in holes because the rubbing softens the Delrin and things get all gummed up with melted chips.

Tapping is easy but make sure the chips are cleared off the tap between repetitve holes.

Chips are sometimes long and stringy when turning and sometimes you have to resort to oddball things like turning away from the chuck so the chips push off the end of the part not in to the chuck to get all wrapped up.

[SpeedsCustom]

Thanks for the info. I have flood coolant, was hoping not use it it but I'll maybe just spray it!

Thanks Geof,

-Jason

[SpeedsCustom]

Cutting my first time with Delrin, this stuff is fun to cut! Very happy so far.


-Jason