Improving finish quality on aluminum part

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    Default Improving finish quality on aluminum part

    currently we are running a 3 flute .375 ball nose on a parallel finish path leaving a .001 scallop. is there a better way to machine the finish without jumping the machine time way up?

    thanks,

    Mike

    Similar Threads:
    Last edited by mwestvang; 01-27-2020 at 05:03 PM.
    Mike Westvang
    Dryad Bows Inc.


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    Default Re: Improving finish quality on aluminum part

    There are all sorts of machining and re-machining strategies that might help, depending on the specifics of the surface you're trying to produce. Parallel passes generally work pretty well on areas that aren't too steep, but as you get over about 30 degrees of slope, you start noticing that the passes are further apart, and the cusps are getting larger. If these are fairly large areas, say a central "plateau" with steep sides, you might isolate the plateau as a separate area and treat the sides differently, for instance with a waterline strategy that spaces the passes no more than a certain amount apart vertically. But sometimes the steep area is comparatively small; in that case you might want to isolate it with some curves, and use a "between curves" machining strategy.

    Sometimes it makes more sense to machine the whole part one way, then look for the places where it didn't work too well and use a different strategy with them on a subsequent series of operations that smooth over the rough places, perhaps with a different tool that better gets into areas of high detail. All this can end up taking more time, either in the CAM programming, the machining time, or both. But if the part demands it, you may need to do it anyway.

    [FONT=Verdana]Andrew Werby[/FONT]
    [URL="http://www.computersculpture.com/"]Website[/URL]


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    Default Re: Improving finish quality on aluminum part

    Yep we build Aluminum bow risers and are happy with the product as is but are always looking at ways to improve quality and time.

    We have been using 3 fl ball nose end mills for parallel finishing, What do you think of going to 2 fl for getting a better scallop?

    Yep the riser is a combination of flats and steeps and everything in between.

    Mike Westvang
    Dryad Bows Inc.


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    Default Re: Improving finish quality on aluminum part

    The number of flutes a tool has doesn't have any effect on the size of the "scallops" or cusps left after cutting; it only affects the ease (or lack thereof) in evacuating the chips. If you could use a larger diameter tool and keep the spacing of passes the same, that would reduce the size of the cusps. But often that would mean that some areas couldn't be reached by the tool. So sometimes it makes sense to define the areas where a larger tool will work, and to use a smaller one in the areas where it won't. Similarly, you can define areas where parallel finishing is best, and others that are best cut with a waterline strategy. Can your CAM software do any of this? If not, you might think about upgrading it. We sell VisualMill, which comes in various versions, the more advanced of which support more of these special strategies; perhaps you can upgrade the software you're using to do the same thing. If not, it may be worthwhile looking into alternatives.

    [FONT=Verdana]Andrew Werby[/FONT]
    [URL="http://www.computersculpture.com/"]Website[/URL]


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Improving finish quality on aluminum part

Improving finish quality on aluminum part