Correct Speeds and Feeds for Aluminum Milling

[echan9R9AZB]

Hello,

I was wondering what the appropriate speeds and feeds would be to do a facing operation on 6061 aluminum? I have looked at multiple resources, as well as the technical sheets for my tools, but they all have slightly varying answers and I just want some clarification.

I have a machine that can reach a max spindle RPM of 50,000 and I am using 1/8" and 1/16" carbide tools with 1-2 flutes (i.e. Harvey tool #27862 or Datron #0068630E). Are my spindle RPM, and Feed per Tooth within appropriate ranges for 6061 aluminum? For example, one source was advising that for a 1/8" tool, I should cut at 30,000 RPM with an 18 in/min feedrate. But on the technical sheet for my 1/8" Datron tool, it says to do 40,000 RPM with a 94 in/min feed. I don't know if I am interpreting the technical sheet wrong or I am just lacking the experience to make these adjustments intuitively, but I just want to make sure my settings won't break or wear down my tool too quickly.

[leo.castellon · Accepted solution]

I usually use the manufacturer's suggestions and then back it off 10-20%. I also use FSWizard Machinist Calculator as it also takes into account depth of cut, width of cut, tool extension, max spindle speed and in the Pro version, has an extensive list of materials to choose from. Once I find a working solution, I then save the operation as a template to save time the next time I have an operation using the same tool.

Also, in case you didn't know, both of those manufacturers have their tool libraries available to import in Fusion 360, Tools for Autodesk Fusion 360 | Autodesk Fusion 360. 

LeoC