Bit for aluminum composite

[mitch2374]

I have a Gerber Sabre 408 was wondering what is the best bit for aluminum composite (Durabond). I have always had trouble with rough edges. Will reversing the cutting direction fix this? Is there a bit specialized for aluminum composite? I"m using 1/8th inch material most of the time. Any help most appreciated.

 

[letterman7]

Sounds like you're moving too fast. A double spiral up flute should be fine for Durabond; slow the feed speed down and up the rpm's and see what happens.

 

[#1 SignPro]

I use a 3/16" bit #33476 from Belin. Feed rate of 80 and 18000 RPM's with light lubricant. Direction does matter, do a small sample going both ways to see what the better finish will be.
http://www.belintools.com

 

[mitch2374]

thanks

I have used the 33000 series, and a gerber double fluted bit as well so it has to be down to the speed and direction. Thanks guys I'll give it a go again.

 

[Dropout]

Onsrud O flute.

 

[88flstf]

I agree with Dropout. Onsrud 'O' single flute up spiral. I don't use a Gerber machine but I run 24000 rpm and moderately fast through the material. No lubrication as the plastic core lubricates enough. The bit has to be sharp though or you'll always get a lousy edge.

 

[synergy_jim]

I agree with Dropout. Onsrud 'O' single flute up spiral. I don't use a Gerber machine but I run 24000 rpm and moderately fast through the material. No lubrication as the plastic core lubricates enough. The bit has to be sharp though or you'll always get a lousy edge.

yup.... same here....

 

[WB]

We use Onsurd Solid Carbide Single Flute Up spiral too.

I've tried double flute but Single is the way to go. I find they're only good for about 8-10 sheets depending on how much your cutting out, then the edge gets dull and you'll start to chip ink off.

 

[Tel]

Single flute everytime must be sharp and I always use conventional direction not climb mill. No coolant.
Regards Tel

 

[signs2trade]

Onsrud O Flute (63-725) Upcut. Generally run around 140-170 ipm. Any slower and you will prematurely dull the bit.

 

[Techman]

use the chips as a guide to the speed. A good chip is needed. USe some lube to clear the bit.

 

[frigstef]

Belin 33317 or 33476. You can take the plastic serie but it won't cut your plastic well after cutting the diebond.
Cut it in climb direction (clockwise)
20000RPM 150 feed rate.
Really good finish for us!

 

[CES020]

Well, there you go....

1) Cut it climb only.
2) Don't cut it climb, cut it conventional.
3) Use coolant.
4) Cut it dry.



For what it's worth (not much) we use the O-Flutes we well. Stuff cuts like butter.

 

[GVP]

We've had good success with 1/8" straight (2 flute) bits from Centurion Tools. Cut thru 3mm aluminum composite at around 125ipm, 18,000 rpm in Climb direction. We find cutting in climb direction leaves enough chips in the kerf to hold the piece in place without tabs (at least for simple shapes), plus they tend to stick to the waste side of the cut, meaning less to clean up on the piece.

 

[StarSign]

We use Gerber Bits and follow the chart