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Routing aluminum

Routing aluminum

Aluminium is lightweight yet very strong, making it extremely suitable for many different applications. Aluminium is easy to machine with a CNC router, it is versatile and has high durability.


Aluminium is divided into different groups (NEN-EN 573 standard) based on the main alloying elements. When choosing an aluminium alloy for a particular application, it is important to know to what extent formability, weldability, electrical conductivity, ductility or anodisability play a role. Ask your aluminium supplier for a variant that mills well. (For example, AlMg3 or AlMgSi1.)

XGDA LMT Tools

Tools for routing aluminium

LMT Tools 33000
LMT ref.
Ketele ref.
D1
D2
L1
L2
Z
Helix
With coating
33 040A
10546
⌀ 4 mm
⌀ 6 mm
50 mm
10 mm
1
Positive
No
33 040
10235
⌀ 4 mm
⌀ 4 mm
60 mm
12 mm
1
Positive
No
33 060
10194
⌀ 6 mm
⌀ 6 mm
50 mm
15 mm
1
Positive
No
XGDA 040A
21044
⌀ 4 mm
⌀ 6 mm
50 mm
6 mm
1
Positive
Yes
XGDA 040
21100
⌀ 4 mm
⌀ 4 mm
50 mm
6 mm
1
Positive
Yes
XGDA 060
21048
⌀ 6 mm
⌀ 6 mm
60 mm
12 mm
1
Positive
Yes

Other sizes and diameters of these tools for aluminum can be found in the LMT Tools catalog on page 21 & 23 or contact us for more info.

Prior ref.
D1
D2
L1
L2
Z
Helix
With coating
A32378
⌀ 4 mm
⌀ 6 mm
50 mm
10 mm
1
Positive
No
A32382
⌀ 4 mm
⌀ 4 mm
60 mm
12 mm
1
Positive
No
A32392
⌀ 6 mm
⌀ 6 mm
50 mm
15 mm
1
Positive
No
A32473
⌀ 4 mm
⌀ 6 mm
39 mm
6 mm
1
Positive
Yes
A32472
⌀ 4 mm
⌀ 4 mm
39 mm
6 mm
1
Positive
Yes
A32478
⌀ 6 mm
⌀ 6 mm
60 mm
12 mm
1
Positive
Yes

Other sizes and diameters of these tools for aluminum can be found in the Prior Tools catalog on page 34 & 35 or contact us for more info.

Routing strategy for aluminum

Material thickness
⌀ shaft
⌀ cutting edge
Feed
Speed RPM
Direction
4 mm
6 mm
4 mm
20 mm / sec
16.000 RPM
Climb

Tip: When routing aluminium, use a 3D inlet so the cutter runs sideways with the cutting edge into the material. That way you avoid a build-up of debris under the tool.
Coolant is preferred, but some aluminium alloys can also be dry-milled.

Depending on machine and spindle power, other values may apply. 

en_GBEN