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.)
Milling tools with positive helix for milling aluminium
Diager ref. | Ketele ref. | D1 | D2 | L1 | L2 | Z | Helix | Coating | + Coating | With ring for Zünd machines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4001-X0200 | ⌀ 2 mm | ⌀ 6 mm | 50 mm | 3 mm | 1 | Positive | Yes | 4001-NHC0200 | 4001-NHC0200-B | |
4001-X0300 | ⌀ 3 mm | ⌀ 3 mm | 40 mm | 4,5 mm | 1 | Positive | Yes | 4001-NHC0300 | ||
4001-X0300A | ⌀ 3 mm | ⌀ 6 mm | 50 mm | 4,5 mm | 1 | Positive | Yes | 4001-NHC0300A | 4001-NHC0300A-B | |
4001-X0400 | ⌀ 4 mm | ⌀ 4 mm | 50 mm | 6 mm | 1 | Positive | Yes | 4001-NHC0400 | ||
4001-X0400A | ⌀ 4 mm | ⌀ 6 mm | 50 mm | 6 mm | 1 | Positive | Yes | 4001-NHC0400A | 4001-NHC0400A-B | |
4001-X0600 | ⌀ 6 mm | ⌀ 6 mm | 50 mm | 9 mm | 1 | Positive | Yes | 4001-NHC0600 | 4001-NHC0600-B | |
4001-X0800 | ⌀ 8 mm | ⌀ 8 mm | 60 mm | 12 mm | 1 | Positive | Yes | 4001-NHC0800 | ||
4001-X1000 | ⌀ 10 mm | ⌀ 10 mm | 65 mm | 15 mm | 1 | Positive | Yes | 4001-NHC1000 |
Other sizes and diameters of these tools for aluminium can be found in the catalogue of Diager Industrie on page 19 or contact us for more info.
Routing aluminium with negative helix
In some applications, it is better to chip material with a negative helix cutter. Thanks to the negative helix, edge build-up effects are limited and the cutter pushes chips down instead of pulling them up. Due to the downward pressure, chips stay better and only limited delamination of the top layer occurs. Excellent for thin materials.
Milling tools with negative helix for milling aluminium
Diager ref. | Ketele ref. | D1 | D2 | L1 | L2 | Z | Helix | Coating | + Coating | With ring for Zünd machines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4002-X0200 | ⌀ 2 mm | ⌀ 3 mm | 30 mm | 3 mm | 1 | Negative | Yes | |||
4002-X0300 | ⌀ 3 mm | ⌀ 6 mm | 50 mm | 4,5 mm | 1 | Negative | Yes | 4002-X0300-B | ||
4002-X0400 | ⌀ 4 mm | ⌀ 6 mm | 50 mm | 6 mm | 1 | Negative | Yes | 4002-X0400-B |
Other sizes and diameters of these tools for aluminium can be found in the catalogue of Diager Industrie on page 21 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.
The ‘+ Coating’ ensures even longer life of your routing tools, the cutters with shank diameter 6 mm are available with a brass ring, so you can also use the tools on a Zünd machine.
Depending on machine and spindle power, other values may apply.
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