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.)

Tools for routing aluminium

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.