Re: cutting stainless steel sheet

> Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2002 18:30:17 -0000
> From: "cdoughtynz" <cdoughty@...>
>Subject: cutting stainless steel sheet
>
>Hi All,
>I need some advise on cutting stainless steel sheet, 2 to 3 mm thick
>on a CNC router table, using an adjustable speed spindle (0-24000rpm).
>Is it practicable, what cutter should I use? what speed and feed
>rates should I try?

Colin,

A 6 mm cutter would probably like to see 1500-2500 rpm in SS (your router may not have enough torgue at this low speed). Feed rates of about 30 mm/minute for a 2 flute cutter, faster in thinner material. Use coolant, even if it is just an air blast or a spray bottle. Many stainless steels will work harden if you pause the cutter or if it gets hot. You may have problems with workholding. Because of the forces involved, you may have excessive flexing in your router frame. A guard between yourself and the material being cut at all times is very important in case something lets go. Make sure you wear safety glasses. Stainless steel chip will put out an eye in a heartbeat. Good luck.

You may get better results with a plasma cutter in that material.

Best Regards, Fred Smith- IMService

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