CNC milling in metals is possible with ZMorph VX and we've prepared simple guidelines to follow if you want to do that.
A lot of you, fellow ZMorph machines users asked whether or not metal milling is possible. Metal parts are more rigid and expand the usability of your all-in-one machine. After a thorough testing process and a lot of consideration we have come to one conclusion: Yes, we can.
This is a third guide on CNC milling with ZMorph VX by our expert Roman Broda. Read also how to avoid breaking cutters and workpiece holding solutions.
But before you run to your machine and dig into those shiny materials, take a few minutes to read this article.
We will cover the most important aspects of metals milling to keep you, your environment and your machine safe.
May the safety be with you.
Yours and your environment safety have to always come first. There are three aspects of safety to consider: the safety of the user, the safety of the environment and the safety of the machine itself (the order is not a coincidence).
Make the workmanship surpass the materials.
As mentioned before - milling metals is a much harder process than milling in plastics and wood. To make sure all of you have the same starting point in this table you will find basic parameters for milling.
Material | Operation | Cutting speed [mm/s] | Lead in/out speed [mm/s] | Maximum stepdown [mm] |
Aluminium PA6PA9 | Cutting / Engraving | 1.50 | 1.25 | 0.15 |
Brass M63 | Cutting / Engraving | 1.50 | 1.00 | 0.10 |
Brass MZN12 (Silver Nickel) | Cutting / Engraving | 1.00 | 0.8 | 0.05 |
BronzeB2B43 | Engraving | 1.00 | 0.8 | 0.10 |
Copper M1 ER | Cutting / Engraving | 1.75 | 1.25 | 0.15 |
As you can see, the milling speeds are not the highest but using a combination of these parameters and materials is safe and shouldn’t generate any unexpected problems (provided using safe operation parameters). If you would like to use different materials (or different alloy) remember to be extra cautious when setting up the job.
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With high milling forces comes great responsibility.
Responsibility of your workholding of course. When mounting your stock material use only the most reliable workholding solution you can find. Improperly mounted material will surely fly off the worktable damaging your machine and even you.
When choosing your fixture, take into consideration these tips:
One does not simply use a dull cutter in metal.
Your cutter is the thing that makes the hardest work during milling. It needs to be sharp and of proper geometry to easily shear through your stock.
To make sure your part turns out perfect, follow these tips:
Read also: How to Avoid Breaking Cutters?
And that should be all. Carefully implement those tips into your projects and in no time you will get great quality metal parts.
ZMorph Materials Library is a comprehensive guide to all materials compatible with ZMorph VX Multitool 3D Printer. This resource will give you an extensive outlook on a wide range of additive and subtractive fabrication materials supported by the machine.
Discover endless manufacturing possibilities with materials divided into three categories: 3D printing, CNC milling, and laser cutting and engraving.
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