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Spindle Speed for Plexi Glass
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Author:  Shane Neifer [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 12:23 am ]
Post subject:  Spindle Speed for Plexi Glass
Anybody have an idea for a good spindle speed for plexiglass. I am using an 1/8 inch upcut spiral to .130 depth.

Thanks

Shane
Author:  Bob Garrish [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Spindle Speed for Plexi Glass
Spindle speed and feed rate are always related, one requires the other.

Run at 64IPM per 10,000RPM of spindle speed. Use a cutter with at most two flutes, and you'll probably have to double up your finish passes if you have chips re-welding.
Author:  npalen [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Spindle Speed for Plexi Glass
http://www.amanatool.com/inplastic/index.htm
This doesn't answer your question, Shane, but ran across these the other day.
Looks like some cool tools for plastics.
Nelson
Author:  Tim McKnight [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 12:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Spindle Speed for Plexi Glass
Shane, Try an "O=flute" bit from Onsrud. These have worked the best for me on a variety of plastics. No issues with melting or welding.
Author:  Steve Saville [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 12:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Spindle Speed for Plexi Glass
I hate plexiglass. It is a pain to cut.
Are you running coolant/lube?

Can you used polycarbonate - Lexan instead? It is so much easier to cut.
Author:  arie [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 4:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Spindle Speed for Plexi Glass
Using a 2 flute carbide cutter, you should be at 13062 rpm @ 10.468 ipm. Your depth of cut is a bit much, at least break it in half, go .065 depth for 2 passes. Use a continous light blast of air to help cool down the work.
Author:  Bob Garrish [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Spindle Speed for Plexi Glass
arie wrote:
Using a 2 flute carbide cutter, you should be at 13062 rpm @ 10.468 ipm


Whatever program you're getting your feeds and speeds from is pulling your leg, Arie. At that sort of RPM the feed rate should be closer to 80IPM.
Author:  Shane Neifer [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Spindle Speed for Plexi Glass
It worked great at 20IPM at 16,000 RPM. But I only took about .040 per pass. The program ran an hour and half! But it turned out nice! I am just playing with gasket material now and hopefully this jig will be ready to go.

Thanks again everyone...more dumb questions to come!

Shane
Author:  Shane Neifer [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Spindle Speed for Plexi Glass
Gasket worked out well also (screen door rubber) and I am now good to go on running some radius dishes! I will post pics of the set-up once I have a dish done!

Shane
Author:  arie [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Spindle Speed for Plexi Glass
Bob Garrish wrote:
arie wrote:
Using a 2 flute carbide cutter, you should be at 13062 rpm @ 10.468 ipm


Whatever program you're getting your feeds and speeds from is pulling your leg, Arie. At that sort of RPM the feed rate should be closer to 80IPM.



I chose moderate feeds and speeds, so feel free to explore. Either way the math is simple:

sfpm * 3.82/ cutter dia. = rpm
rpm * ipt * # of cutter teeth = fpm
Author:  jaydawg [ Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Spindle Speed for Plexi Glass
Tim McKnight wrote:
Shane, Try an "O=flute" bit from Onsrud. These have worked the best for me on a variety of plastics. No issues with melting or welding.


This is an excellent suggestion!

I use Onsrud O-flutes for cutting everything from 1/2" to 1/8" plexi to Corian counter tops. The right tool for the job.

Another nice thing about using Onsrud tooling is they provide chip loads for all their tools. Make Feeds and speed very easy to dial in.
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