Four Tips to Handle Engraving and Cutting Tasks With a CNC Machine
CNC machining is not used solely to handle manufacturing tasks. There is a lot of people out there who have a hobby that needs a good CNC machine. There is also a few business owners who handle engraving and cutting with precision on delicate pieces. If you are familiar with the potential of CNC machining, you will see a lot of achievements in jewels, guns, collectibles and even engine other forms of custom work that make use of CNC mills to get things done. If you’re used to seeing this type of work crafted by hand, you will have questions about how to get the best results out of a CNC machine.
Here is what you need to get started:
Table of Contents
It’s Important to Pick the Right Cutting Tool
If you plan to work on thin engraving patterns, you will need small tools since they are the ones who can provide accurate results. Cutting tools bearing wide angles are suited for engraving large text. Like the expert handling engraving using classic methods, with CNC machining is also important to use the right tools to get results. If you plan to carve hard materials, you will need to use a large cutting angle and the tip that is best suited for it to maximize your efficiency.
Pay Attention to the Spindle Speed
If you are pursuing great results with your CNC machining, you need to use the small shank tools with a low-power spindle motor. The cutting speed should be set at medium speeds to minimize any resistance. If you are handling a task that require less precision, you may increase the speed, using high-power motors to use a large shank to engrave the metal you are working on.
Check the Length of Your Cutting Tools
If you are about to select a blade to carve knives it needs to have the proper length. The best way to go about it is by adding 3mm to the measured processing sheet. If you are working on soft materials such as acrylic, or if you are setting the motor speed is at 24000 RPM, you will work much better if you pick a shorter blade to handle the job.
Dealing with Broken Tools
Let’s assume for the sake of the argument that chose to work with high-quality tools since you started to practice on a CNC machine. If they break frequently, there are issues with the carving settings. Take a moment to review the rails, the settings of the motor, the plate materials, if the blade can handle the hardness of the material you are working on, as well as any fixture issues.