Aluminum Engraving

[Feeop]

Anyone have experience with 0.25mm diameter engraving bits. I'm looking to trying my hand at it on a piece of 6061 but I don't see much for feeds and speeds online except for the v style bits. How much difference is there?

Thanks in advance.

 

[whydontu]

FAST!! I run at least 12,000 RPM, 0.003" DOC. I spray 10:1 BandAid cutting fluid onto the work piece to keep the aluminum swarf from welding to the bit. Feed rate 12 to 24 IPM.

 

[Feeop]

FAST!! I run at least 12,000 RPM, 0.003" DOC. I spray 10:1 BandAid cutting fluid onto the work piece to keep the aluminum swayer from welding to the bit. Feed rate 12 to 24 IPM.

Thanks. I'll give that a try tomorrow.

 

[Arbutus]

If you are just looking to mark the aluminum, rather than carving it, perhaps try a diamond point graver which has a much finer point than the engraving bit - like this:

The spring applies about 1Kg force. The tool does not rotate (RPM=0).
These marks are 0.2mm apart. Next time I'll scribe after anodizing.



Posted here: https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/diamond-drag-tool.6670/#post-100372

 

[Feeop]

If you are just looking to mark the aluminum, rather than carving it, perhaps try a diamond point graver which has a much finer point than the engraving bit - like this:
View attachment 68403View attachment 68404
The spring applies about 1Kg force. The tool does not rotate (RPM=0).
These marks are 0.2mm apart. Next time I'll scribe after anodizing.
View attachment 68406


Posted here: https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/diamond-drag-tool.6670/#post-100372

Thanks for this info. For now, i want to go deeper in multiple depfhs so i can add colored epoxy in each layer as i go.

 

[Feeop]

So below is my first ever engraving job (alum). Ignore the hole as it was already there. and this is just a test piece.
So my question would be, the best place to convert a jpg image to svg or dxf. I tried a couple of the online places but they come out with broken lines which increases the program length. Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks again