Any flex in the machine is going to lead to the tool cutting in a deflected way. There are two qualities that are especially important.

Okay, given that we can cut aluminum with any CNC Router, what’s the Best CNC Router for Aluminum?

Once you have gummy aluminum deposits on your cutting edges, your tool is not long for this world. In fact, it will do so to the point that it welds itself to the tool. The second thing is that for aluminum (and some other metals), there is a “stickiness” factor. Metals have much smaller sweet spots (range of good feeds and speeds) than wood or plastics… In fact, there are several sweet spots depending on what you want to do: If you leave the sweet spot, router bits start breaking, they wear out a lot faster, and surface finish is poor at best. First, they have a much smaller “sweet spot” for optimal feeds and speeds. There are a couple of areas where aluminum (and other metals) are different from wood or plastics. Keep in mind, a CNC Mill might be better for your task, so be sure to read our CNC Mill vs Router article to understand more. Using a CNC Router for aluminum parts can be very successful with a little care and preparation. Once you know the secrets, you’ll find machining aluminum with a CNC Router is not only easy but very productive. I’m going to tell you EXACTLY how to cut aluminum with your CNC Router with these 11 easy tips. My answer to this question is always, “Yes, any CNC Router can cut aluminum if you do it right.” The secret is managing to “do it right.”ĭuring my 15 years plus in the Feeds and Speeds industry I have talked to a lot of CNC Router users intent on cutting aluminum but breaking cutter after cutter along the way.

Mastering Aluminum Cutting: 11 CNC Router Secrets Can a Router Cut Aluminum?įolks often ask, “Can a CNC Router cut aluminum?” They’re used to seeing them cut wood and plastics.

Cobalt t slot cutter speeds and feeds