Summary for machining anodized aluminum Discussion
Machining an anodized coated piece of aluminum is the issue here: Donnie Gibson needs to remove a 10 mm x 8.5 mm x 9.5 mm area from more than 100 parts and wants advice on end mill coatings, cutting speed, and feed rate. He notes the anodizing is under .010" thick and has already ordered 1/2" carbide TiCN end mills. The excerpt provided contains only the question, so no answerer recommendations or machining parameters are included in the source text. Based on the thread excerpt alone, the practical need is for guidance on how to cut through the anodized layer and machine the aluminum efficiently without damaging the finish beyond the intended area.
Q. Here’s the situation…I need to machine an area of 10 mm x 8.5 mm x 9.5 mm off of a larger piece (and I have better than 100 pieces to do). I’m wondering what some machining recommendations might be (more specifically end mill coatings, cutting speed, and feed rate). I’m not sure on the thickness of the anodizing, but it’s less than .010″ thick. Any help is appreciated. I’ve ordered some 1/2″ carbide TICN end mills.
Donnie Gibson
– North Dighton, Massachusetts, USA
January 18, 2012