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Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1

Aluminum mill/turning thickness

07/11/2007 4:48 PM

Hello all,

I have aluminum rod 2024-T4 of OD 0.430". I need to turn a section of 0.5" from one end down to .180 OD and drill a hole .140 dia x 1" at the .180" OD section. This leave a 0..020" wall thickness.

Questions:

1. Will .020" wall too thin for aluminum?

2. What thickness can aluminum be milling, turning, ....down to,? For example, if I have a 0.25" thick material, how far can I mill this down to (.125, 1/16...?). Assume standard/available machine shop equipment.

Thanks

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#1

Re: Aluminum mill/turning thickness

07/11/2007 11:50 PM

I have machined aluminum parts down to .015 wall thickness. Some factors are: machine in good condition, good bearings, proper lubrication, properly set up machine, etc. Your material must always be supported or backed up so that the cutter does not push it away. This may be done by a variety of methods depending on your application. If you are going to cut thin walled parts use only good quality NEW cutters. Use cutter shapes that apply the least amount of surface area to the material. Example It is better to use a cutter with a sharp corner than one with a radius if possible.

For the part you have described, drill the hole undersize first then bore it to maintain concentricity. Then support the inside diameter with a pin that fits the hole, not a press fit but close. You should then be able to turn the outside diameter with no problem.

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Join Date: Jun 2007
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#2

Re: Aluminum mill/turning thickness

07/12/2007 4:44 AM

What is the overall length ? The thicknesses are not a problem as long as things don't start to wobble. I would advise using a tailstock and turning it dry.

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#3

Re: Aluminum mill/turning thickness

07/12/2007 2:30 PM

drill hole undersized, ream hole to desired size.

GD&T call outs will dictate how efficiently ops can be completed. the previous posters offer good advice if nothing special (GD&T) reqd.

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