Router Bit Suggestions

[Think713]

Eh, I plunge at 10ipm, directly into the sheet. Some folks ramp into the sheet at a faster clip. Again, acm being so soft, I don't think this is the cause, but if you slowed that plunge down significantly (1/2 or more), it would only increase the total sheet cut time by seconds.
Plunging straight into a sheet is probably more of a 'someone forgot to set the proper height' and it's running through 1/8" aluminum at full tilt (around 2,000ipm)

Our router does not ramp. It only plunges directly into material. 20ipm is the default setting for acm inside colex's software.

 

[Think713]

I wanted to continue the update with this Amana bit... I routed an additional 30 3mm acm shapes today (12x12 and 6x12 and some 24x36) with also 10 6mm pvc rectangles... The bit is fraying the protective paper but the edges of the material are still very clean. Sharp clean edges.
Id say this amana bit is well worth the $55... It is already out performing the colex bits 10 fold...

 

[Bradley D]

The attached bits are good and affordable

Amazon.com

surface spoil board frequently
ramp in or go slow in z if you cant ramp
make sure there is no material vibration by using hold down, pressure foot, tabs, etc
adjust feeds and speeds(this will vary by cnc] use lubricant for aluminum cuts

 

[Think713]

The attached bits are good and affordable

Amazon.com

surface spoil board frequently
ramp in or go slow in z if you cant ramp
make sure there is no material vibration by using hold down, pressure foot, tabs, etc
adjust feeds and speeds(this will vary by cnc] use lubricant for aluminum cuts View attachment 179959

#1 we have a vaccumed cut surface. We dont need to clamp anything down. #2 the colex series we run does not have a lubricant function. #3 Yea we use slow z movement when going into the material.
The new bit that I shared from Amana thus far has worked very well. Last week I cut more stuff than I normally do over the course of a month, and the bit is still in great shape and did exactly what we were looking for it to do. I'm open to trying new and other bits as there were also recommended brands above in this thread, but as of now I'm going to stick with this amana bit.

 

[Bradley D]

#1 we have a vaccumed cut surface. We dont need to clamp anything down. #2 the colex series we run does not have a lubricant function. #3 Yea we use slow z movement when going into the material.
The new bit that I shared from Amana thus far has worked very well. Last week I cut more stuff than I normally do over the course of a month, and the bit is still in great shape and did exactly what we were looking for it to do. I'm open to trying new and other bits as there were also recommended brands above in this thread, but as of now I'm going to stick with this amana bit.

Great to hear you have the issue fixed.

 

[Think713]

Great to hear you have the issue fixed.

Yea man, it was the bit from the get go... The suggestions provided sorted it out for sure... And I definitely won't be buying any colex bits...

 

[fixtureman]

Our router does not ramp. It only plunges directly into material. 20ipm is the default setting for acm inside colex's software.

It is your software that tells it to ramp I use Vectric Aspire and there is an option to ramp in and it also gives you the option to tell how long the ramp is

 

[Think713]

It is your software that tells it to ramp I use Vectric Aspire and there is an option to ramp in and it also gives you the option to tell how long the ramp is

I understand the concept. I'm saying our routers software, does not... and it doesn't really make a difference for what we are doing..

 

[JBurton]

I'm saying our routers software, does not...

Whatever software you're using to generate your files will create the g-code to do the ramp. The router runs off pure g-code, so it will do whatever you tell it to, within the soft limits that the controller is bound to. While it does not matter here, it is good to understand that as an available option, and to know that it is not a function built into your router, but just an extra handful of lines put into the g-code.

 

[Think713]

Whatever software you're using to generate your files will create the g-code to do the ramp. The router runs off pure g-code, so it will do whatever you tell it to, within the soft limits that the controller is bound to. While it does not matter here, it is good to understand that as an available option, and to know that it is not a function built into your router, but just an extra handful of lines put into the g-code.

I dont think thats accurate... No one here is running script dude for our router (not that it doesnt run on g code.. but more whether or not its even an option for our system)... we generate files with illustrator.. and use colex's software for their router... there isnt an option in the software for ramping.. and im sure as hell not writing g-code to do so...

 

[Think713]

Whatever software you're using to generate your files will create the g-code to do the ramp. The router runs off pure g-code, so it will do whatever you tell it to, within the soft limits that the controller is bound to. While it does not matter here, it is good to understand that as an available option, and to know that it is not a function built into your router, but just an extra handful of lines put into the g-code.

Colex flatbed routers, including earlier models, do not have a built-in "ramp" function; they perform a direct vertical plunge into the material. The plunging speed is a default setting within the Colex software, typically around 20 inches per minute (ipm) for materials like aluminum composite material (ACM).
However, users can achieve a ramping effect, if needed for specific materials or tool longevity, through the following methods:

• Software/CAM modifications: A ramping function can be implemented by using a third-party CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software package compatible with the Colex system, such as Enroute, V-Carve, or Aspire. These programs allow users to define a ramped entry path for the tool into the material, rather than a straight vertical plunge.
• Manual G-code editing: For advanced users familiar with G-code, the machine's code can be manually edited to change the plunge feed rate for specific cuts. This involves modifying the feed rate (F command) in the code to a slower speed during the initial material entry, effectively creating a controlled ramp.
• Consulting a technician: Users can contact Colex directly through their Colex Finishing Solutions website to ask about specific software settings or potential updates that might offer more control over the plunge function.

 

[JBurton]

I dont think thats accurate... No one here is running script dude for our router (not that it doesnt run on g code.. but more whether or not its even an option for our system)... we generate files with illustrator.. and use colex's software for their router... there isnt an option in the software for ramping.. and im sure as hell not writing g-code to do so...

Well let me just pull my foot out of my mouth!
I didn't realize colex operated in an odd hybrid environment, though it makes sense from a flatbed production standpoint. Now I'm kind of curious how this software works, like can you put one 12x18 on a flash drive and proceed to cut 4 copies out of a piece without nesting them in illustrator?

 

[Think713]

Well let me just pull my foot out of my mouth!
I didn't realize colex operated in an odd hybrid environment, though it makes sense from a flatbed production standpoint. Now I'm kind of curious how this software works, like can you put one 12x18 on a flash drive and proceed to cut 4 copies out of a piece without nesting them in illustrator?

What we do is download our files that are sent to ourselves via email or gmail drive, and import them directly into the route software... You then can take whatever shapes that you are cutting and manipulate them. So if you had to take a 12x18 and change its size or copy it and change its location in the relative space of the flatbed, you can. Its start position is determined by the "origin" location you set when calibrating the tool you are using for said job. On this router there are 3 tool options.

 

[Pitzu]

If anyone has a problem finding the right feeds and speeds, these charts are a good start:

Imperial: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0267/6765/4971/files/CutterGuide2020_1.pdf?v=1592515201
Metric: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...Cutter_Guide_UK_New_Layout_1.pdf?v=1592923278

Personally, I prefer double flute bits for ACM (as higher feeds can be achieved) and single flute for PVC foam and Acrylic, but with the right feeds and speeds you can't go wrong with either.
Dust extraction is also very important, as it helps to increase tool life (less chip re-cutting and also the air flow acts as coolant for the tool).

If you have vacuum table, upcut bit would be the better choice.
If you don't have a vacuum table, downcut bit is your friend.

Also, cutting direction matters for good finish and tool life (conventional vs climb milling).

Hope it helps.

 

[Think713]

If anyone has a problem finding the right feeds and speeds, these charts are a good start:

Imperial: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0267/6765/4971/files/CutterGuide2020_1.pdf?v=1592515201
Metric: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...Cutter_Guide_UK_New_Layout_1.pdf?v=1592923278

Personally, I prefer double flute bits for ACM (as higher feeds can be achieved) and single flute for PVC foam and Acrylic, but with the right feeds and speeds you can't go wrong with either.
Dust extraction is also very important, as it helps to increase tool life (less chip re-cutting and also the air flow acts as coolant for the tool).

If you have vacuum table, upcut bit would be the better choice.
If you don't have a vacuum table, downcut bit is your friend.

Also, cutting direction matters for good finish and tool life (conventional vs climb milling).

Hope it helps.

I reset out vacuum height and it definitely helped with extraction. Before we were having issues with it just not sucking enough into it, and I was constantly post vacuuming the table. Now that has been reduced by roughly 90%. Very little debris is being left on the substrate and table.