Machining polypropylene with 20 - 4 1

[tomwalz]

Machining polypropylene with 20 - 40% calcium carbonate in it?

I would appreciate any information. Tradenames of material, feeds and speeds, etc.

Thanks,
Tom

Thomas J. Walz
Carbide Processors, Inc.

http://www.carbideprocessors.com

Good engineering starts with a Grainger Catalog.

 

[MikeHalloran]

For neat PP:
HSS may be a better choice than carbide.
Lots of positive rake, lots of clearance, and a polished, razor sharp edge.
Minimum depth of cut ~.005" or a bit more. You can't shave just a little.
Low-ish speeds.
Refrigeration of the workpiece and/or a stream of cold air on the tool may help.

With CaCO3, you might need to sharpen the edge more often.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[tomwalz]

Thank you, Sir.

We thought about steel but it for a manufacturing plant and we are afraid steel will wear too fast.

We are going with a sub micron grade which will take a very good edge.

Narrow plate and relatively wide side clearance to suck air through.

Maybe an ATAF (altenate top / alternate face) to minimize contact between tip and material.

Also we need to maintain a sharp edge and the top, decorative layer is fibrous and comes off in strings.

Tom


Thomas J. Walz
Carbide Processors, Inc.

http://www.carbideprocessors.com

Good engineering starts with a Grainger Catalog.