CNC aluminum ideas

[tlastor]

We machine 6061 cylinder heads with a centroid 5 axis. Typically it is just porting them to our design, that is a perimeter program that goes from one end of the port to the other removing a small amount. But we are getting more and jobs that a solid heads no ports at all. So we need to put a .100 smaller port (approx) in the heads to start. These ports are 6" long in a L shape, we port from both ends of the port. Ports are 2.5 tall and 1.750 wide at the mouth and a 2.250 circle at the other end. Centroid just recommends using the porting tool, a 1/2" ball, to do the roughing, It takes forever. My question is what tooling, would you guys recommend to speed this up?

 

[pato]

I would think coming in from both sides at a few different angles if needed(or a multi-axis roughing operation if your CAM has one) with a necked down endmill or indexable tool to get the bulk of the material out, and then cleaning up the steps with your porting tool should be quite a bit faster than doing all the heavy roughing with a ball mill.

 

[bigjon61]

What kind of ports?

 

[empower]

lollipop tools are your friend. SFS carbide makes the best lollipops out there, can make whatever size you need.

 

[nihilistic]

Hire someone with experience.

 

[curtis r]

Taylor making an edit to your title might get you more replies. Make it more pointed to your question.

 

[604Pook]

Could you hit it from each side with a large indexable drill 1.625" or so in diameter (going by your finished port size listed) ? That'd get the bulk of the material out of the way and fast.

 

[Houdini]

when you say porting tool I assume a lollipop tool?
but drilling removes metal fastest, then a square end mill, So