Can you cut metal with a CNC router?
Yes, you can cut certain metals with a CNC router, but the machine's capabilities and the quality of the cuts largely depend on factors such as the type of metal, the router's construction, spindle power, and cutting tools used.
CNC routers are generally designed for cutting softer materials like wood, plastics, foam, and non-ferrous metals (such as aluminum, brass, and copper). When working with these metals, it is important to follow the proper guidelines to ensure clean and precise cuts:
Tool selection: Use cutting tools specifically designed for the metal being cut, such as carbide end mills with appropriate flute count, geometry, and coatings.
Spindle power and speed: Make sure your CNC router has a sufficiently powerful spindle and adjust the spindle speed to suit the metal being cut. Non-ferrous metals typically require higher spindle speeds compared to wood or plastics.
Feed rates and depth of cut: Adjust the feed rate and depth of cut to match the material and the cutting tool being used. Cutting metals often requires slower feed rates and shallower depths of cut to minimize tool wear and prevent material deformation.
Cooling and lubrication: Use appropriate cooling and lubrication methods, such as compressed air, mist coolant, or flood coolant, to minimize heat buildup and extend tool life.
Rigidity and stability: Ensure that the CNC router is rigid and stable enough to handle the cutting forces generated when cutting metals. Lighter-weight CNC routers may lack the necessary rigidity, leading to vibration, deflection, and poor cut quality.
It is essential to note that CNC routers are generally not suitable for cutting harder metals like steel, stainless steel, or titanium. These metals require higher cutting forces and greater rigidity than most CNC routers can provide. In such cases, a CNC milling machine or a CNC plasma cutter would be more appropriate for cutting harder metals.
