[Wtz-44]

Hi folks,


I'm learning CNC machining and have been lucky enough to get access to a XYZ Proturn SLX 1630 Lathe and XYZ SMX Prtototrak 2500 Mill. (Conversational CNC machines)

I'm past the 'absolute beginner' stage and I'm working on a small project, one of the parts is a small block with approx 400 small pockets, 1mm dia x 0.5mm deep (0.0393" x 0.0196").
The material is mild steel, delivery notes class it as BS970 Bright.
I'm using 1mm end mills for the dimples (Maybe I should have used a drill, but didn't have one that small when it came to do them)
My mill maxes out a 3500rpm

This block is only 30mm long and the slot is 3mm wide.



I'm breaking cutters quite often - after talking to our tooling supply rep, they said part of the problem could be the 'budget' collet I'm using that has a 10 micron run-out. I have a higher precision 5 micron run-out on order.

What sort of vertical feed speed should I be aiming for? I'm currently in the 10-20mm/min range, should I be trying something different?

Thank you,

Steve

[dazp1976]

For all those dimples I'd prefer to use this type of tool.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4x-HSS-60...gAAOSwrYNbTegN
More sturdy than trying to use a tiny drill bit.

[Wtz-44]

Sometimes you just need the obvious pointing out

Got a load of those in a draw here and I never thought about using one

Thanks.