Free cutting aluminium?

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Free cutting aluminium?

This topic has 12 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 7 June 2015 at 20:01 by Chris Denton.

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5 June 2015 at 15:07 #192500
Chris Denton
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@chrisdenton53037
I've been using aluminium for years.

Today I used a piece that I bought from a seller on ebay, it's supposed to be 6082.

When turned it cuts into small chips and powder.

Any idea what it is? I've never seen aluminium like this before.
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5 June 2015 at 15:07 #23925
Chris Denton
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@chrisdenton53037
5 June 2015 at 15:22 #192502
Anonymous
The chances of it being 6082 are probably zero; it is more likely to be ex-saucepan!

Andrew
5 June 2015 at 15:58 #192510
Boiler Bri
Participant
@boilerbri
Don't get it too hot, or else! 🚒

Bri
5 June 2015 at 17:04 #192521
Spanna
Participant
@spanna
That's a rough old finish too. Are you going fast enough
5 June 2015 at 17:19 #192523
Bowber
Participant
@bowber
Looks like cast Ali to me, is your tip for Ali?

Steve
5 June 2015 at 17:22 #192524
Thor 🇳🇴
Participant
@thor
Hi Chris,

It may be a Pb – Bi alloyed free cutting aluminium. Newer free cutting alloys may have Sn – Bi or just Bi to avoid lead.

Thor
5 June 2015 at 17:52 #192530
Bob Brown 1
Participant
@bobbrown1
Looking at the way it machines my money is on a 2000 series aluminium probably 2024, but not 6082 as I have machined lots of 6082, swarf without a chip breaker comes off in a spiral.

What size 6082 do you need as I probably have a piece for the cost of postage.

Bob
5 June 2015 at 19:44 #192538
Chris Denton
Participant
@chrisdenton53037
This was a 250mm bar, the ends were sawn so I think it came from a longer bar.

The surface finish on the UN-cut bar is very good, minimal extrusion lines. Slightly darker colour to 6082, 6061, 7075. I don't think it's cast (extrusion lines) but could be 2000 series?

In the picture the cut taken was 2mm depth at 1000rpm 0.2mm feed with no lube, probably why it looks rough.

It's not particularly soft.

Maximum cut I could take was 5mm at 600rpm 0.2mm feed. Every speed / feed was producing similar chips, except for a 0.1mm cut at 1000rpm 0.1mm feed, which made very short spirals.

I've ordered another piece now thanks!
5 June 2015 at 20:22 #192544
Clive Hartland
Participant
@clivehartland94829
The ends of extruded bars are sometimes discarded and not used, likely your Ebay supplier has been able to get these off cuts and now you are having problems. I have often found similar effect on stock bar I have bought and now cut off the first 2 to 3 inches. Maybe some one else has had this happen. Also I sometimes find that just under the skin, about 3 mm in a hard layer which does not machine well.

Clive
5 June 2015 at 23:11 #192555
Chris Denton
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@chrisdenton53037
Possibly then.

I'll put it in some caustic soda tomorrow and see what the smut is like.
7 June 2015 at 19:51 #192699
Jon
Participant
@jon
100% not 6082 that comes off continuous until broken up, I use it daily for best anodising and strength ratio.

Free machining comes off exactly like pictured whether that's 2011T6 or 6262T6 no idea. Fine cut on after picky above will come off like chrome. Heavy cut with coolant and right tips can come off satin.
Generally whatever the depth of cut ie 4mm chips tends to break up squarish 4x4mm. Lovely to work with does save time machining with no clogging or tip build up. The other reason don't use for daily work is it doubles the material cost at expense off clawing back around 15 mins on a 3hr job.

Production or small batch work I wouldn't hesitate to use 2011T6 (T6 being harder)
7 June 2015 at 20:01 #192700
Chris Denton
Participant
@chrisdenton53037
Thanks.

6061 & 6063 anodise the best but 6082 is very good

The chips are fairly square on these, no matter the cut depth – your right!

EDIT: just seen you said strength / anodising ratio for 6082 – so your right!
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