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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Machining on aluminum

2007

Dear Sirs,
I own industries in India. Currently we have installed many CNC machines.
I am having problems with machining of Aluminum plate mainly because the aluminum chip gets attached to the cutter, as aluminum is sticky material.
We use kerosene drops before machining and we can machine the aluminum easily but only for a few minutes. Then again we have to add kerosene for smooth functioning.
The kerosene fumes are not suitable for human lungs and I would not like my workers to get exposed to such toxic fumes everyday.
I would like to know ALUMINUM GET DISSOLVED IN WHAT ? and if we use some concentration of the chemical it would definitely be helpful for us to do the machining on aluminum very easily.
please inform.

DIPAL TRIVEDI
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat, INDIA

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First of two simultaneous responses -- 2007

If you can afford CNC machines, you can afford a commercial cutting fluid designed for aluminum. Many of these are water based and have a good life span.
Next, is the proper drill or mill. You should be using mills that are designed for aluminum and NOT steel or stainless steel.
You are talking about small dollars that will pay big returns in increased production and far less grief in your life.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

This does not answer your question as worded; however, I suggest you look into temperature control lubricants and not kerosene. I am surprised that the companies that sold you the equipment didn't provide you with that lubricant info.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2007

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2007

Hello,

First of all
ALUMINUM dissolves in acids, ex HCl. But acids can damage your CNC machines. I don't really know your process, then I can't help you further.

Jose Castellanos
- Minneapolis, MN, USA

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Castrol has water based cutting fluids for Aluminium.

Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

2007

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Better if you use good (fast) coolant system as well as suitable coolant for the Al and also taken care for the design of the cutting tool.

Abbas Hussain
int'l advance research center for powder metallurgy and new materials -- Hyderabad, India
2007