Aluminum Sign Engraving

Community Discussion đź“„ General
1

This is similar to another thread here, but I didn’t want to hijack that thread so I’m creating another one. Maybe the answers here will help both of us.

I’m getting ready to attempt my first Aluminum carve. Some details.

  • Software - Using Vcarve Pro
  • Material - 1/8” 5052 Aluminum
  • Size - 16” x 3” sign
  • 4x4 Altmill

I’m looking for advice on everything.

  • I’m currently using the “Quick Engrave” toolpath, but I’m unsure if this is best
  • Is this best with Outline carve or Fill carve?
  • Depth of cut? I have no idea what’s best for this.
  • Spindle speed? What’s best for small engraving on 5052 Alum?
  • Bit selection? I have small end mills ball nose (down to 1 mm), I have tapered ball nose bits, vbits, etc. pics below are using a 1.5mm end mill. This choice might also impact the speeds and feeds.

Basically just looking for advice on how to cut this on 1/8” 5052 Aluminum as I have yet to do anything on Aluminum.

Here’s what it looks like in Vcarve Pro at the moment.

Thanks in advance.

Lone Star Boat Sign
Lone Star Boat Sign1297Ă—380 5.59 KB

2

@gabo Did you want to cut it out completely or just a recess ?

3

Just recess. I currently have it set for 0.03” depth and to “outline” carve. But it can be whatever looks best.

I’ll probably use some type of black fill for it. I’ve looked at laquer stik. Whatever it is needs to be waterproof and UV resistant as it’s going on a boat.

Thanks.

4

@gabo I can’t really help you for the endmill choice since I don’t have enough experience. A single flute flat endill and a pocket toolpath is what I would use for the clearing pass. Not sure what to use for the finish pass.

I’m partial to epoxy so would have suggested that for the black fill. But a lacquer like car paint would work equally well I guess.

5

Oh, didn’t even think about epoxy!! Thanks for that as that’s probably a good idea. Epoxy would probably be more durable if I can find the right one.

I might trim it down to just one letter or maybe the little star in the center to engrave that a few times on some scrap. I can probably get it down where I only waste a few inches of material. That would allow me to figure out bits and depths.

I just figured this was a really common thing to do, so maybe someone who has done it many times might have some advice. Thanks.