How to cut small diameter plastic parts on ametal cnc router
Instructions
1
Set the chuck jaws for the operation. Remove the current set of jaws by loosening the two retention screws and sliding out the three existing jaws. Slide the new jaws into the slots and tighten the two retention screws. Specialized jaws are used to cut small diameter parts, or new jaws can be cut for that specific size of raw material regardless of the type of material.
2
Place the raw material in the jaws and tighten them with a chuck key, or press the hydraulic foot switch to close the jaws of a CNC router. Make sure the jaws do not mar or damage the plastic. Turn the chuck on so the jaws and raw material are spinning concentrically. If not spinning correctly, stop the chuck and re-seat the plastic part until it looks as though it is spinning straight.
3
Place the tooling in the tool turret for cutting. Small diameter material plastic can be cut with standard-size tooling, but the plastic must be rigid enough to withstand the pressure of cutting. If it does flex, consider using smaller tooling and adapters for their holders. Tool turrets can accommodate standard-size tool holders, requiring an adapter for small diameter parts.
4
Take light cuts. Small cuts and multiple passes may prevent small diameter plastic parts from flexing. Check the diameter of the material after every cut on the first part to make sure the flex is not causing issues. Parts that have flexed during machining will be undersized when measured.
5
Proof the first piece so none of the tool touches the spinning chuck jaws. Run the rapids at the slowest possible speed. That way, you can stop the tool turret from crashing as you watch the tool path in real time. Once the program is proofed and the part is done with no issues, you can run the lathe without watching it.
