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Message

Re: bit cleaning while drilling PCBs milling plastic

2004-06-14 by Dave Mucha

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Stefan Trethan 
<stefan_trethan@g...> wrote:
> On Sun, 13 Jun 2004 19:47:09 -0400 (EDT), <dg140@f...> 
> wrote:
> 
> > How does ABS and PP handle the heat generated by drilling?  I 
have to 
> > also
> > mill some ABS.
> >
> 
> my main problem with plexi is:
> melting -> binding -> shattering
> when drilling larger holes.
> 
> not sure about small drills and abs, might break the drill which is 
no 
> issue with big ones.
> 
> but generally the material is nicer to work on.
> 
> st

heat is the killer on plastics.

also clearing chips is vital.  if a chip gets between the cutter and 
the stock being cut, it acts like a slippeery wafer and the sliding 
generates bucnhes of heat.  if you can use compressed air to blow 
away the chips as they are being created it will do a lot to keep 
things cool.

also, if you are cutting out a perimiter  ie: all the way thru, leave 
a place for the chips to fall out.   if you put a board under and not 
space, the chips will bind.

Then cutting a pocket, getting the chips out with air or liquid is 
important.

Dave

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