CNC-Engraved Aluminum Nameplates

You asked for it! Switching away from my previous acid-etching technique, I'm now engraving my custom nameplates robotically!

PATREON EXCLUSIVES
If you'd like to help support my channel and get access to exclusive content, visit https://www.patreon.com/wesleytreat.

10% OFF STARBOND ADHESIVE PRODUCTS
Follow this link and enter "wesleytreat" at checkout:
https://www.starbond.com?rfsn=2605438.c70b44

NAMEPLATE GIVEAWAY
Winners have been chosen and notified. Thank you for participating!

OFFICIAL WEBSITE
▶ https://wesleytreat.com

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
▶ Merch: https://www.wesleytreat.com/shop
▶ Photography: https://satelluxestudio.etsy.com
▶ Favorite Tools: https://amazon.com/shop/wesleytreat

FOLLOW ME
▶ Instagram: https://instagram.com/wesley_treat
▶ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wesleytreat

TOOLS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO
(Bit information down below.)
▶ Inventables X-Carve: https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve
▶ TBD CNC Supergrade Z Axis: https://www.tbdcnc.com/shop/supergrade
▶ Abrasive Nylon Flap Wheel (Very Fine Grade): https://www.mcmaster.com/46735a43
▶ DeWalt 20V Max Drill & Driver Kit: http://amzn.to/2hLB64q
▶ Lacquer-Stik Black Fill-In Paint Marker: https://amzn.to/2IHjZCn
▶ 4-Inch Cotton Buffing Wheel: https://amzn.to/30pCbGb
▶ Pittsburgh 3/8" Letter/Number Stamping Set: http://amzn.to/2ikplCi

CNC DETAILS (UPDATED)
This is the updated procedure I follow now. Note: Your results may vary. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments. However, please understand I can't provide a lot of troubleshooting or technical support.

Also, the burrs resulting from the engraving pass are more likely due to the specific grade and quality of the common aluminum sheet I have on hand. I plan to experiment with other grades in the future.

1. Engrave the lettering with the engraving bit listed below.
▶ PreciseBits EM2E8-0625-60V: https://tinyurl.com/yyta9hj3
▶ Total Carve Depth: .003"
▶ Depth per Pass: .005"
▶ Feed Rate: 45 ipm
▶ Plunge Rate: 30 ipm
2. Finish the surface and apply the lacquer stick. Note: Although I didn't show it in the video, I also apply a light coat of Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Satin Clear Enamel to protect the lacquer fill.
3. Carve the holes using the helical end mill listed below.
▶ Kodiak Solid Carbide Helical End Mill for Aluminum: https://amzn.to/2vZo1xL
▶ Hole Diameter: .145" (for 1/8" rivets)
▶ Total Carve Depth: .045" (on .040" aluminum)
▶ Depth per Pass: .01"
▶ Feed Rate: 15 ipm
▶ Plunge Rate: 15 ipm
▶ Add ramp to toolpath: Spiral (Vectric VCarve setting)
4. Cut the nameplate profiles using the same end mill as in step 3.
▶ Total Carve Depth: .045" (on .040" aluminum)
▶ Depth per Pass: .01"
▶ Feed Rate: 30 ipm
▶ Plunge Rate: 30 ipm
▶ Add ramp to toolpath: Smooth, Distance .5" (Vectric VCarve setting)
CNC DETAILS (DEPRECATED)
These are the details for the now-deprecated procedure I followed in the video.

1. Engrave the lettering with the tapered ball end mill listed below.
▶ Jerray 0.25mm Tapered Ball End Mill: https://amzn.to/2WaaqSG
▶ If the above is out of stock, you can also purchase it as part of a set: https://amzn.to/31mTacD
▶ Total Carve Depth: .002"
▶ Depth per Pass: .001"
▶ Feed Rate: 20 ipm
▶ Plunge Rate: 10 ipm
2. Make another, clean-up pass with the same bit, changing the following settings. This pass should remove much of the burr from the first pass.
▶ Depth per Pass: .002"
▶ Feed Rate: 25 ipm
3. I cut the holes using the settings in step 1, cutting the full depth of the material.
4. To separate the nameplates, use the helical end mill listed below.
▶ Kodiak Solid Carbide Helical End Mill for Aluminum: https://amzn.to/2vZo1xL
▶ Depth per Pass: .005"
▶ Feed Rate: 30 ipm
▶ Plunge Rate: 5 ipm

SEE ALSO
▶ Acid-Etched Nameplates: https://youtu.be/XWSJyNlAIRk
▶ A Better, Stronger X-Carve: https://youtu.be/PaZgVujKSq8

Видео CNC-Engraved Aluminum Nameplates канала Wesley Treat