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CNC Routing – Aluminum Composite Material (ACM)

CNC-Routing-ACM-Material

Aluminum composite material is often cut out on a CNC router. The versatility of this material is what makes it so popular. From outdoor signage and constructing walls to channel letter backing, the possibilities are endless. Compared to single-layer aluminum plate, ACM is lighter and more affordable while still offering durability and rigidity. For those looking to learn how to cut this material, follow along.

For this experiment, we set out to create the backing of a box for a sign. This entailed cutting out the shape of the box, v-grooving the sections that needed to be bent to shape, and drilling holes for attaching the face of the sign.

Cutting Through

We cut through 3mm ACM with an X-Edge 1/4″ single o flute upcut bit (XVO2232). This bit does very well on both aluminum and ACM. We found that cutting in climb direction produced the best finish. Our feed rate was 200 inches per minute (IPM) and our spindle speed was 22,000 rotations per minute (RPM). This seemed to do very well, cutting through the entire material in one pass.

XVO2232 (1/4″ Single Flute Up-Spiral)

V-Grooving To Bend

Some important factors for v-grooving ACM to bend are controlling the cut depth and using the correct tool. The v-groove tool should cut through the first layer of aluminum and the center plastic layer. The goal is to get as close the the second layer of aluminum as possible without cutting through any of it. This allows it to bend while still being durable. Using a tool with a flat tip is very important. When you eventually bend the material, it needs space to ben properly. A bit that comes to a full point does not leave enough room for this. That is why we used an X-Edge 2 flute 90 degree bit with a flat tip (XACM90-V). Our feed rate was 150 inches per minute (IPM) and our spindle speed was 14,000 rotations per minute (RPM). This again seemed to do very well, cutting through both layers in one pass.

XACM90-V (Two Flute 90 degree V)

Drilling Holes

If you need to drill multiple holes, I highly recommend using a 2 flute carbide drill bit. These are created for long life and making perfect drill holes on a CNC machine. For this experiment, we needed 1/4″ holes so we used a 1/4″ 2 flute solid carbide drill from X-Edge. Our plunge rate was 100 inches per minute (IPM) and our spindle speed was 4,000 rotations per minute (RPM). This cut through all three layers, smoothly and accurately.

XCD2082-S (Two Flute Solid Carbide Drill)

Quick Details / Recommendations:

  • Material: 3mm aluminum composite material (ACM)
  • Tool # 1 (cut through) single o flute upcut (XVO2232) – BUY HERE
  • Feed Rate: 200 IPM / Spindle Speed: 22,000 RPM / 1 Pass
  • Tool # 2 (to bend) 2 flute 90 degree v-groove w/ flat tip (XACM90-V) – BUY HERE
    • Feed Rate: 150 IPM / Spindle Speed: 14,000 RPM / 1 Pass
  • Tool # 3 (1/4″ holes) 2 flute carbide 1/4″ drill bit (XCD2082-S) – BUY HERE
    • Plunge Rate: 100 IPM / Spindle Speed: 4,000 RPM

When orders are placed, they will be double checked to ensure no errors were made and customer follow up will take place during the same day (unless an order is made after hours). If products are available, which most of them are, they will be shipped out the same day. If they are not available, a lead time will be provided. Feel free to reach out for any assistance with our website or anything else regarding CNC routing and knife cutting.

CNC Tooling Shop, a division of Specialty Machinery Inc.

Email: tooling@cnctoolingshop.com

Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST)

Phone: (616) 502-7277


Greg Smolka (Author)

CNC Tooling & Application Manager

Here to help with tooling recommendations (bits, knives, collets, tool holders, maintenance kits, torque stations, etc.) and cutting recommendations (feeds/speeds, tips/tricks, # of passes, etc.).

Contact Infogreg@cnctoolingshop.com

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CNC Routing: Acrylic Polishing

Achieving a clear and glossy finish is essential when an acrylic edge is seen or touched by people. This is why polishing acrylic is such a popular topic within the CNC routing community. One way to achieve a great finish on acrylic is by flame polishing the edges after cutting a part out. However, this means that someone has to run each part through a flame consistent enough to reach the desired goal. The other options are using either a diamond bit that chucks up into a CNC router or a diamond edge polishing machine. These options minimize human error by automating the process.

One of our top suppliers, X-Edge Products, recently released the Acryl-X Series that contains MCD bits and a machine with MCD diamond. It’s important to understand the difference MCD and PCD diamond which I will explain along with the new Acryl-X Series. Let’s get into it!

What is PCD Diamond?

PCD Diamond is a synthetic polycrystalline diamond grit that has been fused together under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in the presence of catalytic metal. The extreme hardness, wear resistance, and thermal conductivity of diamond make it an ideal material for the cutting tools manufacturing.

What is MCD Diamond and why is it better?

MCD Diamond is a natural monocrystalline diamond that is cut in a variety of ways for different diamond tooling applications. It is commonly used in special dressing and turning applications that require very different dimensions and crystal orientation to perform the required task.

Compared to PCD, cutting tools that contain MCD have a tool life that is 3-10 times more than cutting tools with PCD. There is also an improved and noticeable clarity difference on the edge finish with MCD. Even though the cost of MCD tools are higher than PCD tools, the slight increased price is often worth the 3-10 times tool life and improved clarity especially in a situation where the tool will be used long term.


The Acryl-X Series is dedicated to producing the highest acrylic edge quality possible by utilizing natural diamonds (MCD) to polish the acrylic. Offered both as a polishing router bit to use on your CNC router, and as a stand alone polishing machine for faster offline polishing of straight cut parts.

Acryl-X MCD Diamond CNC Bit

Acryl-X Series (MCD Diamond Bits)

  • XPT-1068 (6.5mm Diameter) – SHOP
    • 6mm Shank Diameter | 8mm Cut Length | 65mm Overall Length
  • XPT-101014 (10.5mm Diameter) – SHOP
    • 10mm Shank Diameter | 14.5mm Cut Length | 76mm Overall Length

Reccomendations:

  • Cut Out: Use a single O flute bit to cut the part out
    • Example: 1/4″ Material | Tool XO2012-S (1/4″) | 150 IPM | 21,000 RPM | Climb
  • Cleanup: Step in the material .06″ and cleanup the edge at a lower feed rate
    • Example: 1/4″ Material | Tool XO2012-S (1/4″) | 60 IPM | 21,000 RPM | Climb
  • Polish: Step in the material .004″ and polish the edge at a low feed rate and spindle speed
    • Example: 1/4″ Material | Tool XPT1086 (6.5mm) | 20 IPM | 10,000 RPM | Climb

To achieve the best possible finish, add a precision tool holder (such as a Titan Chuck) while using these tools. The extremely high clamping force allows for longer tool life and better edge quality.

Acryl-X MCD Diamond Polishing Machine

Acryl-X Series (MCD Diamond Machine)

  • XPM-1071 – SHOP
    • 220 Volt (110v option) | 1 Phase | 3/4″ Max Thickness | MCD Head Included

The Acryl-X (XPM-1071) vertical desktop edge polishing machine is for producing high gloss as well as satined edge finishes or even tension-free edges for gluing.

Processing speed can be adjusted to suit any material with a turn of the variable speed input, conveniently located on the front of the machine. The housing is made entirely of heat-dissipating aluminum along with ventilation slots to prevent over heating. The protective hood of the polishing machine is designed to prevent material chips from causing surface smear.

*Note* 110v converter option is available at an additional cost