The Best Combination of Depth, Spacing and Speed

The depth, spacing, and speed of the cutting process all directly affect the quality and efficiency of the finished product.Based on practical needs, the course teaches practical techniques for depth of cut, spacing adjustments, and speed optimization. You will learn how to find the best parameter combinations for a given project, avoid wasting material, and reduce tool wear.

Why is it so important to set the right parameters?

The settings are crucial to the success or failure of a project.If the depth is too shallow, the sculpture will lack a three-dimensional feel, but too deep and you risk damaging the material. If the intervals are too large, the result will be coarse, and if too small, it will take too much time and material.These three variables are like the "golden triangle" of project management, and you have to find the right balance among them in order to be successful.

How do you find the optimal combination of variables?

First, the depth of the carving is determined.

The depth of carving depends on the hardness of the material and the type of carving.For example, when carving wood, you can cut deeper into soft wood (3-5mm), but it's best to keep it at 2-3mm when cutting into hardwood.If a delicate pattern is desired, a shallow relief of 0.5-1 mm will produce a clearer image.Beginners are advised to start with shallow dives and avoid going straight into a "flipover.

The spacing between the carvings is then adjusted.

The spacing of the grooves determines the smoothness of the surface.For roughing, a large step-over can be used (for example, 80 % of the tool diameter), but for finishing, it is recommended to use a step-over of 30-50 %.For example, if you're using a 3-mm tool, you might set the relief distance to about 1 mm, so the details will be finer.Don't forget one little trick: first carve the outside and then use a small gap to repair the edge, which can save a lot of time.

Finally, the speed of the carving was optimized.

Speed is not always best: Metal engraving is usually done at low speeds (500-1000mm / min), but acrylic can handle speeds as high as 3000mm / min.From my own experience, when I hear the sound of the cutting tool change to a higher pitch, it means I need to slow down the machine. Otherwise, the material will be burned.Remember to adjust the spindle speed accordingly--high spindle speeds for high-speed carving, and lower spindle speeds for slower carving.

Common problems and solutions.

• Different materials, different parameters: If the material is hard, then the speed should be reduced and the depth of cut shallowed.

• How to avoid breakage of the cutting tools? Check to see whether the depth is too great or the speed too fast, especially at right-angle turns, where the speed should be reduced.

• Are there burrs on the surface? Try reducing the toolpath spacing or changing to a sharper tool. As a last resort, add a finishing toolpath.

A few practical suggestions:

1. Saving parameter combinations: Make a parameter list for each material, and then call up the list the next time you need to use it.

2) Do a test piece: Use the leftover material to cut a 10 cm2 test piece.

3. Record the results of each adjustment: Write a simple log, such as "Oak + 3mm blade, depth 2mm / spacing 1.2mm / speed 2000mm / min.

Don't be scared off by the parameters, and just keep on trying.Remember, good works are all composed!