MAXMAKE HiMill D1S Feeds & Speeds Guide: Aluminum, Acrylic, Wood & PCB
Professional results on a desktop CNC aren't magic — they come from getting feeds and speeds right. This guide covers the tested parameters for the four materials you'll machine most.
Are you struggling with broken bits, melted edges, or "chatter" marks on your CNC projects? In this comprehensive technical guide, we break down the tested parameters and tooling choices for the four most popular materials in desktop manufacturing.
1. CNC Aluminum Machining: Mirror Finish & Zero Clogging
Aluminum is the benchmark for any desktop CNC router. The key challenge: preventing the metal from sticking to the bit — a phenomenon called chip welding.
Recommended Tooling
- 3-Flute Tungsten Carbide End Mill: Offers superior rigidity to prevent tool deflection while maintaining enough flute space for efficient chip clearing.
Core Parameters (HiMill D1S)
- Spindle Speed: 12,000 - 13,000 RPM
- Feed Rate (XY): 100 - 200 mm/min
- Stepdown (Ap): 0.1 - 0.3 mm
Always use a cutting lubricant (like WD-40 or specialized cutting fluid) along with a strong air blast. This prevents the bit from "re-cutting" chips, which ruins surface finish and snaps tools.
2. CNC Acrylic Cutting: Melt-Free, Crystal-Clear Edges
To avoid melted, gummy edges and micro-cracks, acrylic needs high feed rates and a razor-sharp cutting edge.
Recommended Tooling
- Single Flute Spiral End Mill: Single flute designs feature a massive chip gullet, allowing them to carry heat away from the cutting zone much faster.
Core Parameters (HiMill D1S)
- Spindle Speed: 10,000 - 13,000 RPM
- Feed Rate (XY): 600 - 800 mm/min (High speed prevents heat buildup)
- Stepdown (Ap): 0.5 - 1.0 mm
If the acrylic starts to melt or turn white (frosting), immediately increase your feed rate or decrease your spindle speed. Keep the tool moving!
3. Machining Tooling Board & Pattern Wood
For high-detail models, prototypes, and molds, tooling board (pattern wood) is the go-to material. It machines beautifully with very low resistance.
Recommended Tooling
- 2-Flute Solid Carbide Flat / Ball Nose End Mill: Perfect for smooth 3D relief carving and rapid material removal.
Core Parameters (HiMill D1S)
- Spindle Speed: 12,000 - 13,000 RPM
- Feed Rate (XY): 1,000 mm/min
- Stepdown (Ap): 1.0 - 3.0 mm (Material resistance is low)
Utilize the D1S’s built-in magnetic brush or your workshop vacuum during machining. This prevents ultra-fine dust from settling on the lead screws, ensuring long-term machine precision.
4. Precision PCB Engraving: Micron-Level Accuracy
PCB engraving demands high repeatability and rigid structure to maintain consistent cut depth across a fragile board. The HiMill D1S meets both requirements
Recommended Tooling
- Corn Teeth End Mill (PCB Router Bit): Specially designed for composite materials, leaving sharp traces without delamination.
Core Parameters (HiMill D1S)
- Spindle Speed: 12,000 - 13,000 RPM
- Feed Rate (XY): 800 - 1,000 mm/min
- Stepdown (Ap): 0.05 - 0.2 mm
Surface Mapping: Auto-leveling is not optional. Before cutting, the probe maps your PCB's surface for microscopic warping. The software compensates in real time, maintaining a consistent 0.05 mm engraving depth.
Summary: Desktop CNC Parameters Table
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Mastering your CNC takes practice, but the right machine and tooling make the learning curve much shorter. All these parameters are also available on our official Wiki
