[CNC Metalcraft] Machining an Aluminum EDC Playing Card with MAXMAKE HiMill D1S
![[CNC Metalcraft] Machining an Aluminum EDC Playing Card with MAXMAKE HiMill D1S](http://maxmake.com/cdn/shop/articles/maxmake-himill-d1s-desktop-cnc-aluminum-edc-card-75b8-45eb-b59e-615307534852_3df63086-b51a-4006-b58b-249f5fcc8375_1100x.png?v=1780906497)
Who says desktop CNCs are only for making coins? Today, we're pushing the MAXMAKE HiMill D1S to craft an exclusive, aluminum EDC playing card. Let cold metal become your go-to pocket fidget toy, where every engraved line is a testament to individuality and precision.
I. Project Overview
| Project Name | DIY Aluminum EDC Playing Card & Slider |
|---|---|
| Equipment Used | MAXMAKE HiMill D1S Desktop CNC |
| Core Principles | High-Precision Aluminum Relief Engraving + Standardized Post-Processing |
| Function | EDC Pocket Fidget Toy, Desktop Display, Custom Gift |
| Difficulty Level | Advanced (Great practice for flat relief machining) |
| Cycle Time | Approx. 7 Hours |
II. Prep & Design
The core of an EDC playing card is "tactile comfort + recognizable details." Planning your layout and chamfer parameters ahead of time will double your machining efficiency.
1. Materials List
2. Tooling Selection (High-Speed Aluminum Set)
III. CAM Settings (Machining Parameters)
A universal parameter set designed for aluminum. With minor tweaks, it adapts to various relief patterns, making it easy for beginners to grasp.
A. EDC Card Machining
Tool: 3.175mm 3-Flute Spiral End Mill (Metal Roughing)
Stepover (Ae): 1.5 mm
Stepdown (Ap): 0.2 mm
Cutting Feed: 600 mm/min
Plunge Feed: 600 mm/min
Spindle Speed: 13,000 RPM
Tool: 20° 0.2mm Flat Bottom Engraving Bit (Relief Details)
Stepover (Ae): 0.1 mm
Stepdown (Ap): 0.2 mm
Cutting Feed: 300 mm/min
Plunge Feed: 300 mm/min
Spindle Speed: 13,000 RPM
Tool: 2mm Ball Nose End Mill (Edge Chamfering)
Plunge Feed: 300 mm/min
Spindle Speed: 13,000 RPM
B. EDC Slider Machining
Tool: 3.175mm 3-Flute Spiral End Mill (Surfacing)
Stepover (Ae): 1.5 mm
Stepdown (Ap): 0.2 mm
Cutting Feed: 600 mm/min
Plunge Feed: 600 mm/min
Spindle Speed: 13,000 RPM
Tool: 1.5mm 3-Flute Spiral End Mill (Inner Pocketing)
Stepover (Ae): 0.675 mm
Cutting Feed: 500 mm/min
Plunge Feed: 500 mm/min
Spindle Speed: 13,000 RPM
Tool: 2mm Ball Nose End Mill (Chamfering)
Plunge Feed: 300 mm/min
Spindle Speed: 13,000 RPM
IV. Machining Process
The high-precision spindle and stable positioning of the HiMill D1S ensure that flat relief replication maintains micron-level accuracy.
V. Post-Processing
A standardized post-processing workflow perfectly balances industrial texture with a comfortable grip.
VI. Final Showcase: A Card, An Attitude
When warm aluminum is reborn through precise CNC carving, an EDC playing card that blends practicality with visual appeal finally reveals its crisp, rugged texture:
📥 Get the Files & Start Making
Ready to test your machine on metal? Download the blueprint files and build your own industrial EDC card!
Download via Google Drive
