Final answer:
The total cutting time for a single cut in aluminum using a feed rate of 8 inches per minute (ipm) for a total distance of 13.5" (including approach and departure distances) is approximately 1.69 minutes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total cutting time for a single cut depends on the total distance covered and the feed rate. The distance covered during the cut not only includes the length of the slot, but also any approach and departure distances. The formula to calculate cutting time is as follows: Cutting Time = Total Distance / Feed Rate.
In this case, the total distance includes the slot length (12.5"), the approach distance (0.5"), and the departure distance (0.5"). Therefore, the total distance is 12.5" + 0.5" +0.5" = 13.5". The feed rate given is 8 inches per minute (ipm). So, by inserting these values into the formula we get: Cutting Time = 13.5" / 8 ipm = 1.6875 minutes. Essentially, it will take approximately 1.69 minutes to make the cut.
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