Maximize chip evacuation and surface finish with our Solid Carbide End Mills for Aluminum.
Featuring polished flutes and high-helix geometry to eliminate built-up edge (BUE) in non-ferrous machining.
Machining aluminum and non-ferrous materials presents a unique set of challenges—primarily chip welding and built-up edge (BUE). Our High-Performance Aluminum Series is engineered to overcome these obstacles, transforming how you machine soft, gummy materials.
Designed with specialized geometry and an ultra-high polish, these solid carbide end mills ensure rapid chip evacuation, allowing you to run at higher feeds and speeds while achieving a mirror-like finish.
We offer a wide range of dimensions to suit your specific CNC machining needs. Below are the standard specifications for our 3-Flute Series (most popular for aluminum):
| SIZE | CUTTER DIA./mm | LOC/mm | SHANK DIA./mm | OAL/mm | FLUTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D1*50L | D1 | 3 | 4 | 50 | 3 |
| D1.5*50L | D1.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 50 | 3 |
| D2*50L | D2 | 6 | 4 | 50 | 3 |
| D2.5*50L | D2.5 | 7.5 | 4 | 50 | 3 |
| D3*50L | D3 | 9 | 4 | 50 | 3 |
| D3*75L | D3 | 12 | 4 | 75 | 3 |
| D3*100L | D3 | 12 | 4 | 100 | 3 |
| D4*50L | D4 | 12 | 4 | 50 | 3 |
| D4*75L | D4 | 16 | 4 | 75 | 3 |
| D4*100L | D4 | 20 | 4 | 100 | 3 |
| D5*50L | D5 | 15 | 5 | 50 | 3 |
| D5*75L | D5 | 20 | 5 | 75 | 3 |
| D5*100L | D5 | 25 | 5 | 100 | 3 |
| D6*50L | D6 | 18 | 6 | 50 | 3 |
| D6*75L | D6 | 25 | 6 | 75 | 3 |
| D6*100L | D6 | 30 | 6 | 100 | 3 |
| D8*60L | D8 | 24 | 8 | 60 | 3 |
| D8*75L | D8 | 30 | 8 | 75 | 3 |
| D8*100L | D8 | 35 | 8 | 100 | 3 |
| D10*75L | D10 | 30 | 10 | 75 | 3 |
| D10*100L | D10 | 40 | 10 | 100 | 3 |
| D12*75L | D12 | 36 | 12 | 75 | 3 |
| D12*100L | D12 | 45 | 12 | 100 | 3 |
| D14*100L | D14 | 45 | 14 | 100 | 3 |
| D16*100L | D16 | 45 | 16 | 100 | 3 |
Note: Custom dimensions and specific corner radii are available upon request for aerospace and automotive applications.
These tools are not limited to standard aluminum (6061, 7075). They excel in a variety of non-ferrous and plastic applications:
Aluminum Alloys: 2024, 6061, 7075, Automotive castings.
Yellow Metals: Brass, Copper, Bronze.
Plastics & Composites: Acrylic, Nylon, Polycarbonate (The sharp edge prevents melting).
Magnesium Alloys.
Q: Why should I use a 3-flute end mill instead of a 4-flute for aluminum?
A: A 4-flute end mill leaves very little room for chips to escape. Because aluminum chips are large and gummy, they can clog a 4-flute tool instantly, leading to tool breakage. A 3-flute design strikes the perfect balance: it has large gullets for chip evacuation but a stronger core than a 2-flute tool, allowing for higher feed rates.
Q: Can I use AlTiN coated tools for aluminum?
A: No. You should avoid AlTiN (Aluminum Titanium Nitride) coatings. Because the coating contains aluminum, it has a chemical affinity to the workpiece material. This causes the aluminum to “stick” to the tool (galling), ruining the tool and the part. Stick to Uncoated, ZrN, or DLC.
Q: Do I need coolant when using these tools?
A: Yes. While our polished flutes mitigate heat, aluminum machining benefits greatly from flood coolant or an air-oil mist (MQL). This helps flush chips away from the cutting zone and keeps the cutting edge temperature down to prevent sticking.
Q: What is the benefit of the Corner Radius option?
A: A sharp corner is the weakest point of an end mill. Adding a small corner radius (e.g., 0.5mm or 0.020″) significantly strengthens the tool tip, preventing chipping and increasing tool life, especially during aggressive roughing.
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