3 Flute High-Performance Aluminium End Mill
Engineered specifically for high-speed machining of aluminium alloys, our 3-flute solid carbide end mill delivers exceptional surface finish and chip evacuation in a single tool. The 3-flute design strikes the optimal balance between the aggressive chip clearance of a 2-flute and the superior productivity of a multi-flute cutter — making it the go-to choice for profiling, pocketing, and slotting in aluminium, copper, magnesium, and non-ferrous materials.
Key Features
- Unequal Helix Geometry (42°/45°): Variable helix angles suppress harmonic vibration and eliminate chatter, enabling stable cutting even at high RPM and extended tool stick-out.
- 45° High Helix Angle: Steep helix design shears through aluminium smoothly, reducing cutting force and heat buildup while producing an excellent surface finish.
- Mirror-Polished Flutes: Ultra-smooth flute surfaces minimize aluminium built-up edge (BUE) and ensure consistent chip flow without the need for additional coatings.
- Wiper Flat on End Teeth: Precision-ground wiper flats create a smooth floor finish in pocketing operations, eliminating the need for a separate finishing pass.
- Micro-Grain Solid Carbide: Premium sub-micron carbide substrate provides high hardness and wear resistance for extended tool life in continuous production.
- Sharp Cutting Edges: Honed to a razor-sharp edge to slice cleanly through soft, gummy materials without smearing or tearing.
Recommended Materials
Aluminium alloys (6061, 7075, 5083, 2024, ADC12), copper and brass, magnesium alloys, engineering plastics (POM, nylon, acrylic, PTFE), and composite panels.
Why 3 Flutes?
Two-flute end mills offer maximum chip clearance but lower feed rates. Four-flute tools pack more edges for faster cutting but clog easily in aluminium due to narrow flutes. The 3-flute design splits the difference — high metal removal rates with plenty of room for chip evacuation, even in deep pockets and full-slot cuts.
Available Specifications
- Diameter range: 1.0 mm – 20.0 mm
- Shank: plain (h6 tolerance) or HA (shrink-fit ready)
- Overall length: standard and long-reach variants
- Coating options: uncoated (polished) for maximum sharpness; DLC (diamond-like carbon) for abrasive alloys and high-silicon cast aluminium
Cutting Data (for 6061-T6)
| Diameter | RPM | Feed Rate | DOC (slotting) | DOC (profiling) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mm | 18,000 | 2,400 mm/min | 0.5×D | 1.0×D |
| 10 mm | 12,000 | 2,600 mm/min | 0.5×D | 1.0×D |
| 12 mm | 10,000 | 2,800 mm/min | 0.5×D | 1.0×D |
For 7075 or cast aluminium, reduce speed by 15–20%. For plastics, reduce feed by 30% to prevent melting.
Why Source From Us
Each tool is ground on 5-axis ANCA and WALTER CNC grinders with ZOLLER inspection — tolerances held to ±0.005 mm. Custom geometries (corner radius, chamfer, ball nose) and non-standard diameters are available on request. Standard production lead time: 15 days. Free samples for qualified buyers.