Machining is a precise art, which is why it is so important to make sure that you are in possession of the right tools for a particular job, just like using the right network to download kickass without account. Making items from metal such as aluminium means that it is necessary to have a specialised set of end mills, but what are the best end mills to be used for metalwork?

Carbide

Carbide is able to stay sharper for a longer period of time than is the case with some other end mills. While it is also more brittle than others it is particularly effective when used with aluminium, although the price may be a problem for many. However carbine end mills are very efficient and providing that the speeds and feeds have been dialled in will also be capable of lasting quite a long time for an end mill. Carbide is the best choice for professionals.

Coatings

Because aluminium is softer than other metals, the flutes of a CNC tooling can often get clogged up with chips, particularly with plunging or deep cuts. Having a coating on an end mill can help to deal with the challenges that can be created thanks to sticky aluminium, and titanium aluminium nitride coatings are a good way to ensure that chips will keep moving, particularly if coolant is not being used.

This coating is frequently used with carbide though if high-speed steel (HSS) tooling is being used then a better coating would be titanium carbo-nitride, which provides the necessary lubrication for use with aluminium without having to pay out for carbide.

Flutes

Probably the most important feature to take into account when selecting an end mill bit for metalwork when using a CNC machine are flutes, as they perform the actual cutting work while the bit is spinning. Two flutes are the best number when cutting aluminium, with four the best for other metals. For traditional roughing with stainless steel up to five flutes may be used as this enables higher feed rates than is the case with just four.

However more is not better in regards to cutting aluminium, which is a very soft material that heats up very quickly and will have big chips separate when the end mill is moving. It is therefore a good idea when cutting this metal to actually decrease the number of flutes and engage in slower cutting so as to make sure you can achieve a smoother and more accurate cut to avoid “tearing” and end up left with a rough cut. Overdoing things can also sometimes result in the bit becoming clogged. An ideal aluminium bit will have no more than three flutes as more runs the risk of your cuts being messed with.

The geometry of flutes is also something that needs to be taken into consideration. High-helix flutes can be a dramatic help with cutting and chip evacuation as they have more consistent contact with a workpiece exclusively if it is with a mirror so there are fewer interruptions, which can be hard on both surface finish and tool life.

The best possible end mill for your machining project will result in the best outcome.