End Mills for Aluminum

End Mills for Aluminum

2 Flute - Ball
2 Flute - Ball
3 Flute - Ball
3 Flute - Ball
3 Flute - Ball - Chipbreaker
3 Flute - Ball - Chipbreaker
3 Flute - Chipbreaker
3 Flute - Chipbreaker
3 Flute - Corner Radius - Chipbreaker
3 Flute - Corner Radius - Chipbreaker
2 Flute
2 Flute
2 Flute - Corner Radius
2 Flute - Corner Radius
3 Flute
3 Flute
3 Flute - Corner Radius
3 Flute - Corner Radius

Milling aluminum can be quite different from milling other materials like steel or plastics due to aluminum's unique properties. To achieve the best results when milling aluminum, it's important to use carbide end mills specifically designed for this material. Here are some characteristics that make certain carbide end mills better for milling aluminum compared to standard end mills:

 

Material Selection

Carbide end mills are the preferred choice for milling aluminum. Carbide is harder and more wear-resistant than high-speed steel (HSS), making it suitable for the high-speed machining often used with aluminum.

Flute Geometry

High Helix Angle: Carbide end mills designed for aluminum typically have a high helix angle (often 45 degrees or higher). This helps in efficient chip evacuation and reduces the risk of chip recutting, which can lead to heat buildup and tool wear.

Flute Design

Polished Flutes: Some aluminum-specific carbide end mills have polished or specially coated flutes to minimize built-up edge (BUE) and reduce the tendency of aluminum to stick to the tool.

Number of Flutes

Fewer Flutes:  Carbdie end mills with fewer flutes (typically two or three) are often preferred for aluminum machining. Fewer flutes allow for larger chip evacuation channels and can handle the softer, gummy nature of aluminum better.

Coatings

TiN, TiCN, ZRN or AlTiN Coatings: These coatings can enhance tool life and reduce friction during aluminum milling. AlTiN (Aluminum Titanium Nitride) coatings are particularly well-suited for aluminum due to their lubricity and heat resistance. (see additional coating details here)

Chip Breakers

Some carbide end mills designed for aluminum may have chip breakers or flutes with varying helix angles to help control chip formation and improve surface finish.

Rigidity and Stiffness

The carbide end mill and the milling machine should provide sufficient rigidity and stiffness to prevent vibrations, which can negatively impact surface finish and tool life.

Speeds and Feeds

Proper speeds and feeds are critical when milling aluminum. Aluminum-specific end mills are often optimized for higher speeds and chip loads suited to the material's properties.

Coolant or Lubrication

While aluminum is known for its ability to dissipate heat, using a coolant or lubrication can still help improve tool life and surface finish, especially in high-speed milling operations.

Cutter Geometry

Some carbide end mills designed for aluminum have specialized cutter geometries, such as variable helix or variable pitch designs, to minimize chatter and vibrations.

 

When selecting a carbide end mill for milling aluminum, it's essential to consider the specific requirements of your machining operation, including the type of aluminum alloy, cutting conditions, and desired surface finish. If you would like to discuss your application in more detail please reach out to us at 908-98-ATLAS or email us at Sales@atlascuttingtools.com

 

  • Compare SKU Vendor Size (D1) Shank Diameter (D2) Flute Length (L2) Reach (L3) Overall Length (L1) Length Type Corner Radius (R) Included Angle Taper Angle Helix Angle Number of Flutes Weldon Flats Flats Coating In Stock Price Quantity
    A55446 ACT 5/16 5/16 1-3/8 3 0.02 45° 3 Uncoated 72
    $84.72
  • A41182 ACT 5/16 5/16 1-3/8 3 0.02 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $16.98
  • A76353 ACT 5/16 5/16 1-3/8 3 0.0300 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $65.18
  • A76300 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0200 45° 3 ZrN 7
    $46.59
  • A76082 ACT 5/16 5/16 1-3/8 3 0.0300 45° 3 Uncoated 100
    $65.18
  • A76354 ACT 5/16 5/16 1-3/8 3 0.0600 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $65.18
  • A76301 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0300 45° 3 ZrN 12
    $46.59
  • A76083 ACT 5/16 5/16 1-3/8 3 0.0600 45° 3 Uncoated 100
    $65.18
  • A76580 ACT 5/16 5/16 1-3/8 3 0.0300 45° 3 ZrN 58
    $73.02
  • A76302 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0600 45° 3 ZrN 8
    $46.59
  • A76164 ACT 5/16 5/16 1-3/8 3 0.0300 45° 2 ZrN 58
    $73.02
  • A76581 ACT 5/16 5/16 1-3/8 3 0.0600 45° 3 ZrN 49
    $73.02
  • A76426 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 Uncoated 22
    $45.47
  • A76165 ACT 5/16 5/16 1-3/8 3 0.0600 45° 2 ZrN 58
    $73.02
  • A76427 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0200 45° 3 Uncoated 4
    $45.47
  • A55453 ACT 5/16 5/16 1-3/8 3 0.02 45° 3 ZRN 2
    $90.45
  • A55425 ACT 5/16 5/16 1-3/8 3 0.02 45° 2 ZRN 18
    $90.45
  • A76428 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0300 45° 3 Uncoated 18
    $45.47
  • A41142 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 .020 45° 3 Uncoated 62
    $39.42
  • A41088 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 .020 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $39.26
  • A76429 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0600 45° 3 Uncoated 16
    $45.47
  • A76374 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 2 Uncoated 78
    $33.69
  • A76184 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 Uncoated 100
    $33.85
  • A76375 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0300 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $33.69
  • A76215 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 ZrN 6
    $54.76
  • A76185 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0300 45° 3 Uncoated 100
    $33.85
  • A76376 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0600 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $33.69
  • A76216 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0200 45° 3 ZrN 8
    $54.76
  • A76186 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0600 45° 3 Uncoated 100
    $33.85
  • A76266 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 2 ZrN 100
    $42.43
  • A76217 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0300 45° 3 ZrN 9
    $54.76
  • A76001 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 ZrN 32
    $42.63
  • A76267 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0300 45° 2 ZrN 54
    $42.43
  • A76218 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0600 45° 3 ZrN 5
    $54.76
  • A76002 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0300 45° 3 ZrN 35
    $42.63
  • A76642 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 Uncoated 20
    $80.85
  • A76268 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0600 45° 2 ZrN 58
    $42.43
  • A76003 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 0.0600 45° 3 ZrN 26
    $42.63
  • A76643 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0200 45° 3 Uncoated 82
    $80.85
  • A71619 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 .020 45° 3 ZRN 5
    $45.03
  • A71601 ACT 3/8 3/8 5/8 2 .020 45° 2 ZRN 100
    $49.44
  • A76644 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0300 45° 3 Uncoated 14
    $80.85
  • A41218 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.02 45° 3 Uncoated 100
    $78.79
  • A41184 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.02 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $16.98
  • A76645 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0600 45° 3 Uncoated 16
    $80.85
  • A76330 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 2 Uncoated 66
    $41.56
  • A76059 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 Uncoated 100
    $41.56
  • A76331 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0300 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $41.56
  • A76099 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 ZrN 3
    $91.08
  • A76060 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0300 45° 3 Uncoated 64
    $41.56
  • A76332 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0600 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $41.56
  • A76100 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0200 45° 3 ZrN 4
    $91.08
  • A76061 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0600 45° 3 Uncoated 100
    $41.56
  • A76557 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 ZrN 30
    $50.83
  • A76141 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 2 ZrN 100
    $50.83
  • A76101 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0300 45° 3 ZrN 8
    $91.08
  • A76558 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0300 45° 3 ZrN Available to Order*
    $50.83
  • A76142 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0300 45° 2 ZrN 60
    $50.83
  • A76102 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0600 45° 3 ZrN 11
    $91.08
  • A76559 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0600 45° 3 ZrN 17
    $50.83
  • A76507 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 Uncoated 14
    $59.33
  • A76143 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.0600 45° 2 ZrN 44
    $50.83
  • A76508 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0200 45° 3 Uncoated 16
    $59.33
  • A55440 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.02 45° 3 ZRN 25
    $60.53
  • A55412 ACT 3/8 3/8 1 2-1/2 0.02 45° 2 ZRN 14
    $60.53
  • A76509 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0300 45° 3 Uncoated 15
    $59.33
  • A55447 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.02 45° 3 Uncoated 81
    $100.11
  • A55419 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.02 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $100.11
  • A76510 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0400 45° 3 Uncoated 12
    $59.33
  • A76355 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $77.06
  • A76084 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 Uncoated 100
    $77.06
  • A76511 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0600 45° 3 Uncoated 11
    $59.33
  • A76356 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0300 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $77.06
  • A76085 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0300 45° 3 Uncoated 100
    $77.06
  • A76512 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.1250 (1/8) 45° 3 Uncoated 14
    $59.33
  • A76357 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0600 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $77.06
  • A76086 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0600 45° 3 Uncoated 100
    $77.06
  • A76582 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 ZrN 48
    $87.08
  • A76303 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 ZrN 10
    $72.11
  • A76166 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 2 ZrN 100
    $87.08
  • A76583 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0300 45° 3 ZrN 33
    $87.08
  • A76304 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0200 45° 3 ZrN 10
    $72.11
  • A76167 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0300 45° 2 ZrN 60
    $87.08
  • A76584 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0600 45° 3 ZrN 28
    $87.08
  • A76305 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0300 45° 3 ZrN 4
    $72.11
  • A76168 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.0600 45° 2 ZrN 58
    $87.08
  • A76306 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0400 45° 3 ZrN 12
    $72.11
  • A55454 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.02 45° 3 ZRN 20
    $107.28
  • A55426 ACT 3/8 3/8 1-1/2 4 0.02 45° 2 ZRN 9
    $96.20
  • A76307 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0600 45° 3 ZrN 12
    $72.11
  • A41143 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 .040 45° 3 Uncoated 21
    $70.01
  • A41089 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 .040 45° 2 Uncoated 89
    $70.01
  • A76377 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $55.33
  • A76308 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.1250 (1/8) 45° 3 ZrN 9
    $72.11
  • A76187 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 Uncoated 100
    $55.33
  • A76430 ACT 1/2 1/2 1-1/4 3 0.0150 (1/64) 45° 3 Uncoated 12
    $70.76
  • A76378 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0200 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $55.33
  • A76188 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0200 45° 3 Uncoated 100
    $55.33
  • A76431 ACT 1/2 1/2 1-1/4 3 0.0200 45° 3 Uncoated 13
    $70.76
  • A76379 ACT 1/2 1/2 5/8 2-1/2 0.0300 45° 2 Uncoated 100
    $55.33

* Lead times can vary from 1–10 business days. Call (908) 98-ATLAS or email sales@atlascuttingtools.com for details.

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