Changed my mind about using a 3-flute end mill for aluminum

I always thought a 2-flute was the only way to go for our 6061 parts, but my lead convinced me to try a 3-flute from Helical. Ran it on a job last month, 0.75 inch depth, 150 inches per minute. The finish was way better and the cycle time dropped by almost 20 percent. I was wrong to stick with the old way for so long. Has anyone else made the switch and seen different results on harder materials?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_claire2mo ago

Wait, so a different end mill shape cut your time by a fifth? That's a huge jump, are you sure your old feeds and speeds were dialed in right?

jade_grant952mo agoMost Upvoted

Yeah, the old feeds were fine, @the_claire, but the new geometry just moves way more material without breaking.

lee.lucas1mo ago

But a fifth is a huge jump... maybe your old tool was just worn out.