3 Flute Roughing End Mill

3 Flute Roughing End Mill Specifications

1、3 Flute Roughing End Mill Standard type

Model No.	Flute Diameter (mm)	Flute length (mm)	Shank Diameter (mm)	Overall length (mm)
D4*12*D4*50	4	12	4	50
D6*18*D6*50	6	18	6	50
D8*24*D8*60	8	24	8	60
D10*30*D10*75	10	30	10	75
D12*36*D12*75	12	36	12	75
D14*45*D14*100	14	45	14	100
D16*45*D16*100	16	45	16	100
D18*45*D18*100	18	45	18	100
D20*45*D20*100	20	45	20	100

2、3 Flute Roughing End Mill Extra Length Type

Model No.	Flute Diameter (mm)	Flute length (mm)	Shank Diameter (mm)	Overall length (mm)
D4*16*D4*100	4	16	4	100
D6*24*D6*100	6	24	6	100
D8*32*D8*100	8	32	8	100
D10*40*D10*100	10	40	10	100
D12*48*D12*100	12	48	12	100

3 Flute Roughing End Mill Features

1、Number of Flutes:

The end mill is equipped with three cutting flutes or edges. While fewer than the 4-flute counterpart, the three flutes still provide a balance between material removal and chip evacuation.

2、Coarse Tooth Design:

The cutting edges typically feature a coarse tooth design, allowing for aggressive cutting and the removal of larger volumes of material per revolution. This design is well-suited for roughing applications.

3、High Helix Angle:

A 3-flute roughing end mill often has a high helix angle, contributing to efficient chip evacuation. This is important for preventing chip buildup, reducing the risk of tool damage, and ensuring a smoother machining process.

4、Center Cutting Design:

Many 3-flute roughing end mills are designed to be center cutting, allowing for plunging directly into the workpiece. This versatility is beneficial for various machining operations, including face milling and slotting.

5、Variable Helix or Pitch Options:

Some models of 3-flute roughing end mills may feature variable helix or pitch options. This design helps minimize vibrations and chatter during machining, particularly at high speeds, improving overall cutting performance.

6、Reduced Axial Load:

The distribution of cutting forces across three flutes helps reduce the axial load on the tool. This is advantageous for preventing tool deflection and maintaining stability during rough machining operations.

7、Corner Radii for Strength:

The corners of the cutting edges may have radii or corners designed for added strength. This feature helps prevent chipping and wear, enhancing the durability of the tool during rough machining.

8、Versatility Across Materials:

The design of the 3-flute roughing end mill allows it to be versatile across a range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites. This makes it suitable for various machining applications in different industries.

9、Diverse Machining Applications:

3-flute roughing end mills are suitable for a variety of machining applications, including face milling, slotting, and side milling. Their versatile design makes them effective for heavy material removal in different machining scenarios.

10、Efficient Stock Removal:

The combination of three flutes, a coarse tooth design, and a high helix angle ensures efficient stock removal. This makes the 3-flute roughing end mill well-suited for roughing applications where maximizing material removal rates is crucial.

11、Adaptability to High-Speed Machining:

The design and construction of 3-flute roughing end mills make them adaptable to high-speed machining operations. This capability contributes to increased productivity in manufacturing processes.

12、Cost-Effective Roughing:

The balance of cutting efficiency, reduced axial load, and versatility makes 3-flute roughing end mills a cost-effective choice for roughing operations. Their ability to efficiently remove material contributes to overall cost savings in the machining process.

3 Flute Roughing End Mill Advantages:

1、Efficient Material Removal:

The three cutting flutes of the end mill facilitate efficient material removal. While fewer than a 4-flute design, the three flutes strike a balance between material removal rates and chip evacuation.

2、Aggressive Cutting Action:

The coarse tooth design of the cutting edges allows for aggressive cutting action. This is beneficial for quickly removing larger volumes of material per revolution, making the tool effective in roughing applications.

3、Reduced Axial Load:

The distribution of cutting forces across three flutes helps reduce the axial load on the tool. This minimizes the risk of tool deflection, ensuring dimensional accuracy and stability during rough machining operations.

4、High Helix Angle for Effective Chip Evacuation:

The high helix angle characteristic of many 3-flute roughing end mills contributes to effective chip evacuation during machining. This helps prevent chip buildup, reducing the likelihood of tool damage and promoting a smoother cutting process.

5、Versatility Across Materials:

The design of the 3-flute roughing end mill allows it to be versatile across a range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites. This versatility makes it suitable for various machining applications in different industries.

6、Adaptability to Various Machining Operations:

3-flute roughing end mills are adaptable to various machining operations, including face milling, slotting, and side milling. Their versatile design makes them effective for heavy material removal in different machining scenarios.

7、Balanced Performance:

The three-flute configuration provides a balanced performance, combining efficient material removal with stability during cutting. This balance is advantageous for achieving both productivity and precision in rough machining.

8、Reduced Vibrations and Chatter:

The design of 3-flute roughing end mills, including variable helix or pitch options, helps minimize vibrations and chatter during machining. This is particularly beneficial at high cutting speeds, contributing to improved overall cutting performance.

9、Cost-Effective Roughing:

The balance of cutting efficiency, reduced axial load, and versatility makes 3-flute roughing end mills a cost-effective choice for roughing operations. Their ability to efficiently remove material contributes to overall cost savings in the machining process.

10、Suitability for High-Speed Machining:

The design and construction of 3-flute roughing end mills make them adaptable to high-speed machining operations. This capability contributes to increased productivity in manufacturing processes.

11、Durable Design:

The corners of the cutting edges may have radii or corners designed for added strength, enhancing the durability of the tool during rough machining. This feature helps prevent chipping and wear, contributing to longer tool life.

3 Flute Roughing End Mill Coatings:

The purpose of applying a coating to a carbide 3 Flute Roughing End Mill is to enhance its performance, durability, and overall effectiveness in various machining operations.

1、Titanium Nitride (TiN):

TiN is a popular coating choice for carbide 3 Flute Roughing End Mill. It offers excellent wear resistance and provides a protective layer on the tool's surface, reducing friction and extending tool life. TiN coatings are effective when machining non-ferrous materials and can enhance performance in general-purpose milling applications.

2、Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN):

TiCN coatings offer improved hardness and heat resistance compared to TiN. They are suitable for machining ferrous materials, including steel and cast iron. TiCN coatings provide excellent wear resistance, reduced friction, and increased tool life.

3、Aluminum Titanium Nitride (AlTiN):

AlTiN coatings are known for their exceptional hardness, high-temperature resistance, and excellent wear resistance. They are suitable for machining abrasive materials, such as hardened steels and stainless steels. AlTiN coatings provide extended tool life and enhanced performance in high-speed machining applications.

4、Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC):

DLC coatings offer excellent hardness, low friction, and high lubricity. They are effective when machining aluminum, copper, and non-ferrous materials. DLC coatings can reduce built-up edge and enhance the chip flow, resulting in improved surface finish and reduced cutting forces.

3 Flute Roughing End Mill Applications：

A 3-flute roughing end mill is a cutting tool used in machining operations to remove material quickly and efficiently from a workpiece. It is particularly designed for roughing operations, where the goal is to remove a significant amount of material in the initial stages of machining. Here are some applications of a 3-flute roughing end mill:

1、Roughing Operations:

As the name suggests, the primary application of a 3-flute roughing end mill is in roughing operations. These operations involve removing large amounts of material from a workpiece to quickly achieve the desired shape or dimensions. Roughing end mills with multiple flutes are efficient at material removal and can withstand the high cutting forces generated during roughing.

2、High-Speed Machining (HSM):

3-flute roughing end mills are often used in high-speed machining applications where the cutting speeds are significantly higher than traditional machining speeds. The multiple flutes help in distributing the cutting forces and reducing the likelihood of chatter or vibration at these higher speeds.

3、Tough Materials:

When machining tough and hard-to-machine materials like stainless steel, titanium, or high-strength alloys, a 3-flute roughing end mill can be advantageous. The extra flutes help to control the chip formation and facilitate effective chip evacuation, which is crucial when working with materials that tend to work-harden and cause tool wear.

4、Stock Removal:

Before moving on to finishing operations, a roughing end mill can quickly remove excess material from a workpiece, reducing the overall machining time. This is particularly useful in cases where achieving the final shape requires removing a substantial amount of material.

5、CNC Milling:

In computer numerical control (CNC) milling operations, where precision and efficiency are key, a 3-flute roughing end mill can help in quickly shaping the workpiece before more detailed operations are performed with finer tools.

6、Die and Mold Making:

In the production of dies and molds, a roughing end mill can efficiently remove material from the initial block, preparing it for subsequent precision operations. The multiple flutes assist in handling the rigors of machining complex shapes and contours.

7、Prototype Machining:

During the prototype or initial stages of part production, a roughing end mill can quickly create the rough shape of the part. This allows for rapid iterations and adjustments before moving on to the more detailed finishing operations.

It's worth noting that the choice of tool, including the number of flutes on the end mill, depends on various factors such as the material being machined, the type of machine, the desired surface finish, and the specific machining strategy. Additionally, while roughing end mills are efficient for material removal, they are not typically used for achieving high levels of surface finish or precision. Subsequent finishing operations with different types of end mills are usually necessary to achieve the desired final product.

Video Of 3 Flute Roughing End Mill

FAQs for 3 Flute Roughing End Mill

1、What is a 3 flute roughing end mill?

A 3 flute roughing end mill is a type of cutting tool used in machining and metalworking applications. It's designed with three cutting edges (flutes) that help efficiently remove material during the roughing phase of machining processes.

2、When should I use a 3 flute roughing end mill?

You should use a 3 flute roughing end mill when you need to quickly remove a significant amount of material from a workpiece, typically during the initial stages of machining. Roughing end mills are employed to achieve a rough or preliminary shape before using finer tools for finishing.

3、How does a 3 flute roughing end mill differ from other types of end mills?

Compared to traditional 2 flute end mills, 3 flute roughing end mills have an extra cutting edge, which can improve material removal rates and reduce chip load per flute. This can result in more efficient roughing operations and decreased wear on the tool.

4、What materials can a 3 flute roughing end mill cut?

3 flute roughing end mills are suitable for a wide range of materials, including metals like steel, aluminum, brass, and more. They are especially useful for tough or difficult-to-machine materials due to their ability to efficiently evacuate chips and handle high cutting forces.

5、What are the benefits of using a 3 flute roughing end mill?

Some benefits include faster material removal rates, reduced cycle times, improved tool life compared to single flute roughing tools, and the ability to effectively handle high chip loads. The additional flute provides more cutting edges, distributing the load and heat better.

6、Are there any limitations to using a 3 flute roughing end mill?

While 3 flute roughing end mills are versatile, they might not be as efficient for very soft materials or extremely hard materials where specialized tooling might be preferred. Additionally, the higher number of flutes could lead to increased chatter if not properly managed.

7、How do I select the right 3 flute roughing end mill for my application?

Consider factors like the material you're cutting, the depth of cut, the type of machine you're using, and the desired surface finish. You should also pay attention to the tool's coating (such as TiN, TiCN, or TiAlN) to enhance tool life and reduce wear.

8、How should I maintain a 3 flute roughing end mill?

Regular maintenance includes keeping the tool clean from chips and debris, inspecting for wear and damage, and using proper cutting parameters to prevent overheating. If the tool becomes dull or damaged, it's important to replace it to maintain the quality of your machining operations.

9、Can I use a 3 flute roughing end mill for finishing operations?

While roughing end mills are primarily designed for material removal, they might not provide the desired surface finish for finishing operations. It's recommended to switch to a specialized finishing tool for those purposes.

10、What are some safety considerations when using a 3 flute roughing end mill?

Always follow proper safety guidelines, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), secure the workpiece properly, and ensure the tool is securely mounted. Avoid excessive feeds and speeds that could lead to tool breakage or other issues.

FAQs for the factory :

1、Who Is RUIYU?

Ruiyu is a manufacturer of Carbide Cutting Tools: End Mills, Drills, Routers, Chamfer Mills and Specials.

2、How do you ensure the quality of the products ?

We have precision detection machine, quality inspectors check cutters every piece to guarantee the quality of the products.

3、Can you design the cutters according to the drawings ?

Yes, we have professional technician with rich experience and will deliver the samples for the approval before bulk production.

4、Can you supply with drawing or on an ODM basis?

Yes, we have professional technician with rich experience and will deliver the samples for the approval before bulk production.We can produce according to your drawings; we can supply goods with medium-sized packaging without our logo, then you can repack at your side with your brand packaging; if volume is big, we can pack at our side with your brand packaging.