We use 3 flute solid carbide variable flute endmills for EVERYTHING having to do with aluminum. These are run in our VMC. With the 3 flutes it allows a higher feed versus a 2 flute, yet it offers better chip evacuation than a four flute for ramping into a piece and for slotting despite the sacrifice in IPM for the four flute.
We buy all of aluminum specific end mills from Lakeshore Carbide. http://www.lakeshorecarbide.com/
Here's a video of a .500" 3 flute solid carb variable flute em in some aluminum. In this particular video, we were on the EXTREMELY conservative side of things, but the effect is clear......the 3 flute gets the job, and done quickly!
5,500 RPM's, 67 IPM, .250" DOC, .500" WOC.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgLs_8KhrX8
Here's a pic of the finished part.
![[Image: 237.jpg]](http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa90/wrustle/237.jpg)
Best Regards,
Russ
We buy all of aluminum specific end mills from Lakeshore Carbide. http://www.lakeshorecarbide.com/
Here's a video of a .500" 3 flute solid carb variable flute em in some aluminum. In this particular video, we were on the EXTREMELY conservative side of things, but the effect is clear......the 3 flute gets the job, and done quickly!
5,500 RPM's, 67 IPM, .250" DOC, .500" WOC.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgLs_8KhrX8
Here's a pic of the finished part.
Best Regards,
Russ