Selection of VMC Milling Cutter Flute Count

1. Milling Cutter Flute Count

Milling cutters come in various flute counts, with common options including single-flute, two-flute, three-flute, four-flute, and six-flute cutters. Each flute count has different characteristics and usage scenarios.

2. Selection of Milling Cutter Flute Count

Single-edge milling cutter

Typically used for machining non-metallic materials such as acrylic, plastic, and rubber. Its advantage is the reduced cutting force, which minimizes deformation and damage to non-metallic materials during machining, allowing for fine cutting.

Double-edge cutter

Commonly used for machining metal materials like aluminum alloys, copper alloys, and steel. For non-metallic materials, it is suitable for machining plastics like polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It can also machine composite materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass. When dealing with difficult materials, special tool materials and geometric parameters are required.

Three-edge cutter

Suitable for machining non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, and zinc. Compared to two-edge cutters, it offers better stability and balance during the cutting process.

Four-edge cutter

Suitable for machining metal materials like aluminum alloys, copper alloys, and steel. The cutting forces of a four-edge cutter are more evenly distributed, allowing it to handle heavier cutting loads. It is also well-suited for roughing and semi-finishing of steel.

Six-edge cutter

Primarily used for the finishing of high-hardness materials, it is ideal for machining situations where the material hardness is high and the machining allowance is small. However, due to the higher number of flutes, special attention must be paid to chip evacuation during machining.