variable flute end mill question

[Jason @ CPM Industries]

Hi all,

 

Seeing if anyone can help me out with this question.  The purpose of a variable flute carbide endmill is to use the flutes or side of the cutter when slotting or high feed milling?

If Im thinking right it would almost be pointless to use this type of endmill when just using a pocket toolpath with shallow depths. 

 

Thanks, Jason

[The Cathedral]

The purpose of a variable flute is to reduce chatter caused by harmonic vibration. Other than that it's the same as any other endmill. The differences you have to keep in mind is that some are have a variable distance between the flutes, and some have a variable helix angle. You won't see any advantage from the variable helix unless you have a deep enough DOC to engage the angle variation, so that would be pointless in shallow paths. However, variable spacing might give you an advantage over a standard endmill, especially in nickel and stainless.

[Jason @ CPM Industries]

The purpose of a variable flute is to reduce chatter caused by harmonic vibration. Other than that it's the same as any other endmill. The differences you have to keep in mind is that some are have a variable distance between the flutes, and some have a variable helix angle. You won't see any advantage from the variable helix unless you have a deep enough DOC to engage the angle variation, so that would be pointless in shallow paths. However, variable spacing might give you an advantage over a standard endmill, especially in nickel and stainless.

Thanks for the input Cathedral.  Very helpful.