Quote:
Originally Posted by Cory
Next time you buy some new end mills, go for something without the TiN coating.
TiN is not a good coating for non ferrous metals. You'd do much better with TiCN. Absolutely avoid TiAlN or AlTiN for aluminum.
You should try some 3 flute carbide variable helix ZrN coated end mills. You can get them pretty cheap, and they cut like a dream on Al.
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All but 3 end mills we ordered had the TiCN coating, but some were not available, that is why we have two of the kind as shown in the picture with a TiN coating, and one smaller end mill as well that was a weird size.
From what (rather small) amount of experience I have TiN coated endmills cut better then uncoated on plastics, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and wood. This makes it worth the $1-3 that the coating adds to the cost, so when TiCN is not available I find it an acceptable alternative. We also do need steel parts from time to time, so we need to keep at least a few low-helix, TiN coated endmills.
I'll be on the look out for those, any suggest for where to get them? I generally try and stay with 2 flute because they are always centercutting and they are hard for people to clog.