End Mill Series Well Suited for Precision 3D Machining

Focused on the needs of today’s mold builders, M.A. Ford has developed the TuffCut 3D, 250 Series end mill. This two-flute, high-performance ball nose design is geared toward precision 3D machining in steels that are ≤50 Rc.

Before the development of the 250 Series, the 156 Series was always the go-to tool for 3D surfacing applications in the die/mold market segment, M.A. Fords says, which could often lead to various challenges when working in softer (≤ 50 Rc) steels. The 156 Series features geometry that is focused on hard milling in the 52-65 Rc range, which has the tendency to cause smearing and premature tool wear when working in these softer materials.

With a metric diameter range of 1-16 mm with multiple overall lengths available, the 250 Series is often used in the machining of plastic injection molds, die-cast molds and press dies. It features the same high-precision radius form tolerance (±.010 mm) as the 156 Series, which allows for very accurate and repeatable finishing. In addition, the high-performance web geometry enables excellent cutting action when cutting with the tip of the end mill on gradual 3D part features.

With the use of a substrate more suited for materials ≤50 Rc and M.A. Ford’s ALtima Blaze coating, the 250 Series end mill is said to be a durable and economical choice for accurate 3D finishing.