Six-Flute End Mill Refines Features for Mold Cutting 

Ceratizit is introducing its upcoming dual dimension tool catalog — released in August specifically for North American markets — and a high-performance cutting tools portfolio. As part of these offerings, the company has added to its OptiLine Series of solid carbide end mills with the launch of a six-flute end mill. OptiLine end mills are versatile and optimized for various materials, machining strategies and part applications. The company designed and developed the OptiLine end mill specifically for titanium and superalloys (ISO-S), though it’s also applicable for tool steels.

Engineered from the ground up, the OptiLine six-flute end mill features an advanced substrate and tool geometry. Its asymmetrical variable helix and variable index flute configuration ensures enhanced stability during cutting operations and includes chip splitters designed for applications involving 2.5×D cutting lengths. Refined cutting edges and Ceratizit’s Dragonskin coating technology improve chip control and reduces adhesion for longer tool life. 

“We started with the six flute’s foundation ensuring the substrate provides high toughness without sacrificing hardness,” says Scott Walrath, Ceratizit business development manager, solid round tools. “The six flute’s other key differentiator is the asymmetrical flute design because each tooth on a different helix angle delivers stability when machining a workpiece at varying angles.”      

To accommodate customers across U.S. industry sectors, the six-flute end mill will be available in inch assortments. OptiLine inch-type end mills, including the new six flute, are manufactured at Ceratizit’s facility in Sacramento, California.