The aluminum parts currently used for processing are mainly divided into two categories: deformed aluminum alloy and cast aluminum alloy. So what kind of milling cutter 

is used to process aluminum alloy? Is it better to use a special milling cutter for aluminum alloy or a special tool for aluminum alloy, which has better processing efficiency? 

This article discusses what milling cutter is best for processing aluminum alloy from the aspects of aluminum alloy milling characteristics, processing tools, and cutting 

parameters.

1. Processing characteristics of aluminum alloy

Milling aluminum alloy mainly has the following characteristics:

1. Aluminum alloy has low hardness

Compared with titanium alloy and other quenched steel, the hardness of aluminum alloy is lower. Of course, the hardness of heat-treated or die-cast aluminum alloy is also 

very high. The HRC hardness of ordinary aluminum plates is generally below HRC40 degrees. Therefore, when processing aluminum alloy, the load on the tool is small. And 

because aluminum alloy has better thermal conductivity, the cutting temperature for milling aluminum alloy is relatively low, which can increase the milling speed.

2. Aluminum alloy has low plasticity

Aluminum alloy has low plasticity and low melting point. When processing aluminum alloys, the tool sticking problem is serious, the chip removal performance is poor, and 

the surface roughness is relatively high. In fact, the main problem of processing aluminum alloy is that the tool sticking and roughness are not good. As long as the two 

major problems of tool sticking and processing surface quality are solved, the problem of aluminum alloy processing will be solved.

3. Tools are easy to wear

Due to the use of unsuitable tool materials, when processing aluminum alloys, tool wear is often accelerated due to problems such as tool sticking and chip removal.

2. What milling cutter is used to process aluminum alloy?

Aluminum alloy processing generally uses a 3-edged aluminum milling cutter. Secondly, due to the difference in processing conditions, a 2-edged ball-nose cutter or a 

4-edged flat-bottomed cutter is likely to be used. However, it is recommended that in most cases, a 3-edge flat-bottom end mill can be used.

1. Selection of tungsten steel milling cutters for aluminum

The number of blades is generally 3, and the material is generally YG carbide, which can reduce the chemical affinity between the tool and the aluminum alloy. Generally, 

CNC tool brands have a series of special milling cutters for processing aluminum alloys, such as the FAL series of Fulandi, the AL series of Fraisa of Switzerland, etc.

2. Coated tungsten steel milling cutter

Since the melting point of aluminum is low and chips are easy to stick to when processing aluminum, it is recommended that you use Flande's aluminum DLC-coated milling 

cutters. After coating, the friction of the tool is smaller, and the chip removal is better during processing, and the surface Higher quality and better processing of aluminum 

alloys.

3. Cutting parameters for milling aluminum alloy

When processing ordinary aluminum alloys, you can generally choose high-speed and large-feed milling. Secondly, choose a larger rake angle as much as possible to 

increase the chip space and reduce the phenomenon of tool sticking. If it is finishing aluminum alloy, water-based cutting fluid cannot be used to avoid the formation of 

small pinholes on the processing surface. Generally, kerosene or diesel can be used as the cutting fluid for processing aluminum plates.

The cutting speed of milling cutters for processing aluminum alloys varies depending on the material and parameters of the milling cutter and the processing technology. 

Specific cutting parameters can be processed based on the cutting parameters given by the manufacturer.