2 Flutes vs 4 flutes End Mills

High Performance End Mills from China's SAMHO Manufacturer

In CNC milling, the number of flutes on an end mill plays a crucial role in cutting performance and surface finish. Among the most common options are 2-flute and 4-flute end mills, each offering distinct advantages depending on the material and application. Understanding the key differences between 2-flute vs 4-flute end mills helps machinists choose the right tool to maximize chip evacuation, improve surface quality, and boost overall machining efficiency.

Introducing 2 Flutes End Mill from SAMHO

Large chip removal space: The two cutting edges provide a larger chip removal groove, which is suitable for processing metals such as aluminum, copper, and high-hardness steel, and can effectively prevent chip blockage.

High feed rate: Compared with single-edge tools, 2-edge end mills can achieve higher feed rates and improve processing efficiency.

Suitable for roughing: 2-edge tools perform well in situations where a large amount of material removal is required.

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Introducing 4 Flutes End Mill from SAMHO

Smoother cutting: Four cutting edges provide more continuous cutting action, reduce vibration and improve processing stability.

Excellent surface quality: The multi-edge design helps to obtain a smoother machined surface, suitable for finishing.

Suitable for hard materials: When processing hard materials such as steel, 4-edge tools can provide better tool life and cutting performance.

SAMHO'S End Mill Coating Characteristics

Coating NameHGHTHBHD
IngredientALTiSi+NALTiSi+NALTiCR+NNano Diamond
ColourBronzeBronzeDark greyDark grey
Hardness3700（HV）3500（HV）3500（HV）10000（HV）
CharacteristicsUltra high hardness, super oxidation resistance, high density.Ultra high hardness, super oxidation resistance, high density.Ultra low oxidation low frictionUltra high wear resistance
Coefficient of Friction 0.40.360.3<0.1
Oxidation Onset Temperature130012001100600
Coating Thickness2-4um2-4um2-4um6-10um

Ball Nose End Mill series

  • 2 Flutes Square End Mills Product Series

  • 2 Flutes Ball Nose End Mills Product Series

  • 2 Flutes Corner Radius End Mills Product Series

  • 4 Flutes Square End Mills Product Series

  • 4 Flutes Corner Radius End Mills Product Series

  • How to Choose 2 Flutes or 4 Flutes End Mills

Processing Target Recommended Number of Flutes Reasons
Processing of soft materials such as aluminum alloy, copper, and plastic 2 Flutes Good chip removal, anti-sticking tool, fast speed
Slotting processing 2 Flutes Large chip removal space, high cutting efficiency
Carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel and other hard materials 4 Flutes High strength, long tool life
Pursuing surface accuracy and finish 4 Flutes Multi-blade cutting is smoother and has finer grain
Heavy load and high-speed processing 4 Flutes（with coating） Both strength and heat resistance
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  • 2 Flutes Flat End Mill for Hardened Steel

65HRC 2 flutes end mills have the following main functions:

1. Used for finishing of high-hardness materials

Suitable for hardened steel, mold steel, stainless steel and other high-hardness materials with HRC58~65.

Especially suitable for mold processing, precision parts manufacturing and other occasions that require high tool performance and wear resistance.

2. High-precision cutting and excellent surface quality

The two-edge design means large chip removal space, suitable for high-speed, low-feed finishing in high-hardness materials.

Can provide smooth machining surface under MQL conditions.

3. Suitable for side milling, cavity processing and linear cutting

Usually used for processing methods such as grooving, side milling, contour or mold cavity.

Because the rigidity of two-edge tools is relatively weak, they are generally not used for heavy cutting or rough machining.

  • 2 Flutes Ball Nose End Mill for Hardened Steel

HRC65 2-edge ball cutter has 4 major advantages in processing heat-treated steel:

1. High-hardness substrate, specially made for heat-treated steel: usually using micro-tungsten carbide as the substrate, with excellent red hardness and wear resistance, suitable for processing mold steel, tool steel and other heat-treated steels above 60HRC.

2. 2-edge structure optimizes chip removal and cutting stability: especially suitable for surface finishing, local chamfering or edge root cleaning and local chamfering or edge root cleaning.

3 High-precision blade design to improve surface quality: using advanced five-axis grinding technology, the tool tip accuracy is controlled within ±0.005mm.

4. Applicable to a variety of heat-treated steels, strong processing adaptability: such as SKD11, H13, etc.

Related Product Recommendation

Q1: What is the Main Difference Between 2-flute and 4-flute End Mills?
A1: The primary difference lies in the number of cutting edges. A 2-flute end mill has two cutting edges and more chip clearance, making it ideal for slotting and machining softer materials like aluminum. A 4-flute end mill has four cutting edges, providing a higher feed rate and better finish in harder materials like steel.

Q2: When Should I Use a 2-flute End Mill Instead of a 4-flute?
A2: Use a 2-flute end mill when machining non-ferrous materials such as aluminum, brass, or plastics. The larger flute space helps evacuate chips more effectively, reducing the chance of chip packing and improving surface finish at higher speeds.

Q3: Are 4-flute End Mills Better for Finishing?
A3: Yes, 4-flute end mills typically provide a better surface finish due to more cutting edges per revolution. They’re also better suited for harder materials and side milling operations where chip evacuation is less critical.

Q4: Can I Use a 4-flute End Mill for Slotting Operations?
A4: While it’s possible, a 4-flute tool may struggle with chip evacuation during deep slotting, especially in soft or gummy materials. A 2-flute end mill is generally preferred for slotting because it clears chips more easily.

Q5: Does the Number of Flutes Affect Cutting Speed and Feed rate?
A5: Yes. More flutes mean more cutting edges, which can increase feed rates and reduce cycle times. However, this also reduces chip space, so it’s essential to balance flute count with material type and operation type.

Q6: Is Tool Life Affected By Flute Count?
A6: It can be. A 4-flute end mill often wears more evenly because of more cutting edges sharing the load, leading to longer tool life in the right conditions. However, in soft materials or improper chip evacuation, a 2-flute tool may last longer due to reduced heat buildup.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A: When choosing a ball nose end mill, factors to consider include the number of flutes, the material the end mill is made of, the end mill’s diameter and length, and whether it has a center-cutting design.

A: A 4-flute ball nose end mill refers to an end mill with four cutting edges or flutes. This design provides improved chip evacuation and better surface finish compared to lower flute count end mills.

A: A 4 flute ball nose end mill offers higher productivity, better surface finish, and is more efficient at removing material compared to lower flute count end mills.

A: A shank ball nose end mill is an end mill with a shank suitable for clamping it into a milling machine. The ball nose end of the cutter allows for smooth contouring and machining of complex surfaces.

A: A stub ball nose end mill has a shorter flute length and is suitable for more shallow cuts, whereas a complete radius ball nose end mill has a longer flute length and is suitable for deeper cuts and contouring.

A: Ball nose end mills are suitable for machining various materials, including metals, plastics, and composites. Solid carbide end mills are especially effective for high-speed machining and long tool life.

A: A solid carbide ball nose end mill is made entirely of carbide, providing excellent durability and wear resistance. Conversely, ball nose cutters with a different material composition may not offer the same level of performance and longevity.

A: Ball nose end mills are commonly used for contouring, 3D profiling, die sinking and machining complex surfaces. They are widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, mold and die, and general machining applications.

A: High-quality ball nose end mills feature sharp cutting edges, a smooth and durable coating for wear resistance, and precise radial tolerances to ensure accurate machining and smooth surface finish.

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• Precision and Accuracy: The cutting edge is designed to create sharp, clean cuts that result in accurate shapes and sizes.
• Durability and Reliability: Our ball nose end mill is made of high-quality materials that ensure durability and long-lasting use.
• Versatility: Our ball nose end mill is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of applications. Whether you are working with wood, metal, plastics, or other materials, our ball nose end mill is designed to handle it all.
• Efficiency: The cutting edge is designed to create smooth, clean cuts that require minimal finishing, which saves you time and money in the long run.

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