CNC Milling - Flutes

Flutes

Flutes are the sharp slots that corkscrew upwards along the length of a milling bit. They are responsible for doing the cutting work when the bit is spinning.

Bits come with 2, 3, or 4 flutes
A bit with more flutes has more cutting edges and consequently cuts faster and smoother than a bit with fewer flutes
The more flutes a bit has, the thinner these flutes are and the more likely they are to get clogged with material when cutting

2 Flutes	3 Flutes	4 Flutes
Big chip space Easy chip ejection Good for slot milling Good for heavy duty milling Less rigidity due to small section area Lower surface finish	Chip space almost as big as 2 flutes Bigger section area - higher rigidity than 2 flutes Improved surface finish	Highest rigidity Biggest section area - small chip space Gives highest surface finish Recommended for profiling, side milling and shallow slotting

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