MH(350) 2 flute micro ball nose end mill with 0.3–0.4μm ultra-fine carbide and AlCrN PVD coating for fine 3D machining of stainless steel, titanium, copper and hardened steel up to 52 HRC.
The MH(350) 2 flute micro ball nose end mill is designed for small-scale 3D machining in materials that can generate heat, adhesion and accelerated tool wear.
Its micro ball nose geometry is suited to detailed contours and fine surface features. The 0.3–0.4μm ultra-fine carbide substrate and AlCrN PVD coating support demanding machining of stainless steel, titanium alloys, copper and hardened steel up to 52 HRC.
The tool is suitable for high-speed and dry machining, with coolant-assisted cutting also available.
Key Features
Fine 3D Machining of Difficult Materials
This tool is intended for applications where the surface geometry is small, curved or highly detailed.
Detailed Contours
The small ball nose profile allows the cutter to follow fine 3D geometry and small-radius transitions.
Precision Surface Work
It is suited to finishing-oriented operations where preserving the surface profile is more important than aggressive stock removal.
Mold and Precision Components
Micro ball nose tools are commonly used for detailed mold features and miniature components requiring controlled 3D profiling. Current commercial products position 2-flute micro ball nose tools specifically around intricate contouring and dimensional accuracy.
Micro Ball Nose Geometry
The ball nose is the key feature that determines how the tool interacts with a contoured surface.
Fine Surface Details
The small rounded cutting end can reproduce tighter surface transitions than a larger ball nose tool.
Smooth 3D Transitions
The spherical profile is suited to continuous changes in surface angle, making it appropriate for sculpted and contoured geometries.
Finishing Applications
For fine finishing, the ball radius should be matched to the required surface detail and toolpath strategy.
Stepover Affects Surface Quality
The final surface texture depends on more than the cutter. Ball radius, stepover, feed and toolpath direction all contribute to the result.
AlCrN for Adhesive and Heat-Prone Materials
The MH(350) is designed for materials where cutting temperature and material adhesion can become limiting factors.
The AlCrN PVD coating provides high-temperature oxidation resistance and supports cutting performance under demanding conditions.
For stainless steel, its anti-adhesion characteristics are particularly relevant because built-up edge can affect both the cutting edge and the finished surface.
The supplied product information specifies approximately 1000°C high-temperature performance for the coating system. This is a coating-performance specification, not the actual cutting temperature.
0.3–0.4μm Ultra-Fine Carbide
The MH(350) uses a 0.3–0.4μm ultra-fine grain carbide substrate.
This fine-grain structure provides the hardness and wear resistance needed for small-diameter cutting.
For micro ball nose applications, maintaining the intended cutting profile is important. Excessive edge wear can change the effective geometry and affect fine surface details.
Material Applications
| Workpiece Material | Application Focus |
| Stainless Steel | Fine contouring and surface machining |
| Titanium Alloy | Precision difficult-material machining |
| Copper | Fine 3D features and surface work |
| Hardened Steel ≤52 HRC | Mold and precision contouring |
| Other Difficult Materials | Application dependent |
Final performance depends on material grade, hardness, tool diameter, ball radius, machine rigidity, toolholding accuracy and cutting conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Series | MH(350) |
| Tool Type | 2 Flute Micro Ball Nose End Mill |
| Flute Count | 2 |
| End Configuration | Ball Nose |
| Tool Design | Micro Diameter |
| Carbide Substrate | 0.3–0.4μm Ultra-Fine Grain Carbide |
| Coating | AlCrN PVD |
| Hardened Steel Capability | Up to 52 HRC |
| Cutting Modes | High-Speed / Dry / Coolant-Assisted |
| Recommended Materials | Stainless Steel, Titanium Alloy, Copper, Hardened Steel |
Key Dimensions
For micro ball nose tooling, the most important dimensions include:
Ball radius is particularly important because it affects both the smallest contour that can be reproduced and the resulting surface pattern. Commercial micro ball nose tools likewise list ball radius together with diameter and cutting length.
Material Selection
The right tool choice depends not only on geometry but also on how the workpiece behaves during cutting.
Stainless Steel
Choose the MH(350) when small curved features need to be machined while controlling material adhesion.
Titanium Alloy
The tool is suitable for precision contouring where heat generation and edge wear need to be managed.
Copper
The 2-flute micro configuration provides a practical option for small features and controlled material removal.
Hardened Steel
The stated range extends to 52 HRC, making the MH(350) suitable for selected precision machining of hardened components.
Cutting Conditions
Micro ball nose machining is sensitive to tool diameter, ball radius and engagement.
For finishing applications, cutting data should also consider stepover and toolpath strategy.
Recommended parameters can include:
For application-specific data, provide:
Tool Diameter + Ball Radius + Material + Hardness + Machining Operation
Customization
Customized configurations can be considered when a standard diameter or ball radius does not match the required geometry.
Custom Options
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MH(350) 2 flute micro ball nose end mill used for?
It is designed for fine 3D profiling, detailed surface machining and small curved features in stainless steel, titanium, copper and hardened steel.
Is the MH(350) suitable for stainless steel?
Yes. Stainless steel is a key application, particularly where material adhesion and built-up edge can affect micro milling performance.
Can the MH(350) machine hardened steel up to 52 HRC?
Yes. It is designed for hardened steel applications up to 52 HRC under suitable cutting conditions.
What makes this tool suitable for difficult materials?
The combination of 0.3–0.4μm ultra-fine carbide, AlCrN PVD coating and dedicated tool geometry is designed for demanding high-speed machining applications.
How should the ball radius be selected?
Choose the ball radius according to the smallest surface feature and required contour detail. Stepover and toolpath strategy should also be considered for the final surface finish.
