MH(350) 2 flute micro long neck 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 long neck ball nose end mill is designed for precision machining of small, contoured features where a compact ball nose and extended reach are required.
Its micro cutting geometry is suited to fine 3D details, while the long neck provides access to recessed areas and deeper features. The 0.3–0.4μm ultra-fine carbide substrate and AlCrN PVD coating support high-speed machining across stainless steel, copper, titanium alloys and hardened steel up to 52 HRC.
Product Highlights
Fine 3D Machining for Small Features
This tool is intended for applications where surface geometry is more important than heavy material removal.
Detailed Contours
The small ball nose is suited to fine transitions, narrow contours and detailed 3D geometry.
Mold Surface Work
It can be used for precision mold features where the cutter needs to follow curved surfaces without relying on a flat cutting end.
Finishing Passes
The configuration is appropriate for finishing-oriented operations where the goal is to refine an existing 3D surface.
Long Neck Access for Recessed Features
The long neck adds reach without changing the ball nose cutting profile.
Recessed Areas
The reduced neck provides clearance around surrounding walls, allowing the cutting section to reach deeper features.
Narrow Cavities
It is useful where a conventional ball nose tool cannot enter far enough without the tool body interfering with the workpiece.
Effective Length Selection
The effective length should match the actual depth of the feature. Extra reach increases sensitivity to deflection.
Current commercial products use the same micro/long-neck/ball-nose combination for deep cavities and high-precision machining, and commonly specify effective length separately from flute and overall length.
Why Two Flutes?
The 2-flute configuration gives more open flute space around the cutting zone.
That can be useful for micro machining, where chip evacuation becomes increasingly important as the cutter diameter decreases.
It also provides a practical balance for controlled 3D profiling and finishing. Current micro long-neck ball nose products commonly use two flutes for precisely these applications.
Ball Nose Geometry for 3D Contours
The rounded end is designed to follow curved surfaces rather than produce flat-bottom features.
Curved Surface Compatibility
The spherical profile works naturally with 3D mold surfaces, curved transitions and contoured components.
Fine Surface Definition
Ball radius influences how closely the cutter can reproduce small geometric details.
Toolpath Sensitivity
For finishing, stepover and toolpath strategy have a direct effect on the resulting surface pattern.
52 HRC Material Capability
The MH(350) is suitable for hardened steel applications up to 52 HRC, while also covering several difficult-to-machine non-hardened materials.
| Workpiece Material | Application Focus |
| Hardened Steel ≤52 HRC | Precision contouring and finishing |
| Stainless Steel | Fine 3D machining |
| Titanium Alloy | Difficult-material contouring |
| Copper | Precision surface work |
| Other Difficult Materials | Application dependent |
Actual performance depends on material grade, hardness, tool diameter, ball radius, effective length, machine rigidity and cutting conditions.
Ultra-Fine Carbide and AlCrN Coating
The MH(350) combines a 0.3–0.4μm ultra-fine carbide substrate with AlCrN PVD coating.
The fine-grain carbide supports edge stability and wear resistance, while the coating is intended for elevated-temperature machining and provides strong resistance to material adhesion.
For stainless steel, this anti-adhesion behavior is particularly useful in reducing sticking and built-up edge.
The supplied product information specifies approximately 1000°C high-temperature performance for the coating system. This refers to coating performance rather than the actual cutting temperature.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Series | MH(350) |
| Tool Type | 2 Flute Micro Long Neck Ball Nose End Mill |
| Flute Count | 2 |
| End Configuration | Ball Nose |
| Tool Design | Micro Long Neck |
| 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 | Hardened Steel, Stainless Steel, Titanium Alloy, Copper |
Key Dimensions
For this tool, the main selection dimensions are:
Current micro long-neck ball nose products use the same dimensional approach, with ball radius and effective length treated as key application variables.
Selecting the Right MH(350)
Start with the feature rather than the tool.
For fine 3D details, choose a ball radius that matches the smallest surface geometry you need to reproduce.
For recessed areas, determine the actual machining depth and select an effective length that provides access without unnecessary extension.
For micro tools, machine stability also matters. Minimize runout and unsupported length wherever possible.
Cutting Conditions
Micro long-neck ball nose machining should be based on the complete tool geometry rather than diameter alone.
Recommended cutting data can include:
A suitable starting point should consider:
Tool Diameter + Ball Radius + Effective Length + Material + Hardness
Customization
Custom configurations can be considered when the standard ball radius, diameter or effective length does not match the machining geometry.
Custom Options
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MH(350) 2 flute micro long neck ball nose end mill used for?
It is designed for fine 3D contouring, recessed features and precision surface machining where a small ball nose and extended reach are both required.
Can the MH(350) machine hardened steel up to 52 HRC?
Yes. The MH(350) is suitable for hardened steel applications up to 52 HRC under appropriate cutting conditions.
Why use a micro long neck ball nose end mill?
The micro diameter provides access to smaller features, while the long neck allows the cutter to reach recessed areas without unnecessary tool-body interference.
Can the MH(350) be used for stainless steel, titanium and copper?
Yes. These materials are within the stated application range, with cutting conditions matched to the individual workpiece.
How should I choose the ball radius and effective length?
Choose the ball radius according to the required surface detail and the effective length according to actual machining depth. Avoid unnecessary tool extension to maintain stability.
