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MSU cutting tools

Stainless Steel Milling

Choose carbide end mills for stainless steel by the grade and condition of the workpiece, then match the cutting profile to the feature. MSU offers MSME4 square-end and MSMR4 corner-radius tools.

A flat floor, a radiused corner and a deep sidewall place different demands on the tool geometry and reach. The starting conditions below distinguish stainless categories and material states. For a titanium workpiece, use Titanium Alloy Milling.

Tell us the stainless grade and machining task, or send your existing tool code for a quote.

Find a Stainless Milling Tool

Match the Stainless Grade and Feature

Use the material designation and supplied or heat-treated condition together. A grade such as 304 or 316 identifies more than the word stainless, but it does not specify the cutting operation or tool dimensions.

  • Ferritic / Martensitic
  • Austenitic
  • PH Stainless
  • Duplex
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  • Floor and corner Use the drawing to distinguish a flat floor from a required tool-end radius.
  • Wall depth Cutting length must cover the engaged portion; body and holder clearance determine access farther into the part.
  • Engagement Separate full-slot cutting from shoulder finishing. The table below is for a light radial finishing cut.
  • Surface requirement Identify the surface to be finished and the tolerance to be measured, rather than choosing from tool diameter alone.

When replacing a working tool, keep its full model, diameter and corner detail together. These details allow a like-for-like geometry comparison before changing cutting conditions.

Choose a square end or corner radius to suit the part detail.

Compare Stainless Milling Tools

MSM Starting Conditions for Shoulder Finishing

The following MSM values are starting points for shoulder milling (finishing), Ap = 1.5 D and Ae = 0.03 D. Cutter diameters are 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20 mm. Each fz column gives feed per tooth in mm/tooth for the stated cutter diameter.

Stainless category Subtype Condition HB Vc (m/min) fz Ø2fz Ø4fz Ø6fz Ø8fz Ø10fz Ø12fz Ø16fz Ø20
Stainless steel Ferritic / martensitic Annealed 200 90-150 0.0410.0670.0920.1160.1430.1680.2180.270
Stainless steel Martensitic Quenched and tempered 330 60-100 0.0360.0580.0790.1010.1240.1460.1890.234
Stainless steel Austenitic Solution treated 200 90-150 0.0420.0670.0930.1180.1420.1680.2200.288
Stainless steel Austenitic, precipitation-hardened stainless steel (PH) Not specified 300 65-95 0.0340.0540.0740.0940.1140.1340.1760.230
Stainless steel Austenitic-ferritic, duplex stainless steel Not specified 230 90-130 0.0400.0640.0880.1120.1350.1600.2090.274

D is cutter diameter, Ap axial depth and Ae radial width of cut. Vc is cutting speed; fz is feed per tooth, not table feed. Use the fz column for the selected cutter diameter. The values are MSM series-level starting points for the stated finishing cut; they do not apply unchanged to slotting or a different engagement.

Match the grade, condition and hardness to the row, then test with the selected model and setup. For a wear or finish problem, compare the cutting edge, chip evacuation and holder setup alongside speed and feed. The End Mill Selection Guide, End Mill Coating Guide and End Mill Flute Count Guide explain the related choices.

For a wear or finish problem, email tool and part photos with the current speed, feed and engagement.

Discuss a Stainless Milling Problem

Check Tool Fit and Surface Requirements

Tool dimensions and a finished-part requirement describe different things. Check fit before using the finished surface to judge the process.

MSU facilities and inspection equipment

Mounted reach

Match cutting length to engagement and check that the shank and holder clear the part. Avoid adding projection beyond what the feature needs.

Surface and tolerance

State which wall or floor must meet the tolerance and how it will be measured. When comparing trials, retain the material condition, tool code and cutting settings with the result.

Tool dimensions

Use Downloads for the model drawing. Specify any required dimensional records before ordering; Factory and Quality Control provide equipment and measurement information.

Use the model drawing to check the full dimensions before ordering.

Find Tool Drawings

Order a Standard Tool or Discuss a Drawing

Choose a standard model when its profile and working dimensions fit the part. For an unavailable size or clearance, a drawing defines what needs to change.

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Standard sizes

Use the full MSME4 or MSMR4 code, including the diameter, length and corner detail, for a repeat order.

MSU cutting tools

A tool to your drawing

For a required radius, reach or clearance outside the available sizes, email a dimensioned drawing for Custom Cutting Tools. Include the stainless grade and condition.

MOQ is normally 5–10 pieces, confirmed by quotation. Samples and sample freight are charged. Production timing is confirmed for the order; shipping time is stated separately. See Ordering and Delivery for purchasing terms.

Email the drawing with the material and critical dimensions to discuss the tool you need.

Discuss a Custom Tool

Stainless Steel Milling Questions

Can I use the same settings for every 304 or 316 part?

No. The material condition, tool geometry, engagement and setup must also match. Use the applicable material row as a starting point, then verify the result on the actual part.

When should I choose MSMR4 instead of MSME4?

Choose the end profile to match the drawing. MSMR4 has a corner-radius profile; MSME4 has a square-end profile. Check any specified corner treatment on the full model drawing.

Can I use the shoulder-finishing values for slotting?

The listed values are for Ap = 1.5 D and Ae = 0.03 D. A full-width slot has different engagement and needs its own cutting conditions.

What helps diagnose poor finish or a worn cutting edge?

A close-up of the tool edge and machined surface, together with the material condition, tool code, speed, feed, engagement and projection, lets the tool and cutting conditions be assessed together.