Diameter: 10.0 mm (nominal shank diameter is usually also 10 mm, fitting a standard 10 mm collet or end mill holder).
Material (HSS): Highly shock-resistant and forgiving. Unlike carbide, which can easily chip under vibration or on unstable, manual machines, HSS flexes slightly under load, making it excellent for general-purpose use and older manual mills.
Common Configurations
When choosing a 10.0 mm HSS end mill, you will typically need to select based on your specific machining goal:
Flute Count (2 vs. 4 Flutes)
2-Flute: Features deep, wide spaces between the cutting edges. This is crucial for slotting and plunging in softer materials like aluminium, copper, and plastics, where large chips need to escape quickly without clogging the tool.
4-Flute: Features a thicker core and more cutting edges. This is ideal for peripheral milling, side-cutting, and finishing in steels and cast iron, providing a much cleaner surface finish and longer tool life.
Material Grades
Standard HSS (M2): Cost-effective, best for mild steel, aluminium, and brass.
Cobalt HSS (HSS-Co8 / M42): Contains 8% cobalt. This significantly upgrades its heat resistance, allowing you to mill tougher materials like stainless steel or high-tensile alloys without burning the tool tip.