Gws 312197 Square End Mill 1/2 in 5 Flute Solid Carbide

Product Description

The GWS 312197 is a 5-flute square end mill engineered for demanding milling applications where tool life and surface finish matter. Built from submicron-grade solid carbide and coated with AlCrO-MAX, it handles high-heat cutting in hardened steels, stainless, and exotic alloys without premature edge wear. The 38-degree helix angle promotes efficient chip evacuation and reduces cutting forces. At 0.5 inches in diameter with a 0.625-inch length of cut and 4-inch overall length, this tool fits standard toolholders used by CNC machinists and manual mill operators in production and job-shop environments.

This end mill is suited for slotting, profiling, and finishing operations in ferrous and non-ferrous materials. The right-hand cutting and right-hand flute direction are standard for conventional vertical and horizontal CNC machining centers. The extended-reach geometry gives clearance in deep-pocket milling scenarios where a stub-length tool would not reach. The centercutting design allows plunge entry directly into workpiece material, adding setup flexibility.

Key Features

• 5-flute geometry increases feed rates and improves surface finish compared to 4-flute tools in finishing passes
• AlCrO-MAX coating provides high oxidation resistance and hardness for dry or near-dry cutting in difficult materials
• 38-degree helix angle promotes aggressive chip evacuation and reduces heat buildup at the cutting edge
• Submicron-grade solid carbide substrate delivers superior edge retention and fracture toughness
• Centercutting design supports plunge milling without a pre-drilled pilot hole
• Extended-reach configuration adds clearance for deep-pocket and step-down milling operations

Compatibility

Designed for use in standard 1/2-inch diameter toolholders on CNC machining centers and manual milling machines; part of the GWS Series 2213 end mill line.

Installation Notes

Installation and tool changes should be performed with the machine spindle fully stopped and the control in an estop or locked-out state per applicable safety procedures. Seat the shank fully into a clean, properly sized collet or end-mill holder and torque to the toolholder manufacturer specification. Inspect the cutting edges for chips or coating damage before use. Tool runout should be verified with a dial indicator after installation to ensure accurate cuts and maximum tool life.