Harvey Tool 16903-C3 Thread Mill M3x0.5 3 Flute Solid Carbide

Product Description

The HARVEY TOOL 16903-C3 is a solid carbide helical flute thread mill designed for cutting M3x0.5 threads in both internal and external applications. The tool features three flutes and an AlTiN coating, which provides heat and wear resistance suited to dry or semi-dry machining in ferrous and hardened materials. With a 0.085 inch cutting diameter, a 0.125 inch shank diameter, and a 2.0000 inch overall length, this thread mill is built for precision threading in tight-tolerance bores and external thread profiles on CNC machining centers.

This thread mill is used in production and job-shop CNC environments where a single tool must produce M3x0.5 threads across both internal and external features. The helical flute geometry reduces axial cutting forces compared to single-point or tap-style threading, making it appropriate for thin-walled workpieces and difficult-to-machine alloys. Typical users include machinists and CNC programmers in aerospace, medical device, automotive, and general precision machining shops. It is run on 3-axis or higher CNC mills using helical interpolation cycles.

Key Features

• Cuts M3x0.5 threads in both internal and external configurations with a single tool
• Three-flute helical geometry reduces cutting forces and improves chip evacuation
• AlTiN coating extends tool life in hardened steels, stainless, and titanium alloys
• Solid carbide construction provides rigidity and dimensional accuracy in fine-pitch threading
• 0.085 inch cutting diameter with 0.1780 inch length of cut suits shallow M3 thread depths
• No coolant-through requirement simplifies setup on standard CNC machining centers

Compatibility

Designed for use on CNC machining centers capable of helical interpolation for M3x0.5 thread milling in internal and external configurations. Minimum nominal thread diameter is 3.00 mm.

Installation Notes

This tool is installed and run by CNC machinists or tool-and-die professionals. Mount the 0.125 inch shank in a precision collet or end mill holder, verifying runout before threading operations. Program using a helical interpolation cycle appropriate for the M3x0.5 pitch. Confirm workpiece is securely fixtured and the correct thread-mill canned cycle is loaded before spindle engagement.