M.a. Ford 16312500A Square End Mill 1/8 in 4 Flute Carbide

Product Description

The M.A. FORD 16312500A is a 4-flute, solid carbide square end mill designed for precision milling across a broad range of workpiece materials. Built to Series 163 specifications with a micrograin carbide substrate and TiAlN coating, this stub-length tool delivers high hardness and thermal resistance suited to demanding cutting environments. The cutter measures 0.125 inches in diameter with a 0.25-inch length of cut and a 1.5-inch overall length. The straight cylindrical shank matches the cutter diameter at 0.125 inches. Right-hand cut and right-hand spiral flute geometry at a 30-degree helix angle promotes efficient chip evacuation. Centercutting capability allows plunge entry as well as side milling.

This end mill is suited to milling operations on steels, cast irons, stainless steels, aluminum and non-ferrous alloys, high-temperature alloys, and similar materials, as indicated by its primary workpiece material codes H, K, M, N, P, and S. Its stub-length profile provides rigidity in applications where tool deflection is a concern, making it a practical choice for slotting, profiling, and pocketing in both CNC machining centers and manual mills. Machinists and tool-and-die professionals working with tight tolerances and small-diameter features will find this geometry appropriate for finish and semi-finish passes.

Key Features

• Solid micrograin carbide construction for wear resistance and dimensional stability
• TiAlN finish improves heat resistance and extends tool life in dry or semi-dry cutting
• 4-flute, 30-degree right-hand spiral for balanced chip load and surface finish
• Centercutting design permits plunge milling without a pre-drilled pilot hole
• Stub-length body maximizes rigidity when cutting depth permits
• Mill diameter tolerance of +0.000 / -0.002 inches for consistent fit in close-tolerance work

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style solid carbide square end mill suitable for use in standard ER collet chucks, end mill holders, and shrink-fit tooling accepting a 0.125-inch straight cylindrical shank. Material compatibility codes H, K, M, N, P, and S cover cast iron, non-ferrous metals, stainless steel, aluminum, steel, and high-temperature alloys.

Installation Notes

Installation is performed by qualified machinists following shop-standard tool change procedures. Ensure the spindle is fully stopped and the machine is in a safe state before inserting or removing the tool. Seat the shank fully in the collet or holder and torque the retention mechanism to the toolholder manufacturer specifications. Verify runout with a dial indicator before engaging the first cut, particularly on finish operations where the tight diameter tolerance must be maintained.