Seco 17004603 Ball End Mill 1/4 in 4 Flute Solid Carbide

Product Description

The SECO 17004603 is a solid carbide ball end mill designed for high-performance material removal in both roughing and finishing operations. It features a 0.250-inch mill diameter, a 1.375-inch length of cut, and a 4-inch overall length, placing it in the extra-long category for extended reach applications. The CVD diamond coating provides exceptional hardness and wear resistance, making this tool well suited for machining abrasive materials such as graphite, green ceramics, carbon fiber reinforced polymers, and similar composites. Four spiral flutes with a 30-degree medium helix angle support efficient chip evacuation and smooth cutting action. The tool is centercutting and runs in a right-hand cutting and flute direction.

This end mill is used in CNC machining centers where extended reach into deep cavities, molds, dies, or complex 3D contoured surfaces is required. The 0.125-inch nose radius delivers consistent ball-end profiles on finish passes. It is equally capable on roughing passes in materials where the CVD diamond coating provides the required abrasion resistance. The straight-cylindrical shank accepts standard ER collet chucks and shrink-fit holders with a 0.250-inch bore. No coolant-through capability is present, so flood, mist, or air blast cooling should be planned externally. This tool is intended for use by machinists and CNC programmers operating precision machining equipment.

Key Features

• CVD diamond coating for superior abrasion resistance in graphite, CFRP, and ceramic applications
• 4-flute spiral geometry supports both roughing and finishing in a single tool
• 30-degree medium helix angle promotes efficient chip evacuation
• Extra-long 4.000-inch overall length for deep-cavity and extended-reach setups
• Centercutting design allows plunge entry and ramp entry cuts
• Right-hand cut and right-hand flute direction for conventional CNC spindle use

Compatibility

Designed as a direct-fit replacement or standard tooling selection for 0.250-inch straight-cylindrical shank tool holders including ER collet chucks, shrink-fit holders, and hydraulic chucks used in CNC machining centers. Part of the SECO DIALB430 series (manufacturers catalog number DIALB430-0.250-D6-B.0-Z4).

Installation Notes

Installation should be performed by a qualified machinist following the machine tool manufacturer guidelines for tool holding and runout verification. Verify TIR does not exceed 0.0005 inches at the holder before beginning a cut. Power down and lock out the spindle before changing tooling. Avoid using this tool on ferrous materials, as CVD diamond coatings are not suitable for steels or cast iron due to carbon diffusion at cutting temperatures.