Widia 5576568 Square End Mill 3/8 in 4 Flute Solid Carbide

Product Description

The WIDIA 5576568 is a single-end, square-profile solid carbide end mill designed for demanding material-removal applications in ferrous and exotic alloy machining. The cutter measures 3/8 inch in diameter with a 1-1/2 inch length of cut, a matching 3/8 inch straight shank, and a 4-inch overall length. Four right-hand helical flutes at a 38-degree helix angle provide efficient chip evacuation and a good balance between rigidity and cutting speed. The AlTiN coating - WP15PE material grade - adds thermal resistance and hardness at the cutting edge, extending tool life in high-temperature cutting environments. Licensed machinists and CNC tooling technicians working in job shops, production facilities, or MRO settings will reach for this end mill when milling steel, stainless steel, cast iron, high-temperature alloys, and hardened materials.

This end mill is rated for primary workpiece materials in the P, M, K, S, and H categories - covering steel, stainless steel, cast iron, high-temp alloys, and hardened materials. It is center-cutting, meaning it can be used for plunge entry in addition to peripheral and slot milling operations. The right-hand flute direction and right-hand cutting direction are standard for conventional CNC milling setups. The regular-length classification and straight shank make it compatible with standard ER collets and end mill holders without requiring extended reach tooling. The secondary rated material group is high-temp alloy, making this a practical choice for aerospace and energy-sector work alongside general metalworking.

Key Features

• 3/8 inch cutting diameter with 1-1/2 inch length of cut for versatile slot and profile milling
• Solid carbide construction for rigidity and wear resistance in hard and abrasive materials
• AlTiN coating (WP15PE grade) provides thermal and oxidation resistance in high-speed and dry-cutting conditions
• 38-degree right-hand helix promotes efficient chip evacuation and smooth surface finish
• Center-cutting design allows direct plunge entry without a pre-drilled pilot hole
• Four flutes balance metal removal rate with core strength in the 3/8 inch diameter range

Compatibility

Designed for use in CNC machining centers and manual mills equipped with standard ER collets or end mill holders accepting a 3/8 inch straight shank. Rated for steel, stainless steel, cast iron, high-temperature alloys, and hardened materials per ISO material codes P, M, K, S, and H.

Installation Notes

Install in a clean, properly sized collet or end mill holder and torque to holder manufacturer specifications. Inspect the cutting edge and coating for chips or wear before each use - damaged AlTiN coating reduces thermal protection and accelerates tool wear. Confirm spindle runout is within acceptable limits before engaging the workpiece; excessive runout shortens carbide tool life significantly. Follow machine-tool manufacturer feed and speed recommendations for the workpiece material; do not extrapolate speeds from HSS tooling charts.