Graphite Ball Nose End Mill for 3D Finishing | MEX Series

Technical data

Additional technical data

Technical notes

• KERNVEX MEX Series graphite ball nose end mill is designed for graphite electrode, graphite mold, graphite plate, EDM graphite material, and abrasive non-metal material machining.
• Graphite is highly abrasive and usually produces fine powder-like dust during dry machining. A suitable graphite end mill needs strong wear resistance, stable cutting edge quality, smooth dust evacuation, and reliable dimensional accuracy.
• As a ball nose end mill, this tool is mainly used for 3D contour finishing, curved surface machining, mold profile finishing, cavity finishing, arc surface machining, and smooth transition areas. The ball nose geometry helps achieve stable profile accuracy and smoother surface quality in graphite finishing applications.
• With ultra-fine carbide, diamond coating, optimized flute geometry, and precision grinding control, the MEX graphite ball nose end mill helps improve tool life, surface consistency, and machining stability in graphite electrode and graphite mold production.
• This product is suitable for semi-finishing and finishing applications. For flat surface machining, bottom surface machining, or graphite slotting, a graphite square end mill is usually more suitable. For side-wall machining or profile finishing where stronger corner protection is required, a graphite corner radius end mill can be considered.
• KERNVEX can provide standard sizes, custom dimensions, OEM production, and application-specific graphite ball nose end mill solutions according to customer machining requirements.
• Standard Specifications
• Diamond Coating for Graphite Finishing
• The MEX graphite ball nose end mill uses diamond coating to improve wear resistance during dry graphite machining.
• Graphite is an abrasive material that can quickly wear ordinary carbide tools, especially during long-cycle electrode finishing and mold cavity machining. Diamond coating helps protect the cutting edge, reduce abrasive wear, and maintain more stable tool performance during graphite semi-finishing and finishing operations.
• Ultra-Fine Carbide Substrate
• MEX graphite ball nose end mills use ultra-fine grain carbide with MG 1.0 μm grain size and 6% cobalt content.
• This carbide substrate provides stable hardness, edge strength, and coating support for abrasive graphite cutting conditions. A stable carbide base helps improve cutting edge consistency, reduce premature wear, and support longer tool life in graphite electrode and graphite mold machining.
• Ball Nose Geometry for 3D Contour Machining
• The ball nose design is suitable for graphite applications that require curved surface machining, mold profile finishing, cavity finishing, and smooth transition machining.
• Typical applications include:
• • Graphite 3D contour finishing
• • Mold cavity finishing
• • Curved surface machining
• • Arc transition machining
• • Graphite electrode finishing
• • Profile finishing
• • Semi-finishing and finishing
• Compared with a graphite square end mill, a ball nose end mill is more suitable for curved surfaces and 3D profiles. Compared with a graphite corner radius end mill, it is better suited for smooth contour finishing and freeform surface machining.
• Optimized Flute Design for Graphite Dust Evacuation
• Graphite machining produces fine powder-like dust instead of normal metal chips. If graphite dust cannot be evacuated smoothly, it may affect tool wear, surface finish, and machining stability.
• The MEX graphite ball nose end mill uses optimized flute geometry to support smoother dust evacuation during dry cutting and air blow machining conditions.
• 35° Helix Angle and +6° Rake Angle
• The 35° helix angle supports smoother cutting and more stable dust evacuation during graphite machining. The +6° positive rake angle helps reduce cutting resistance and supports stable tool engagement during finishing and semi-finishing operations.
• This geometry helps the tool maintain smoother cutting performance in graphite electrode, graphite mold, and abrasive non-metal material machining.
• Precision Ball Radius and Runout Control
• Stable ball radius and runout control are important for graphite finishing, especially in 3D contour machining, electrode finishing, and mold cavity finishing.
• MEX graphite ball nose end mills are produced with precision grinding control to support stable ball profile, consistent cutting edge geometry, and repeatable machining accuracy.
• MEX graphite ball nose end mills are suitable for graphite machining applications that require strong wear resistance, stable profile accuracy, smooth dust evacuation, and consistent surface quality.
• Suitable workpiece materials include:
• • Graphite electrode
• • Graphite mold
• • Graphite plate
• • EDM graphite material
• • Graphite composite material
• • Engineering plastics
• • Aluminum oxide
• • Zirconium oxide
• • Other abrasive non-metal materials
• Typical machining applications include:
• • Graphite mold cavity finishing
• • Mold profile finishing
• • Arc surface machining
• • Smooth transition machining
• • Semi-finishing
• • Dry cutting with air blow
• Recommended tool selection: