Cutting tools employed in milling operations and aptly termed end mills are designed to remove material by either their movement in a machine or a cutting action. Their selection will vary based on the substance that needs to be sliced, the application and purpose of the task, the machine utilized, and the prevailing conditions. The most widespread type of end mill is one with a particularly flat finish.
End mills come in many shapes and sizes, each of which play an important role when it comes to the type of cut that can be made. Larger end mills go deeper, while smaller ones allow for faster cuts. So, depending on the job at hand, the size of the end mill could make all the difference in your project’s success!
End mills come crafted from different materials, each with its own distinct lifespan and cutting capabilities. High speed steel (HSS) is one popular option, as well as cobalt and carbide. Depending on the material chosen, it has a significant impact on the effectiveness of the milling process.
To provide extended lasting performance, end mills come equipped with various coatings. The wear and tear of the milling tool is determined by the given layer. Three of the most frequently seen coatings are TiN (titanium nitride), TiCN (titanium carbonitride), and AlTiN (aluminum titanium nitride).
For precise and high-quality cutting, end mills come in a selection of flute designs. Each pattern influences the rate of operation and the smoothness of the final result. The three most commonly used flute styles are straight, spiral, and helical.
To achieve the desired result, different types of end mills, each with its own cutting edge geometry, can be used. Popular cutting edge varieties range from square and ball-shaped to chamfer edged – all of which affect not only the finish, but also the speed at which the cut materializes.
In order to select the ideal end mill, key factors such as the material to be sliced, the function it will serve, the instrument it will operate in, and the situation in which it will work must all be taken into account.
