A milling cutter is a very essential tool in the operation of a milling machine. This means that the right cutter needs to be selected if you want to get the right cut on the material that you are machining. The cutter should be selected based on its size and shape. This will allow it to efficiently perform the cutting work. Take a look at the various types of cutters and their applications.
End mill – this tool has teeth on one of its ends and also its sides. It is manufactured using high speed steel to make it strong. This is the tool that is commonly used on most of the vertical milling machines.
Roughing end mill – this is the ideal tool when you want to remove a huge chunk of material from your work piece. The material is removed in a wavy cutting pattern. However, the surface finish produced by this mill is rough and should not be used as the final operation. The reason the tool cuts in a wavy pattern is to ensure that chatter noise and vibrations are minimized during operation.
Slab mill – this cutting tool is used to provide horizontal surfaces on the work piece. It is also made from high speed steel. It is cylindrical in shape and can either be used alone or together with other tools.
Face mill – this milling cutter can hold several multiple tip inserts. It provides and economical cutting approach because blunt tips can be easily replaced. It is also capable of performing various cutting operations because the inserts and tips are versatile.
Hollow mill – this is a cutting tools that is shaped like a pipe with very thick walls. The cutting teeth are located on the internal surface of the tool. It is used in finishing protrusions that have a cylindrical shape.
Slot drill – this is a milling cutter that cuts directly into a material. It is generally used for cutting keyway slots.
Ball nose cutter - this is an end cutter with the shape of a hemisphere and functions the same way as the slot drill. It is best for machines that produce 3D contouring shapes and forms. It is commonly used on the ball mill.