HSS Endmill Cutting

What is an End Mill?

If you are new to machining, you might be wondering what an end mill is. An end mill is a type of cutting tool that is used in milling applications. It is a rotating tool that is used to remove material from a workpiece. End mills are usually made of high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are available in solid and indexable milling styles

The end mill is named after its cutting end or tip, which is shaped like a cylinder or ball at the end of a long shank. They feature several end types for cutting, flutes, and point angles.

Understanding the Different Types of End Mills

Understanding the Different Types of End Mills is an essential part of learning how to mill. End mills come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each designed to perform a specific type of milling operation. Here are some of the most common types of end mills and their uses:

• Square End Mills: These end mills have a square tip and are used for general milling applications. They are great for creating square bottomed slots and pockets, and for cutting flat surfaces.
• Ball End Mills: These end mills have a rounded tip and are used for milling curved surfaces. They are great for creating rounded edges and for making 3D shapes.
• Corner Radius End Mills: These end mills have a rounded corner on the tip and are used for milling rounded corners. They are great for creating fillets and for making parts with rounded edges.
• Chamfer End Mills: These end mills have a flat tip with angled sides and are used for creating chamfers or beveled edges. They are great for creating angled edges on parts and for creating a finished edge on a part.
• Roughing End Mills: These end mills have a serrated or scalloped edge and are used for removing large amounts of material quickly. They are great for roughing out parts and for creating a rough finish on a part.
• Tapered End Mills: These end mills have a tapered tip and are used for creating tapered holes or channels. They are great for creating parts with a conical shape.
• Drill Mills: These end mills are designed to drill holes and mill flat surfaces at the same time. They are great for creating holes with flat bottoms and for making counterbores.

It is important to choose the right end mill for your project to achieve the desired outcome. Understanding the different types of end mills and their intended uses can help you make the right choice. It is also important to consider factors such as the material being milled, the depth of cut, and the feed rate when selecting an end mill.