Many operators who are new to CNC milling machines are not clear about what CNC milling cutters are. This article will introduce the classification and characteristics of common milling cutters.
There are many types of CNC milling tools. Here are some common CNC milling tools and their characteristics:
End mills
Structure and shape: End mills are one of the most commonly used tools in CNC milling. They are cylindrical in shape, and the blades are distributed on the circumference and end faces. The blades generally have spiral grooves, and the size of the helix angle will affect the cutting performance. For example, a larger helix angle helps to remove chips smoothly.
Application scenarios: Widely used for processing planes, sides, steps, grooves, etc. For example, when processing a metal part with steps, the end mill can first mill the plane part, and then process the side of the step by layered milling.
Face milling cutter
Structure and shape: Face milling cutters are mainly used for machining planes. Their cutter bodies are generally disc-shaped, and the cutting edges of the cutter are distributed on the circumference and end faces. The diameter of face milling cutters is usually large, and some can reach hundreds of millimeters, which allows it to cover a large machining area in one pass.
Application scenarios: Suitable for large-area plane milling, such as the machining of machine tool beds, the parting surface machining of large molds, etc. When machining large flat parts, using face milling cutters can quickly and effectively remove materials and improve machining efficiency.
Ball-end milling cutter
Structure and shape: The cutting edge of the ball-end milling cutter is spherical, which enables it to process complex curved surfaces in three-dimensional space. The radius of the ball head part determines the minimum radius of curvature that can be processed.
Application scenarios: Mainly used for processing complex three-dimensional curved surfaces, such as the curved surface of the mold cavity, the surface of the aircraft engine blade, etc. When processing the cavity of the automobile cover mold, the ball-end milling cutter can accurately process the curved surface shape to ensure the accuracy of the mold.
Forming milling cutter
Structure and shape: The blade shape of the forming milling cutter is designed according to the specific part contour shape, such as dovetail slot milling cutter, T-slot milling cutter, etc., and its blade shape matches the shape to be processed.
Application scenario: Used to process grooves, contours, etc. with specific shapes. For example, when processing dovetail slots on mechanical parts, using a dovetail slot milling cutter can process the required shape at one time, improving processing accuracy and efficiency.
A milling cutter is a rotary tool with one or more teeth used for milling. Milling Cutters are an indispensable part of the CNC machining process. Choosing a suitable milling cutter can not only improve production efficiency, but also reduce production costs.
