types of milling cutters and processing characteristics

Types of milling cutters

In the process of milling, due to the complex shape of the workpiece itself, taking into account factors such as cutting efficiency, tool life and workpiece shape, it is usually necessary to use different shapes and different types of milling cutters for processing. Generally, mold processing is the most commonly used There are three types of knives: end mills, ball mills, and round nose mills. 

Features of end mills

When milling a 2D-shaped workpiece, depending on the contact area of the workpiece is the outer edge and the bottom surface, the most efficient value can be used regardless of the distance between the tools and the depth of cut. However, when used to process a 3D-shaped workpiece, the contact area between the tool and the workpiece is almost always the part that depends on the tip of the tool, so the end mill has the highest efficiency when the bottom of the milling is flat.

As shown in the figure: Once the R point of the cutting edge collapses, the life of the milling cutter will begin to wear out.

Therefore, in the machining process, end mills are generally used to machine vertical or horizontal planes. In traditional machining, end mills are also often used for rough machining.

Features of ball mills

As shown in the figure, the bottom blade is spherical and it is a ball knife. The ball mill is quite frequently used in the current machining. Especially in the processing of curved surfaces and finishing, the ball mill is an indispensable tool.

Compared with the end mill, the ball cutter uses the R angle as the blade, so the blade of the ball cutter is stronger and has a longer life. Especially in the processing, the contact area of the ball cutter is the side of the R angle, and the curved surface is processed. The effect is excellent, but the actual processing contact position has a great relationship with the shape of the workpiece. If the workpiece does not have a curved surface and a curved ball mill, it is difficult to use it.

Features of round nose mills

The shape of the round nose cutter is similar to that of the end mill, and the bottom is relatively flat. The difference is that the tip position of the round nose cutter is R angle, so the strength of the cutting edge will be much stronger than that of the end mill. It is longer than the end mill.

The round nose mill combines the advantages of end mills and ball cutters, has better processing efficiency, and has a wider processing range. Both flat and curved round nose mills can compete. In finishing, it has the same advantages as ball mills.  All pitches can also use larger values, so the round nose mills is a good choice whether it is used for roughing or finishing.