End Mills
The end mill is the most-used tool in the tool crib arsenal in any machine shop. It is used for milling, profiling, contouring, slotting, counterboring, and reaming.
End Mill Types
– Finishing End Mills
– Square End Mills
– Ball End Mills
– Taper Body End Mills
– Roughing End Mills
End Mill Materials
– Solid Carbide
– High Speed Steel (HSS)
– Carbide Tipped
End Mill Selection Summary
– Select the shortest possible end mill for the greatest rigidity.
– Select two or three flutes for slotting or heavy stock removal.
– Select multiple flutes for finishing or greater rigidity.
– Use the largest diameter possible for added strength and rigidity.
– Apply coatings for higher feeds, speeds and tool life.
– Use carbide and cobalt for tougher and harder materials, and for high production applications.
Flute Type
– Two Flute: The two-flute end mill has the greatest amount of flute space allowing for more chip carrying capacity. Used primarily in slotting and pocketing of non-ferrous materials where chip removal is a concern.
– Three Flute: While this tool has the same flute space as two flutes, it has a larger cross-sectional area providing for greater strength and the ability to pocket and slot both ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
– Four / Multiple Flute: Ideal for peripheral and finish milling. The additional flutes allow faster feed rates, but due to the reduced flute space, chip removal may be a problem. Produces a much finer finish than two and three flute tools.
Surface Treatment and Coatings
TiN
Characteristics:
– Titanium Nitride: Gold color, general purpose coating.
– Consists of a very hard coating on surface of tool.
– Provides excellent wear resistance and good lubricity.
– Reduces friction and prevents galling.
Application:
– Recommended for ferrous and non-metallic materials.
TiCN
Characteristics:
– Titanium Carbonitride: Blue-Grey color, abrasion resistant coating.
– Consists of an extremely hard coating on surface of tool.
– Provides excellent wear resistance.
Application:
– Recommended for Silicon Aluminum, brass and bronze application, cast iron and alloy steels.
– Very effective at higher speeds.
AlTiN
Characteristics:
– Aluminum Titanium Nitride: Blue-Black color, multi-layered high heat-resistant coating.
– Provides excellent wear resistance.
– Forms and aluminum oxide layer at high speeds and elevated temperatures.
Application:
– Recommended for semi and dry milling applications in high temperature alloys and hardened steel materials.
– Very effective at higher speeds and in some tapping applications.
Please contact us for more information.
