11
2025
-
07
what is end milling cutter？
End mills are the most commonly used multi-edge rotary cutting tools in CNC machine tools and milling operations. They are widely applied in machining planes, steps, grooves, and complex contour profiles. With cutting edges on both the cylindrical surface and the end face, end mills can perform simultaneous or independent cutting operations. Their high efficiency, precision, and versatility make them essential tools in mold manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industries, and more.
A typical end mill consists of three main parts:
Cutting Part: Includes the helical main cutting edge (on the cylindrical surface) and the auxiliary cutting edge (on the end face). The helix angle usually ranges from 30° to 45°, enhancing cutting stability.
Neck: Connects the cutting part and the shank, and often carries specification markings.
Shank: Comes in two types — straight shank (for small-diameter tools) and taper shank (for large-diameter tools). It connects to the machine spindle and transmits torque.
During operation, the end mill is mounted on the spindle of a milling machine or machining center. As the spindle rotates the end mill, the workpiece moves relative to the tool under the guidance of the worktable. This enables the cutting edges of the end mill to contact and machine the surface of the workpiece, allowing for various processes such as face milling, slot milling, step milling, and contour milling.
Common materials used for end mills include high-speed steel (HSS), tungsten carbide, and coated tools:
HSS offers good toughness, making it suitable for machining materials of medium to low hardness, and it is cost-effective.
Tungsten carbide (such as cemented carbide) provides high hardness and excellent wear resistance, ideal for high-speed machining and hard materials like hardened steel and titanium alloys.
Coated tools (e.g., TiN - Titanium Nitride) reduce friction, extend tool life, and improve cutting efficiency.
If you are looking for the right type of end mill for your application, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to recommend the most suitable solution based on your specific needs.
Related news
