TOP: Four flute endmill BOTTOM: two flute endmillĪs the tooth cuts into the wood, each flute whisks away a small section or “chip”. Each flute has a single tooth with a sharp cutting edge (although there can be more than one) that runs along the edge of the flute. Flutes and Chiploadįlutes are the helical grooves that wrap around the sides of the end mill. By overlapping steps, the central scallop shown in the diagram is eliminated. Ball nose mills can also be used to cut wide paths with rounded edges by reducing the step over amount (overlapping distance between) between passes. Ball nose mills are often selected when doing 3D contouring because their rounded edge reduces jagged steps when cutting several stepped layers. The diagram above shows the difference in clearing path shape between a fish tail, ball nose and V tools. The difference in clearing path shapes between fish tail, ballnose and a v-carve mills. V-bits produce a “V” shaped pass and are used for engraving, particularly for making signs. Some common cutter shapes are ballnose, fish tail, surface planing, v-carving, and straight.īallnose mills produce a rounded pass and are ideal for 3D contour work, while fish tail cutters will produce a flat surface. Basic End Mill Anatomy Tip Shapes and ApplicationsĮach end mill tip shape is designed for a particular purpose. Key tooling features include the diameter, shank, flutes, teeth, tip shape, center cutting capability, helix angle, helix direction, length of cut, and overall tool length. The project type, material being cut, and desired surface finish determines the tool geometry.
#END MILL BITS SOFTWARE#
To minimize tool breakage and stress on the material being cut, most CNC software will “ramp” the end mill slowly into lateral cuts. This is due to cutting flutes that extend to - and protrude from - the end face and enable plunge cutting. Additionally, most mills are “center-cutting,” meaning they are able to cut both axially and laterally. End mills are typically used for horizontal carving and cut laterally. Drill bits are designed to plunge directly into material, cutting axially and creating cylindrical holes. Drill plunging axially on left, endmill cutting laterally on right However, in practice the terms “bit” and “end mill” are often used interchangeably. An end mill, while similar in appearance to a drill bit, is far more versatile. Drill Bits vs End Mills Top: Drill Bit, Bottom: End millĬNC machining is a subtractive process that uses rotational cutting tools called “end mills” to remove material.
#END MILL BITS HOW TO#
I nterested in CNC routing but clueless about tooling? Can’t tell an end mill from a drill bit? Here’s an overview of end mill anatomy, some basic cutter types, and tips on how to choose the correct tooling for basic wood or plastic jobs.
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