Classification of CNC Milling Tools

Introduction:

Tungsten steel or tungsten carbide is a type of hard, wear-resistant metal that is often used in cutting tools like milling cutters. The cutting performance of tungsten steel milling cutters is far superior to that of other materials because of their high hardness, excellent wear resistance, and toughness. In this article, we will discuss the different types of tungsten steel milling cutters.

1. Straight Shank End Mill

Straight shank end mills are the most commonly used tungsten steel milling cutters. These cutters have a straight shank, which can be clamped in a tool holder or collet. The end of the cutter has a cutting edge with teeth that rotate to remove material from the workpiece. Straight shank end mills are used for general milling operations and come in a variety of sizes and configurations.

2. Ball End Mill

Ball end mills have a hemispherical end that creates a rounded profile on the workpiece. These cutters are used for contour milling, shallow slotting, pocketing, and profiling. The hemispherical end of the cutter allows it to create smooth contours and radii without sharp corners or edges.

3. Corner Radius End Mill

Corner radius end mills are similar to ball end mills but have a smaller radius on the end. These cutters are used for milling rounded corners, pockets, and slots. The corner radius allows the cutter to create smoother transitions and reduce the stress concentration in the corners of the workpiece.

4. Roughing End Mill

Roughing end mills are designed to remove large amounts of material quickly. These cutters have a coarse tooth pitch, which allows them to remove metal at a high rate. Roughing end mills are used for heavy-duty milling operations where accuracy is not as important as speed and productivity.