1. Definition and Key Features of End Mills
1.1 What is an End Mill?
An end mill is a multi-flute rotary cutter with cutting edges on both its end face and sides, allowing simultaneous axial and radial cutting. This enables it to perform not only drilling operations like drill bits but also complex machining of planes, cavities, slopes, and curved surfaces.
1.2 핵심 장점
- 3D Cutting Capability: Performs both radial and axial cutting for complex contours
- High Material Removal: 3-5× more efficient than drill bits (2-8 플루트)
- Precision Machining: Optimized helix angle (30°-45°) reduces cutting resistance (Ra0.4μm achievable)
- Wide Applicability: Diameter range from 0.1mm (micro-machining) to 50mm (heavy-duty)
2. Key Differences Between End Mills and Drill Bits
2.1 Cutting Method
- End Mills: Radial + axial cutting (slots/contours/3D surfaces)
- Drill Bits: Only axial feed (hole drilling)
2.2 Flute Design
- End Mills: 2-8 helical flutes for chip evacuation
- Drill Bits: Typically 2 straight flutes (10°-20° helix)
2.3 Accuracy
- End Mills: ±0.005mm repeatability
- Drill Bits: ±0.02mm accuracy
2.4 응용
- End Mills: Mold cavities, impeller blades, precision slots
- Drill Bits: Bolt holes, locating holes
3. Main Types and Applications
3.1 Flat End Mill
- Features: 90° square end
- 최고의 대상: Face milling, square shoulders
- Avoid: Curved surfaces
3.2 Ball Nose End Mill
- Features: Spherical tip
- 최고의 대상: 3D contour finishing
- Avoid: 황삭
3.3 Corner Radius End Mill
- Features: R0.2-2mm edge radius
- 최고의 대상: Stress reduction in corners
- Avoid: Sharp internal corners
3.4 Roughing End Mill
- Features: Serrated teeth
- 최고의 대상: Heavy stock removal (5×D depth)
- Avoid: 마무리 손질
3.5 Aluminum End Mill
- Features: High flute volume + polished edges
- 최고의 대상: Non-ferrous metals
- Avoid: Hardened steels (>45HRC)
4. Selection Guidelines
4.1 Material Matching
| 재료 | 플루트 | 코팅 | Parameters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 알류미늄 | 2-3 | DLC/None | Vc=200-400m/min |
| 강철 | 4-6 | TiAlN/TiCN | fz=0.08-0.15mm/z |
| 티탄 | 3-4 | TiAlN | High-pressure coolant |
4.2 Machining Phase Optimization
황삭: High feed (0.2-0.4mm/z), deep cuts (3-5×D)
마무리 손질: Low feed (0.05-0.1mm/z), shallow cuts (0.1-0.3×D)
4.3 기계 호환성
High-speed CNC: Small carbide tools (Ø3-10mm)
Conventional mills: HSS tools (Ø10-25mm)
5 Tips to Extend Tool Life
Pre-cut Inspection: Check for edge defects (<0.02mm runout)
Coolant Strategy:
알류미늄: MQL
Stainless: 8-12% emulsion
티탄: >70bar oil
Proper Regrinding: Maintain original helix angle (±0.5°)
Chip Monitoring: Watch for discoloration/chip shape changes
Storage: 20±2°C with VCI paper
6. Future Trends
- Miniaturization: <Ø0.1mm for medical devices
- Smart Tools: IoT-enabled wear sensors
- Advanced Coatings: Nano-composite coatings
결론
End mills are indispensable for precision machining. Key takeaways:
✅ Match tool geometry to material
✅ Optimize parameters for each machining phase
✅ Implement proper maintenance routines
✅ Stay updated on smart manufacturing trends
By mastering these principles, you’ll maximize machining efficiency and tool longevity.
정밀 밀링 커터,모든 재료를 가공하는 CNC용 절삭 공구
