Milling cutters are indispensable cutting tools in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, widely used for processing materials such as metal, wood, and plastic. Through rotational motion, milling cutters can perform various complex shapes including planes, curves, grooves, and gears. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the types, structure, materials, and applications of milling cutters.

Types of Milling Cutters

1. Flat End Mills: Used for surface machining, the most common type of milling cutter.

2. Ball End Mills: Used for curved surface machining, especially suitable for three-dimensional complex shapes.

3. End Mills: Used for slotting and sidewall machining, offering high cutting efficiency.

4. T-Slot Cutters: Specifically designed for machining T-slots, commonly found in machine tool tables.

5. Keyseat Cutters: Used for machining keyseats, requiring high precision.

6. Face Mills: Used for large-area surface machining, featuring multiple cutting edges for high efficiency.

Structure of Milling Cutters

1. Shank: Used for holding the milling cutter, common types include straight shank and taper shank.

2. Cutting Edges: Responsible for cutting the material, designed in various shapes and numbers based on machining requirements.

3. Flutes: Used for evacuating chips produced during the cutting process, preventing clogging.

4. Coatings: Enhance the wear resistance and lifespan of the milling cutter, common coatings include TiN, TiCN, and Al2O3.

Materials of Milling Cutters

1. High-Speed Steel (HSS): Suitable for general machining, cost-effective.

2. Carbide: Offers high hardness and wear resistance, suitable for high-speed machining.

3. Ceramic: Suitable for difficult-to-machine materials like high-temperature alloys.

4. Diamond: Suitable for high-precision and high-surface-quality machining.

Applications of Milling Cutters

1. Aerospace: Machining high-strength alloy materials, requiring high precision and surface quality.

2. Automotive Manufacturing: Machining engine parts, gearboxes, etc., requiring high efficiency and reliability.

3. Mold Making: Machining complex-shaped molds, requiring high precision and surface quality.

4. Electronics Industry: Machining precision parts, requiring high precision and surface quality.

As a crucial tool in CNC machining, the diversity in types, structure, materials, and applications of milling cutters enables them to meet various machining needs. Selecting the appropriate milling cutter is essential for improving machining efficiency and ensuring quality.