Milling Cutter Tools Explained – Types and Selection Guide

How is the Milling Cutter Used in Milling Machines?

Milling Machines are rotary, highly utilized subtractive manufacturing technology tools essential to the fabrication process of metals and plastics. Moreover, changing the tool to obtain the required design is advisable when milling.

The milling machine tools perform the cutting process by removing material from a workpiece by rotating the cutter and moving it into the workpiece. Feed the workpiece into a spinning multi-point cutter in a milling machine that rotates rapidly to quickly cut the metal or plastic. The milling machine can hold single or multiple cutters at the same time to hasten the cutting process and speedily create desired shapes.

Types of Milling Cutter Tools

There are different types, and categories of milling cutter tools, each with different purposes and cutting abilities. Here are the common milling tool types.

Categories#1: End Mill Cutters

End mill tools are mill-cutting tools that cut in all directions, making them quite different from drill tools that cut only axially. Manufacturers use the end mill for tool steel cutting and other milling processes, including plunging, reaming, slotting, drilling, face milling, profile milling, etc. There are common types of end mill cutters.

1.1 Ball Mill Cutters

These end mill cutters feature a ball nose. They are ideal for use in milling contoured surfaces due to their round cutting surface.

1.2 Square End Mills

Used for all-around milling, these end mills have a 90-degree profile. Also known as flat-end mills, they are ideal for milling applications such as plunging, profiling, and slotting.

1.3 Radius Endmills

These endmills feature rounded corners. These corners are ideal for cutting a specified radius more evenly, preventing tool wear, and prolonging tool life.

1.4 Undercutting Endmills

It is also known as a lollipop cutter, this well-rounded CNC mill cutting tool offers maximum versatility. Their shape makes them the ideal choice for machining undercuts.

1.5 Rounding Endmills

This Mill tool features strengthened ends. Their primary purpose is milling round edges.

1.6 Corner Radius End Mills

With several flute serrations, this tool, known as the hog mill, leaves a rough finish. Its ability to remove large quantities of material quickly makes it stand out.