Milling cutters and machines
Milling machines use milling cutters to remove material from the workpiece. Characteristically, the milling cutter revolves at calculated revolutions per minute (RPM), and the material is fed to the revolving cutter at a calculated feed rate, which are referred to as cutting speed/ feet per minute. Cutting speed is the difference between the milling cutters and the surface of the workpiece that it is processing.
There are several different types of milling cutters, as well as materials that they are fabricated from, each specially designed for a particular job requirement and cutting speed.
Mill cutters are typically made from four basic types of materials, however these materials can have various coating
High-Speed-Steel also referred to as HHS. HHS was once the material of choice for end mills, however it is being replaced by tungsten carbide as the material of choice for end mills. HHS is still used for milling aluminum, mild steel, and other soft metals.
Cobalt high-speed steel-Mill cutters made from this are harder than those made from HSS. Cobalt high-speed end mills hold their keen edge longer, however, are more brittle.
Carbide-Mill cutters fabricated from carbide provide increase hardness, which will mill several different types of materials. However, carbide mill cutters are more expensive than cobalt or HSS cutters. When milling with carbide mill cutters it is vital that you have a rigid setup with the proper speeds and feed rates for maximal the use of the solid carbide cutters. Carbide mill are less affected by heat and therefore are often used for medium to large production runs.
Related posts:
Posted in Types of Tools