Types and Machining Methods of Milling Cutters

July 07,2023

Milling cutters are commonly used metal cutting tools in the field of machining. They are widely used to remove metal material from the surface of workpieces through the relative motion between the rotating cutter and the workpiece. In this blog post, we will introduce the types of milling cutters and their common machining methods.
First, let’s understand the types of milling cutters. Based on the shape and purpose of the tool, milling cutters can be divided into the following categories:

Face Milling Cutter: Face milling cutters are one of the most common types of milling cutters. They have multiple teeth and can cut multiple areas of the workpiece surface simultaneously. Face milling cutters are usually used for flat milling, slotting, and cutting operations.

End Mill: End mills are milling cutters with a pointed end, suitable for machining the edges and contours of workpieces. They can perform operations such as flat milling, chamfering, and slotting.

T-slot Cutter: T-slot cutters are milling cutters with a T-shaped shank, suitable for machining T-slots and T-shaped workpieces. They are often used to make fixtures and positioning devices on machine tool tables.

Slot Milling Cutter: Slot milling cutters are specifically designed for machining slots. They have multiple teeth and can cut multiple areas of the slot simultaneously. Slot milling cutters are commonly used for making keyways, gear slots, and cutting slots.

Slitting Cutter: Slitting cutters are specifically designed for cutting slots. They have one or more teeth and can cut slots of different widths and depths. Slitting cutters are commonly used for making threads, gears, and keyways.

The above are just some common types of milling cutters. In reality, there are many other types of milling cutters, such as ball end mills, gear milling cutters, and cutting milling cutters. Each type of milling cutter has its own specific purpose and machining capabilities, so it is important to choose the right milling cutter based on specific machining needs.

Next, let’s learn about some common machining methods for milling cutters. Milling cutters can perform various different machining operations, including flat milling, contour milling, slotting, cutting, and chamfering. Here are some common milling cutter machining methods:

Flat Milling: Flat milling is one of the most basic milling operations. It removes metal material from the workpiece surface through the rotation of the milling cutter and the movement of the workpiece, resulting in a flat machined surface.

Contour Milling: Contour milling is a milling operation used to machine the contours of workpieces. It uses control over the path and cutting depth of the milling cutter to shape the metal material on the workpiece surface into the desired shape.

Slotting: Slotting is a milling operation used to create slots. It uses control over the path and cutting depth of the milling cutter to shape the metal material on the workpiece surface into the desired slot shape.

Cutting: Cutting is a milling operation used to cut workpieces. It typically uses slitting cutters or cutting milling cutters to shape the workpiece into the desired shape by controlling the path and cutting depth of the tool.

Chamfering: Chamfering is a milling operation used to create chamfered edges on workpieces. It uses control over the path and cutting depth of the milling cutter to remove the metal material from the edge of the workpiece, resulting in a chamfered effect.

The above are just some common milling cutter machining methods. In reality, there are many other different machining methods, such as thread milling, gear milling, and keyway milling. It is important to choose the appropriate milling cutter and machining method based on specific machining needs and workpiece requirements.

In conclusion, milling cutters are commonly used metal cutting tools in the field of machining. By selecting the appropriate type of milling cutter and machining method, precise and efficient machining operations can be achieved. Whether it is flat milling, contour milling, slotting, cutting, or chamfering, milling cutters play an important role. When selecting and using milling cutters, it is important to prioritise safety and perform proper maintenance and care to ensure their performance and lifespan.

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