M&M Sales and Equipment is a specialist in cutting tools providing end mills and other cutting tools and accessories from Sandvik, Guhring, Drillco and many other top manufacturers across West Texas, including Odessa, Lubbock, Amarillo and Ft. Worth. Here's a guide on end mills and how to select the right ones for the job:

It is no secret that the machinists speak their own languages including basic math. The number 1 is the starting point for the rest of the world's counting. However, ask a machinist explain the method they use to measure and they'll inform you that it all starts at one-thousandth of an inch (0.001").

When we speak of cutting tools, it's pretty similar to cutting tools. A layman may not understand the terminology of the term "machining. {For the rest of us Although the letters pcd end mill cutter are used interchangeably to describe the specific tools that are required by CNC machines, this can create confusion for people outside of the world. To cut through material, industrial CNC (Computer Numeric Control), machines use rotating cutting tools called endmills.

What are end mills? And what is the difference between them and drill bits? End mills can cut vertically, although drill bits can be placed horizontally into the material to make holes.

This is a graphic that demonstrates the difference between an end mill and a standard drill bit.

What are the most suitable end mill for the job you are working on?

End mills have a purpose. Each shape of the tip has a distinct clearing route for different applications. The project details such as the material to be cut and the desired finish are all important factors in choosing the best end mill. An incorrect tool could cause damage to your workpiece and cause you to have to discard the entire set. This is not just an unnecessary waste of time, but it can also cost money for your business.

There's a lot to consider when choosing the right end mill for your CNC. We've distilled some of the most important points from Machining News to help you choose the best end mill.

End Mill Length

First, determine the length your end mill must cut. The endmill with the shortest length that can still cut the job is the most efficient. The reason? The tool's stability is enhanced by selecting the shortest length. This will allow for more aggressive feeds and speeds as well as reducing the potential for the tool to chatter.

End Mill Materials

Two of the most common substances used in the manufacture of end mills is high-speed steel (HSS) and carbide. HSS is a good choice for older, slower, or less rigid machines as well as in one-off or extremely short-run production. Although it's slower than other materials, it is more affordable and is less brittle. Additionally, it can withstand instabilities better. Carbide is preferred in CNC machine tools , where higher speeds, less tooling adjustments and increased productivity are required. In these instances the cost increase is easily justified by a longer tool life and shorter cycle times.

Flute count

Flutes are the helical grooves which wrap around end mill set. For longer-chipping materials such as aluminum, a lower amount of flutes (between 2 and 3 flute tools) will give more flute space. A larger number of flutes will decrease the space of flutes, but provide more productivity for shorter-chipping materials like medium to high carbon iron or steel. For stainless steel, alloys, high temp steel as well as iron, a four flute endmill is recommended for slotting and is a good general-purpose tool. For projects which require a smaller cutting depth, greater flute counts are suggested to ensure the removal of chips.

End Geometry

The tool's success depends on the choice of the right pcd end mill cutter. It is essential to pay attention to the materials that are suitable to be used in a tool. The manufacturer's suggestions for speed and feed are equally important.

End Mill Coatings

Coatings reduce friction and shield the carbide from heat produced in cutting. Some coatings are more suitable for specific materials. Paying attentively to the manufacturer's guidelines is the best way to make sure you're using the correct coating.

The Life of the Tool

It's not always better to be less expensive. It's essential to use the proper tools for large-scale production and massive workloads. A poor or inadequate tooling system can result in wasted material, scrap, and lost tool spend, and additional wear and tear on your CNC machine.