Carbide End Mills: Most Commonly Used End Mills

Carbide end mills are cutting tools used in a wide variety of milling applications. Older models of end mills were made out of high speed steel, but more modern models are the carbide end mill models. They are more durable and a chemical composition coating is also sometimes added to add even more to its durability. Carbide end mills are the most commonly used carbide milling cutters and come in sets and individually. Specialized carbide end mills can also be used for special metalwork projects.

When using carbide end mills, there are several things to take into consideration. As with all cutting tools, a carbide end mill needs to be stronger than the material it is cutting and it needs to be able to withstand any heat generated from the metal cutting process to perform for long lengths of time.

One who uses carbide end mills must definitely understand the metalwork project he or she is undertaking and what it will take to complete it. This helps since there are many different geometries and coatings one can select for carbide end mills and only certain types will be suitable for the project’s parameters.

Generally speaking, one would want more flutes on a carbide end mill for light cuts and fewer flutes for deeper cuts. This comes from the variability of chip packing, which, potentially, could destroy the carbide end mill if not taken into consideration.

If concerned about metal removal when a side mill or cut is needed, use a larger numbered fluted carbide end mill. At least four cutting teeth will suffice. Knowing the precise amount of teeth for the carbide end mill to be used effectively takes calculating the radial effect and the axial depth.

Mathematics is an integral part of metalwork. There are countless calculations and equations to perform to ensure a metalwork project’s success and also to ensure the machinist or metalworker’s safety. Equations and calculations also play an important role in determining which materials to use in metalwork projects.

The majority of carbide end mills perform well with 1018 steel. This type of steel is easily formed, machined, welded, and fabricated with any number of flutes. But harder materials need lighter cuts, more flutes, and less cutting speed. In order to maintain high production levels, more flutes must be used at lighter feed rates.

End mills are often also used in working with machine aluminum. Machine aluminum alloys tend to be gummy. This can lead to a built-up cutting edge on the end mill. Therefore, higher speeds and feeds keep the chips from evacuating from the flutes. Machining aluminum alloys with high silicon can abrasively affect cut tools.

However, carbide end mills have a superior resistance to abrasion and are often successfully used to cut silicon machine aluminum alloys, though high speed steel cutting tools can also do the work. Carbide end mills simply do it better.

While being made from carbide does cut down on resistance and wear-and-tear, the amount of hear produced does wear down even carbide end mills eventually. Fortunately, coatings have been developed that help extend a carbide end mill’s life and usefulness.