When working on a project that requires end mills, how fast and how efficient you work will depend on the tools you use. When it comes to end mills, knowing which to use and what to look for will determine the outcome of your project.

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned tool wielder, this post will help you find the best end mill to use for your project by highlighting their properties and features that separates them from other tools.

What Are End Mills?

End mills, from their name itself, are tools used in a process called end milling. In end milling, you can produce milling parts like shoulders, slots, contours, die cavities, to name a few. In this process, you use an end mill which is a cylindrical cutter that has multiple cutting edges on its periphery and its tip, which allows for end and periphery cutting.

End mills are types of milling cutters that are generally used when work requires profile milling, tracer milling, shape milling, face milling, and plunging. They are readily available from end mill manufacturers in the USA.

Properties and Features

Here are some of the common properties and features of end mills that differentiate them from other tools, like drill bits. So that you’ll know what to look for when you’re buying from end mill manufacturers in the USA.

1. They come in different shapes

When choosing an end mill, it’s important to note that they are available in different sizes. Knowing which size works best for your task at hand is essential to deliver accurate results.

The different shapes that end mills have are:

• V-bits
• Ball nose end mill
• Fishtail end mill
• Square end mill
• Bull-nose end mill

2. They come in various numbers of flutes

Another feature of end mills is that they come with many types of flutes. Flutes are the spiral-shaped cutting teeth on the end of the end mill. These flutes provide an empty path for the removal of cutting chips during the machining process.

The available end mills have two, three, or four flutes. However, the most common ones you’ll see have two and four flutes. When an end mill has more flutes, it creates a surface finish that’s smoother. Meanwhile, fewer flutes are used for chip clearing and to prevent the build-up of heat.

• 2-flute end mill – Ideal for wood and aluminum since they generate large chips
• 4-flute end mill – Able to cut harder materials than 2-flute end mills so they are used to machine most of the other materials

3. They are made from different materials

Another property of end mills that should be considered when choosing one for your projects is the material they are made of.

The available end mills in the market today are usually made up of:

• Carbide – They are extremely heat-resistant so they are commonly used for high-speed applications on hard materials.
• Solid carbide – End mills made from this material are considered to be more rigid and harder. Also, compared to others made from other materials, they are more wear-resistant.
• High-speed steel (HSS) – They are cheaper compared to carbide-made end mills. However, the disadvantage is that they dull faster with use.

Find one of the best end mill manufacturers in the USA

Knowing the common properties and features of end mills will help you to easily differentiate them from other tools that they are sometimes confused with. That way, when you transact with end mill manufacturers in the USA, you’re confident with the type of end mill you’re looking for. Tools manufacturers like Suncoast Precision Tools have a wide array of end mills that you can choose from and are made from quality materials so you’re sure they’re worth every penny.