CNC milling cutter

Seven CNC Milling Cutter Types and Uses

A CNC Milling Cutter is a rotary tool used by computer-controlled machines to remove material and create faces, slots, pockets, holes, shoulders, contours, chamfers, and special profiles. Common forms include face mills, flat end mills, ball nose cutters, slot drills, chamfer cutters, roughing tools, and form cutters for metals, plastics, composites, wood, and other machinable materials.

Important characteristics include diameter, flute count, helix, edge length, shank, reach, corner radius, substrate, coating, and solid or indexable construction. More flutes can improve productivity in stable conditions, while fewer flutes provide chip space. Geometry must match the material, spindle power, rigidity, engagement, tolerance, and required surface finish.

Select the tool from the operation and smallest feature, then minimize runout and overhang. Use secure workholding, correct toolpath, suitable speed, feed, step-over, depth, coolant, and chip evacuation, and monitor wear. A specialist CNC cutter supplier can recommend compatible designs. General milling cutter information also explains forms, teeth, materials, mounting, and applications.