End mills are classified by tip shape:

Seven End Mill Tip Shapes and Uses

End Mill Tip Shapes determine the surface a cutter creates, how cutting forces are distributed, and which machining operations it performs efficiently. Common geometries include flat, ball nose, corner radius, chamfer, tapered, drill-point, and specialty form tips. Each shape changes contact, chip formation, edge strength, accessibility, and finished part geometry.

Seven essential types cover flat tips for pockets and shoulders, ball tips for contours, radius tips for stronger corners, chamfer tips for bevels, tapered tips for angled walls, drill-point tips for entry, and form tools for specialized profiles. Diameter, flute count, coating, substrate, helix, reach, and corner dimensions further define performance.

Select the tip according to workpiece material, machine rigidity, feature shape, tolerance, finish, depth, and production volume. Control runout, engagement, feeds, speeds, coolant, and chip evacuation to avoid chatter and premature wear. A professional end mill supplier can help compare tool geometry. General end mill information also explains flute design, cutting directions, materials, toolpaths, and common machining applications.