CNC milling is one of the most popular types of machining today. A key element of the process guided by a computer integrated into the control part of the machine tool are multi-tools. How are milling cutters classified and how to select the type of cutter for its purpose?
What does the quality of CNC milling services depend on?
Efficient provision of CNC milling services requires appropriate technical facilities. The machining process should be underpinned by a properly matched cutter, adapted to the size, shape and structure of the workpiece. Machining that translates into a high quality end product also requires appropriate operator qualifications.
CNC milling services – how are cutters classified?
A milling cutter is a tool usually composed of three parts: working, shank and connecting. The shank part includes the elements related to cutting, while the connecting part unites the working member with the shank link – enabling tool clamping.
The multitude of solutions opens up a wide range of possibilities for machining materials. Cutters are divided according to their shape, purpose, method of attachment, direction of work, as well as the type of blade and the material from which they are made. The basic division of milling cutters is described below.
Basic division of milling cutters
The basic division of cutters includes:
- normal milling cutters – used, among other things, for machining planes, threads, grooves and serrations;
- special milling cutters – used mainly in mass production and high volume production, for workpieces with non-standard surfaces. Special milling cutters are made to individual orders. Breakdown of milling cutters by shape
Breakdown of milling cutters by shape
The appearance of milling cutters determines the division into:
- cylindrical (with blades only on the lateral surface),
- spur,
- cylindrical-face,
- disc milling cutters (among which a three-sided disc milling cutter with alternating blades is known),
- angular,
- shaped,
- modular,
- worm,
- mandrel / finger milling machines,
- circular.
Division of milling cutters by blade geometry (purpose)
In CNC milling services, an important component of the process is the knowledge of how to adapt the cutter to the machining material. With regard to the purpose, milling cutters are distinguished:
- cylindrical, cylindrical-face and milling heads – for machining planes,
- cylindrical-face milling cutters – for machining T-slots, planes and planes with an edge,
- single- or three-sided finger discs with straight blades – for making rectangular grooves,
- single-sided / saw blades – for cutting,
- angular – for angular and trapezoidal grooves,
- single or multi-sharpened – for threads,
- circular and worm – for gears,
- team – for machining wide planes or for large milling depths. Their main advantage is the mutual cancellation of the axial forces occurring on both parts of the cutter.
- miscellaneous milling cutters.
Division of milling cutters according to the method of attachment
The way the milling cutter is fixed in the machine makes it possible to distinguish:
- shank milling cutters – in which the whole, consisting of the working and shank parts, is indirectly fixed in a reducing sleeve or directly in the spindle seat of the machine tool,
- slip-on milling cutters – in which the hole for seating the tool on the milling arbor is located in the body of the cutter.
Division of milling cutters according to the direction of work
The direction can be either the same or counterclockwise.
- for right-hand cutters – for an observer looking from the clamping side – the direction of cutting is clockwise,
- for left-hand cutters – for an observer looking from the attachment side – the direction of cutting is counterclockwise.
Classification of milling cutters by type of blades
The classification of milling cutters distinguished by the type of blades includes:
- milling cutters with shear blades – single- or double-path, or with a curved ridge,
- milling cutters with blades staggered along a straight or spiral line.
Breakdown of milling cutters according to the material used to make the blade
The breakdown of milling cutters considering the material used to make their blade includes:
- milling cutters made of alloy steels,
- milling cutters made of high-speed steels,
– uniform milling cutters,
– contact-welded,
– with replaceable, insertable blades.
- cutters with carbide inserts. The method of combining the blade with the cutter body allows to distinguish in this category additionally:
– cutters with brazed inserts,
– with mechanically fixed inserts,
– with inserts made of structural steel (mechanically fixed and provided with brazed carbide inserts).
How does cutter selection affect the quality of CNC milling service?
The proper selection of milling cutters is of strategic importance in organizing the work of the milling machine. Optimization speeds up the production process and is responsible for a satisfactory end result. A properly calibrated machine, combined with expertise in the milling field, will enable CNC milling services to be performed in accordance with all customer requirements. A company that uses a wide range of milling machines in its operations can realize even the most non-standard projects.