Top 5 Milling Tools& Cutting Devices That you Should Know

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Tools& Cutting Devices

Nowadays, most manufacturing processes utilize the most advanced technology, and CNC milling is a perfect example. The milling process employs the latest technology and involves cutting and changing tools. Moreover, it utilizes multiple devices to create quality finished products.

What are the different types of milling techniques?

Milling is categorized into two main types; these are face milling and peripheral milling. Peripheral milling is performed on the workpiece’s surface. It’s a type of surface milling that uses a milling machine table, cutter and a milling arbor. The different milling types under peripheral milling are; slotting, straddle, side milling, gang milling and form milling.

In most of the procedures, you may require post-processing procedures like surface enhancements. This helps define the cut, improve bond strength and achieve proprietary surface texturing in medical equipment.

On the other hand, face milling employs end milling and side milling cutters in its operations. The nature of work determines the type and size of cutters required. In this type of milling, the teeth on the periphery do most of the cutting. However, you can achieve a smoother finish by grounding the cutter properly.

What are the standard milling tools and devices?

1. Involute gear cutter

The involute gear cutter works in a milling machine to create 14 ½ pressure angle gears. You can sharpen and re-use it as required. An involute gear cutter is a special tool for involute gears, and there are different gears that you can use to achieve the desired number of teeth.

2. Thread mill

Thread mills are designed for ripping internal and external threads by milling. They are commonly used in numerically controlled machines and are ideal for threading soft alloys, exotic materials prone to tap breakages. They apply the slightest cutting force allowing for threading on thin-walled machine parts.

3. Woodruff cutter

Woodruff cutters feature perpendicular teeth on the outside diameter. This helps produce the most suitable slots for woodruff keys. These devices are handy for cutting keyways for woodruff keys. They are slightly hollow on the sides with either straight or staggered teeth.

4. Fly cutter

A fly cutter can be defined as any single cutter used in milling. These serve the same purpose as face mills and feature a central body that holds the tool bits together. You can use most fly cutters as surfacing tools, and they are a favorite among many thanks to their ability to produce an excellent surface finish than other face mills.

5. Hollow mills

Hollow mils are cutting tools featuring three or more incisive edges. The edges revolve around a cylindrical workpiece allowing the device to produce a cylindrical outcome. They are the opposite of face mills and were initially designed to drill presses to create a cylindrical boss or on turret lathes and screw machines. But, you can now use them on CNC machine latches.

The bottom line

Milling is a complex process that uses different fabricated methods, tools and devices. The most common techniques are laser and plasma cutting. If you work in a milling company, you’ll often use the mentioned cutting devices and many other tech tools. However, it’s advisable to learn how the equipment works to avoid injuries.