Technical Information Endmill Terminology
Endmill Definitions
overall length
shank length
flute length
cutting length
For shank styles refer page 459
shank
diameter
end teeth
relief angle
cutting diameter
rake
peripheral
relief angle
flute
core
Center cutting endmill
raised
land width
Conventional milling versus climb milling
Conventional milling. Point A become work hardened
material to be
removed by the
cutting depth
next tooth
(feed per tooth)
A milling cutter can cut in two directions, sometimes known as climb or conventional.
A
A
Chip formation during climb milling
cutting depth
(feed per tooth)
Climb milling: Each tooth engages the material at a definite point, and the width of the
cut starts at the maximum and decreases to zero. The chips are disposed behind the
cutter, leading to easier swarf removal. The tooth does not rub on the material, and so
tool life may be longer. However, climb milling can apply larger loads to the machine, and
so is not recommended for older milling machines, or machines which are not in good
condition. This type of milling is used predominantly on mills with a backlash eliminator.
478
cutter
rotation
material
feed
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Conventional milling: The depth of the cut starts at zero thickness, and increases up to
the maximum. The cut is so light at the beginning that the tool does not cut, but slides
across the surface of the material, until sufficient pressure is built up and the tooth
suddenly bites and begins to cut. This deforms the material (at point A on the diagram,
left), work hardening it, and dulling the tool. The sliding and biting behaviour leaves a
poor finish on th