An end mill is a type of milling cutter commonly used in milling machine operations. End mills have cutting edges on both the cylindrical and end faces, which can be cut simultaneously or individually. Due to the long side of the end mill, it is more suitable for machining sidewall surfaces that are perpendicular to the bottom surface of the workpiece.
There are two common materials for end mills: high-speed steel and carbide. The latter has higher hardness and stronger cutting force than the former. Increasing the speed and feed rate of the machine will increase productivity, make the tool less visible, and can machine difficult-to-machine materials such as stainless and hardened steel. However, carbide materials are brittle, expensive to purchase, and prone to tool damage when cutting forces change rapidly. Cost reduction is only possible with dynamic milling on CNC machines.
