Milling Cutters (Face, Side, Slot)

Milling Cutters (Face, Side, Slot)

Category: Machine Shop

Summary: Shaping and profiling workpieces.

Milling cutters are rotating cutting tools used in milling machines to remove material and shape workpieces. They come in various types, each designed for specific milling operations. Here's a breakdown of the three you mentioned:

Face Milling Cutters: These cutters have teeth on their face (the flat end) and are primarily used for:

    * Creating flat, smooth surfaces on large areas.

    * Machining surfaces perpendicular to the cutter's axis.

    * Face milling is often used to prepare a surface for further machining.

Side Milling Cutters: These cutters have teeth on their periphery (sides) and are designed for:

    * Cutting slots and grooves.

    * Machining the sides of a workpiece.

    * Side milling is used to create features parallel to the cutter's axis.

Slot Milling Cutters: These are a type of side milling cutter specifically designed for:

    * Cutting slots with a specific width.

    * They are often thinner than other side milling cutters and are used to create precise grooves.

Milling cutters are essential tools in machining, enabling the creation of a wide variety of shapes and features in metal, plastic, and other materials.