Face Milling Cutters
Face milling cutters, also known as facemills, are multi-toothed and multipurpose cutting tools used for machining the surface of a workpiece. Face milling cutters are typically used in CNC machining centers, but can also be mounted up on automated lathes, milling and grinding machines, or used in combination with manual machining operations.
The face milling cutter consists of two parts: the body, which is typically made from cast iron or steel and is fitted with a variety of cutting inserts. The inserts are usually made of hard metals such as tungsten carbide, cubic boron nitride (CBN), or diamond and are designed to handle various speeds and levels of hardness. The inserts are set in the body itself and rotated while the cutter is in motion.
The face milling cutter is used in a variety of cutting applications, but is most commonly used in industrial applications such as machining large parts in casting and die casting operations, milling intricate components with high levels of accuracy, and for finishing operations. It can also be used for precision cutting and slotting in automotive, aerospace and other industries.
The chief benefit of the face milling cutter is its capacity to machine intricate components with a high degree of accuracy. Face milling cutters have become popular in tool and die making due to their ability to produce high quality components. The cutter’s cutting speed is often much faster than that of conventional milling cutters, making them suitable for applications where high levels of accuracy and efficiency are desired.
Face milling cutters come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials. The most popular materials used in face milling cutters are stainless steel, high speed steel (HSS), and carbide. Specialized types of face milling cutters such as slimline, corner association, and combination cutters are also available. Each type of face milling cutter has its own distinctive advantages depending on the application.
While face milling cutters are the most commonly used tool for machining surfaces, they may not be the best option for every operation. Due to their small size and limited range of motion, they may not always be the most suitable tool to use on certain materials. Additionally, due to their complexity, face milling cutters can be expensive to maintain, as they often require frequent sharpening or replacement of the inserts.
