Types of Milling Cutters
Milling cutters are rotating tools with number of cutting edges. The milling cutters may have either straight teeth, i.e., parallel to the axis of rotation or helical in shape. The helix may be right handed or left handed and this will decide the direction of rotation of the cutter for performing the cutting operation. Further, a milling cutter may be made of single piece of steel or having the cutting portion welded to a tough shank or having removable cutting teeth (bits) inserted in a solid body. The broad classification of milling cutters is according to the shape of teeth they carry, such as plain, inserted, formed or saw teeth, etc. This classification covers a large number of milling cutters. Various milling cutters and their applications are tabulated in Table 9.
Table 9: Various Milling Cutters and Their Applications
Besides the above types of cutters, there are other cutters used for special purpose such as,
- Cam-relieve cutters
- T-slot cutters
- Angle milling cutters
- Form cutters etc.