Corner Radius End Mills
Corner radius end mills are a type of milling cutter used in machining operations. They feature a rounded cutting edge, also known as a corner radius, instead of a sharp corner or square edge. The cutting edge of a corner radius end mill has a small radius, typically measured in fractions of an inch or millimeters.
These end mills are designed to perform a variety of tasks, such as milling contours, fillets, and rounded features on workpieces. The corner radius on the cutting edge helps distribute cutting forces more evenly, reduces the likelihood of chipping or breakage, and improves the surface finish of the machined part.
Corner radius end mills are commonly used in applications where a sharp corner is not required or could be detrimental to the part or the machining process. They are especially useful when machining materials that are prone to cracking, such as brittle materials or those with low machinability. By using a corner radius end mill, the stress concentration at the corner is reduced, resulting in a stronger part and improved tool life.
These end mills are available in various sizes, materials, and configurations to suit different machining requirements. The radius size can vary depending on the specific end mill, ranging from a small radius of a few thousandths of an inch to larger radii of several millimeters. The radius size selection depends on factors like the desired part geometry, material being machined, and the required surface finish.
Overall, corner radius end mills offer increased versatility and improved performance compared to square end mills when machining features that require rounded corners or fillets.