Anatomy of an Endmill
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Length of Cut - The length the endmill is able to cut. This is not equivalent to flute length.
Neck - This is the portion of the endmill that can rub on the material as the flutes cut during a deep cutting operation. It includes both the top portions of the flutes not suitable for cutting. A necked endmill has a portion of the length above the flutes at a smaller diameter to give it a deeper reach. Necked endmills aren’t the typical style, but they are an option if required.
Shank - Also known as the shoulder. This is the part of the endmill that is grabbed by the toolholder. It cannot cut and should never rub against material.
Coating & Material
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Uncoated
Endmills for aluminum and other soft, nonferrous metals are typically uncoated. Some drill bits the team has purchased from McMaster are uncoated. The tool will have no difference in color from shank to cutter.
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TiN (Titanium Nitride)
Drill bits and other general purpose tools are usually coated in TiN. They can be used in a variety of metals, but are typically used in ferrous ones. The cutter will be a yellow-gold color.
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AlTiN (Aluminum Titanium Nitride)
Endmills meant for steels (both carbon and stainless), other ferrous metals, and high temperature alloys like Inconel are usually coated in AlTiN. The color will be a deep gray/black.
| Note |
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DO NOT use AlTiN when cutting Aluminum. The Al workpiece will react with the Al in the tool coating, sticking to it, covering up the cutting edge, and make the tool heat up and be very sad. |
Standard Mill Tools
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