Description
Now that you have a CNC machine, you need tooling. But don’t go sticking any old drill bit into the chuck. Drill bits are designed to drill, or plunge axially (up and down). For most operations, CNC machines use end mills that cut laterally (side to side).
End mills have cutting surfaces called flutes. The most common end mills have two to four flutes. Generally, fewer flutes evacuate more chips from your material, keeping the bit cool. However, more flutes produce a finer edge finish. There are four basic flute types, each optimized for different materials and edge finish. Solid carbide or carbide tipped are ideal since they don’t dull as easily as HSS (high speed steel) end mills.
