Square End Mills

Square end mills are cutting tools used in milling operations. They are specifically designed for creating square or rectangular features on a workpiece. Square end mills have a square cutting end, typically with sharp corners and edges. They are one of the most common types of end mills used in machining processes.

Here are some key characteristics of square end mills:

• Cutting Geometry: Square end mills have a flat bottom surface and straight sides that form a square shape. The cutting edges are located at the corners and along the sides of the square end.

• Versatility: Square end mills are highly versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications. They are suitable for both roughing and finishing operations, such as slotting, profiling, contouring, and plunging.

• Cutting Efficiency: The straight cutting edges of square end mills allow for efficient material removal. They are particularly effective in machining flat surfaces and producing sharp corners.

• Center Cutting: Many square end mills are center-cutting, which means they have the capability to plunge directly into the workpiece, making them suitable for ramping and drilling operations.

• Multiple Flutes: Square end mills are available in various flute configurations, such as two, three, four, or more. The number of flutes affects chip evacuation, cutting efficiency, and surface finish.

• Material Selection: Square end mills are made from various materials, including high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt steel, carbide, and solid carbide. Carbide and solid carbide end mills are more commonly used for their superior hardness, wear resistance, and heat resistance.

When selecting a square end mill, factors such as material to be machined, cutting speed, feed rate, and desired surface finish should be considered to ensure optimal performance and tool life. AFT Fasteners carry a large selection of square end mills from HTC and Champion Cutting Tool Corp. Shop online or contact us today for a quote.