APMX max 0.75 × APMX max DC 9 MILLING TECHNICAL INFO Plunge Milling The direct movement between the workpiece and the centre line of the end mill when the end mill sinks directly into the work- piece. DC In order to be able to “drill,” i.e. mill with axial feed, an end mill must have an end face cutting edge that goes all the way to the centre. An example of such a solid drilling operation is keyway milling in the middle of a shaft. In boring, the depth of a hole may be up to 75 % of the cutting edge length. In solid drilling, however, it should not exceed 0.5 – 1.0 DC. Slot Milling DC DC The radial depth of cut is equal to the diameter of the mill: ar = DC. All slotting applications are a combination of conventional and climb milling. Refer to adjacent section. End Mill Selection Utilize the shortest possible tool available for the application with the largest diameter permissible and the shortest flute length as depth of cut allows. Extra length end mills have excessive overhang, thus a reduction in feed up to 25 % may be required. Stub length end mills, due to their short overall and flute length, have more rigidity, thus an increase in feed rates of up to 25 % may be required. Speeds Solid Carbide end mills must be run at higher speeds than High Speed Steel end mills. Many times, lighter cuts at higher speeds can improve the finish of the workpiece. When the application is a slotting cut, the speed should be reduced by approximately 20 %. Speeds should be decreased when milling hard or tough materials or when taking heavy cuts. Speeds should be increased when milling softer materials or when taking lighter cuts. Speeds should also be increased for finishing cuts. Coolants Coolants are recommended when milling mild steel and high temperature alloys. The purpose of the coolant media is to direct the chips away from the cutting tool and workpiece. This prevents damage to the cutting edges due to recutting the chips. When machining titanium, coolant flow must be heavy and directed at the area of cut to prevent overheating and assist in chip removal. 209