Ball-end mill usage techniques
发布时间:2026-04-01
The core of ball-end milling is to use the side cutting edge for cutting, avoiding hard cutting with the tip. The centerline speed of the ball-end cutter is zero, making it prone to wear and breakage. For machining, prioritize diagonal or spiral entry to avoid vertical plunging. For curved surface machining, use 45° toolpath or circular cutting, and for steep surfaces, employ equal-height layering. Milling from bottom to top ensures greater stability. For deep slots and narrow cavities, reduce cutting depth and feed rate, and enhance chip removal and cooling. Minimize clamping length to reduce vibration. Adjust cutting parameters based on material: use high speed and feed for aluminum, while lowering speed and cutting depth for steel. Manual engraving often employs side dragging, with follow-the-grain cutting to prevent edge breakage. For fine textures, arrange lines uniformly and utilize the ball-end cutter's curvature effectively, balancing machining quality and tool life.