A plain milling cutter consists of a cylindrical body with teeth along the periphery. The teeth are evenly spaced and are usually straight. The cutter is typically made of high-speed steel (HSS), although carbide and diamond-tipped cutters are also available.
Plain milling cutters are used for a wide range of material removal operations. They are versatile tools that can be used to produce flat surfaces, slots, and recesses in a workpiece. The teeth of the cutter remove material by rotating about the axis of the cutter while moving along the surface of the workpiece.
The design of the teeth of the milling cutter plays an important role in the performance of the tool. The tooth geometry affects the cutting forces, the surface finish, and the chip formation. The cutting edge of the milling cutter can be straight, helical, or a combination of both. Helical teeth are used to reduce cutting forces and improve surface finish.
The use of plain milling cutters requires the selection of appropriate cutting parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. The cutting speed should be selected based on the material being machined, the tool material, and the rigidity of the setup. The feed rate and the depth of cut should be selected based on the horsepower of the machine, the rigidity of the setup, and the desired surface finish.
In conclusion, the plain milling cutter is a versatile cutting tool that is used for a wide range of material removal operations. Its design and tooth geometry are critical factors that affect the performance of the tool. The parameters used in its operation must be carefully selected to achieve the desired results. Whether you are using HSS or carbide milling cutters, the plain milling cutter is an important tool in your arsenal for producing high-quality machined components.