End mills are extremely versatile tools in the world of CNC machining. Different types of end mills are used to perform different tasks during the machining process, ultimately leading to the creation of custom components in a fraction of the time that conventional manufacturing would take.
Due to the high speeds and temperatures that milling cutters operate under, end mills have to deal with a lot of strain. That is just one reason why quality carbide tools are so essential. Tools produced by domestic solid carbide end mills manufacturers are designed to last longer and provide precise results.
Why Carbide?
When most people think about tool materials, they think of steel. This is no surprise, as steel has been used to make tools for hundreds of years. While we have definitely made significant advances in the use of alloys like high speed steel for milling cutters, metallic tools are still subject to the strain of the high temperatures they face while cutting.
Tungsten carbide is a ceramic material, which makes it extremely resilient to heat. Tool carbide takes powdered carbide ceramic and binds it with metal. The metal gives the tool strength and flexibility while the ceramic granules provide rigidity, heat resistance and cutting power. For the machinist, using carbide tools means that your tools will last longer and not need frequent sharpening to maintain a nice cutting edge.
US Made Tools
So obviously carbide end mills are a great choice for machinists, but where can you get the best tools? While cheap carbide tools can be found from overseas manufacturers, you really get what you pay for when it comes to end mills. Poor material quality, manufacturing practices, and quality control can all lead to tools that are likely to fail prematurely.
The best option is to choose tools made by US manufacturers. Don’t be fooled though, some tool sellers in the US are not solid carbide end mill manufacturers, they are just reselling cheap tools from overseas. If you want tools that you know will last, you need to find tools that have actually been manufactured in the US and held to high quality standards.
Online Carbide
One great solid carbide end mill manufacturer is Online Carbide. They are a toolmaker dedicated to offering their customers only the best quality carbide tools. All of their tools are manufactured in the US using the same 5 axis CNC grinders as other leading manufacturers in the industry. They also offer tools with protective coatings like TiAlN and Zrn to offer extra tool protection and performance.
If you are looking for a great deal on tools for your shop, skip the middlemen and check out Online Carbide’s store. They offer a wide selection of end mills and drill bits at manufacturer direct prices! If you have any questions about the tools that they offer, you can reach out to a member of their team by sending an email to [email protected].
