Metal Cutting Inserts
References for some of the inserts I have come across so far. Will be adding more as I find uses for them.
1604 Inserts
Inserts for Cutting Aluminum, Carbide Uncoated: https://amzn.to/4cfGU2F
Inserts for Cutting Steel: https://amzn.to/41VDXkf
Inserts for Cutting Stainless Steel: https://amzn.to/42nKu6u
Inserts To Test: https://amzn.to/41VELFN
Dimensions Specs and Speeds: https://www.shop-apt.co.uk/carbide-inserts-for-milling-uni-tip/apkt-1604-pdr-um25-carbide-milling-inserts-pvd-coated-for-steel-stainless.html
APKT1003 Inserts
Carbide Inserts PVD for Steel and Stainless Steel: https://amzn.to/41TCjj8
Carbide Insert with PVD for Steel and Stainless Steel: https://amzn.to/4l8UzfT
Dimensions Specs and Speeds: https://www.shop-apt.co.uk/carbide-inserts-for-milling-uni-tip/apkt-1003-pdr-um30-carbide-inserts-for-milling-pvd-coated-for-stainless.html
1135 Inserts
Steel Cutting Inserts: https://amzn.to/3FS2MFj
Aluminum Cutting Inserts: https://amzn.to/42uJE8U
Stainless Cutting Insert: https://amzn.to/4jbvgIZ
Carbide Inserts for Steel and Cast Iron: https://amzn.to/4hVJrQH
PVD Coated for Steel: https://amzn.to/4lg9YLp
Dimensions Specs and Speeds: https://www.shop-apt.co.uk/carbide-inserts-for-milling-uni-tip/apmt-1135-pder-e-um30-carbide-inserts-for-milling-pvd-coated-for-stainless.html
Basic Bits Overview
Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PnAZlMlT3k
Summary for choosing the best bit. Chose the largest diameter and shortest cutting length you can do for the job. The harder the material the more flutes your cutter you should have. Wood & Plastics 1-2 flute, Aluminum = 2-3 flute. 4 flute = aluminum or Steel. Cemented Carbide for Steel & Aluminum since it is hard and rigid and holds edge. HHS (Hight speed steel) Cheaper, Good for wood and plastic, Used to be used for Aluminum but Carbide is more common now. Use insertable face mill or end mill when possible. Insertable endmills are excellent for roughing. HSS is primarily just used for manual mills, and small CNC mills. Large CNC almost exclusively uses carbide and it is often used for manual and small CNC as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p08xIYxZBLo
End mill coatings aren’t necessary for aluminum and can be a problem if they have Al in them, ZRN will work well for Aluminum. Never cut aluminum dry. Always use coolant. Best option is either 2 or 3 flute. 2 flute is better for ramping and plunging. 3 flute is better for finishing. Angle of the flute around 40 degrees is excellent for overall. 60 degree flute angle is great for finishing.
Note: We attempt to find the best balance between quality and price. However, many of these parts are made in China and the quality may vary over time. Please check your parts before the return window ends.
Additional Bit Analysis
Aluminum Cutting Mill Bits
Video 1: Discusses number of flutes for best work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHZHplzMf6o
Summary: 1 flute good for soft materials like aluminum. 2 flute is good for rough work, plunges and evacuates the chips. 3 flute good general tool for both rough and finishing with chip evacuation. 5 flute is good for finishing.
Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PnAZlMlT3k
Summary for choosing the best bit. Chose the largest diameter and shortest cutting length you can do for the job. The harder the material the more flutes your cutter you should have. Wood & Plastics 1-2 flute, Aluminum = 2-3 flute. 4 flute = aluminum or Steel. Cemented Carbide for Steel & Aluminum since it is hard and rigid and holds edge. HHS (Hight speed steel) Cheaper, Good for wood and plastic, Used to be used for Aluminum but Carbide is more common now. Use insertable face mill or end mill when possible. Insertable endmills are excellent for roughing. HSS is primarily just used for manual mills, and small CNC mills. Large CNC almost exclusively uses carbide and it is often used for manual and small CNC as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p08xIYxZBLo
End mill coatings aren’t necessary for aluminum and can be a problem if they have Al in them, ZRN will work well for Aluminum. Never cut aluminum dry. Always use coolant. Best option is either 2 or 3 flute. 2 flute is better for ramping and plunging. 3 flute is better for finishing. Angle of the flute around 40 degrees is excellent for overall. 60 degree flute angle is great for finishing.
TiAlN Coated Cobalt https://amzn.to/41OwAtB
Note 1: We attempt to find the best balance between quality and price. However, many of these parts are made in China and the quality may vary over time. Please check your parts before the return window ends.
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