Milling is a machining process whereby material is used from a workpiece, which may be metal, plastic, or some other material, using an insert, a drill, a mill, or some other cutting tool appropriate to the application. 

One class of milling tools is known as milling inserts, which are specialized cutting tools. This short post will shed some light on what they are, how they work, and what they are used for. 

Milling Inserts from a High Level

To keep things as simple as possible, a milling insert is a cutting tool that is used in milling to remove stock material from a workpiece, but they are specifically designed to be replaceable so that they can be used with some of the hardest materials. 

They are commonly used to cut or shape workpieces made of stainless steel, tool steel, cast iron, titanium and other nonferrous metals, and even plastic, including abrasive plastics that would be hard on mills. 

Often, milling inserts are made of solid carbide, which is a very hard material that can withstand the stresses incurred from high temperatures and operating speeds. Carbide milling inserts are also particularly effective at milling some of the hardest materials. 

Like end mills, milling inserts can be used to make holes, but they can also be much more versatile, and therefore can be used for drilling, finishing and other machining operations. Also like carbide end mills, inserts are often treated with special finishes which improve performance, extend tool life, and reduce stresses on the tool. 

Milling inserts are available in a wide range of shapes specialized for unique milling applications. Some of the more common shapes include frustum, helical, and elliptical inserts. They have teeth, which actually cut the material, and flutes, the spaces between the teeth, which assist with chip evacuation. 

Why Are Milling Inserts Used? 

While using in milling, inserts are subjected to an immense amount of stress. As a result, it is beneficial that they can be easily replaced. It is also the case that: 

• The use of the proper milling insert will ensure that the machining performed is done safely, efficiently, and results in a high-quality finished product.
• Milling inserts can efficiently remove stock material from a workpiece during milling.
• The use of the right insert can extend the service life of tools and equipment during both wet and dry machining.

What Are Some Common Types of Milling Inserts?

There are many different common types of milling inserts, including: 

• End milling inserts
• Roughing inserts
• Hollow milling
• Periphery
• Face milling
• Side milling

To name just a few; there are many others in addition to these. 

Where to Get High-Quality Milling Inserts 

This short post only offers a very high-level, cursory introduction to milling inserts. If you want to learn more about what they are or how they are used, visit TMT Toolbox. They carry a wide range of high-quality milling inserts and other metal cutting tools for a variety of specialized milling and other machining applications. Visit their website for more information or get in touch with them directly for assistance.

For more information about Machine Tool Accessories and Machinist Tools And Supplies Please visit: TMT Toolbox.