What is a Milling Bit?
A router bit is a cutting tool used in the milling process and designed to remove chips from the workpiece. Milling is a machining process used to shape the surface of a workpiece or to drill a hole in it. The milling cutter is connected to the milling machine and rotates to contact the workpiece. The rotational movement travels along the cutting edges, removing chips from the workpiece.
Router bits can be manufactured in a variety of materials and shapes. The most commonly used materials are carbide and HSS (high speed steel). Carbide router bits are ideal for machining hard materials due to their high hardness and wear resistance. HSS router bits are used for machining softer materials and are more cost effective.
Router bits differ in the number and position of cutting edges. Single-flute router bits have a single cutting edge and are used to create flat surfaces. Multi-flute router bits have multiple cutting edges and are used to create complex shapes.
Router bits can also be classified according to the cutting direction. Straight router bits are router bits whose cutting direction is parallel to the surface of the workpiece. Profile router bits are router bits whose cutting direction is perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece.
The router bits directly affect the efficiency and quality of the machining process. Choosing the right router bit should be done by considering the material, size and shape of the workpiece.
Milling Bit Types
Router bits can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes. The most commonly used router bits are as follows:
Single flute router bits: These router bits have a single cutting edge and are used to create flat surfaces.
Multi-flute router bits: These router bits have multiple cutting edges and are used to create complex shapes.
Profile router bits: These router bits with cutting directions perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece are used to create profiles and grooves.
Straight router bits: These router bits, whose cutting direction is parallel to the surface of the workpiece, are used to create flat surfaces.
Square router bits: With four flutes and a square cross-sectional area, these router bits are used to create flat surfaces and grooves.
Round router bits: With four flutes and a round cross-sectional area, these router bits are used to create flat surfaces and grooves.
Reverse router bits: With cutting directions opposite to the surface of the workpiece, these router bits are used for rounding corners and smoothing surfaces.
Router Bit Selection
Some points to be considered when choosing a router bit are as follows:
Workpiece material: The router bit should have a hardness suitable for the material of the workpiece.
Size and shape of the workpiece: The router bit must have a size and shape suitable for the size and shape of the workpiece.
Purpose of the chip removal operation: The router bit must be of a design suitable for the purpose of the chip removal operation.
Router bits are usually manufactured in the sizes and shapes recommended by the manufacturer of the milling machine. However, special router bits can also be produced for special applications.
