Materials used for endmill

HSS - The majority of end milling cutters will be made from standard High Speed Steel
(M7).
Cobalt - For tougher machining applications cobalt end mills will be required. Cobalt is a
M42 tool steel with an 8% cobalt content. It usually will require a premium price. Cobalt end
mills allow for an increase in feed rates over regular M7. At Melin, we offer our complete
line of tools in M42 cobalt steel, but all are priced at M7 price levels.
Carbide - This tool material combines increased stiffness with the ability to operate at higher
SFPM. Carbide tools are best for shops operating newer milling machines that do not have
much chatter as the material can be brittle. Carbide end mills require a significant premium
price over the cobalt end mills, but they can also be run at speeds 2 1/2 faster than HSS end
mills. For best results mount in a hydraulic type holder.
All types of end mills must be handled with care. This is particularly important when storing
in the Tool Crib. Tools should be stored in a tube protector or dipped in a protective coating.
Tool life will be significantly shortened if the tool edge is damaged.
Special Note about Coatings - The use of coatings will increase the surface hardness of the
tool. This will allow for greater tool life and/or increased cutting speeds & feeds (between 15
- 25%). Standard coatings available at Melin include Titanium Nitride (TiN), Titanium
Carbonitride (TiCN), and Aluminum Titanium Nitride (AlTiN). These coatings are all
available at the same price, depending on the tool. Other coatings available includeTitanium
Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN), Zirconium Nitride (ZrN), Diamond, and Black Oxide. More info
on coatings.