Calendar September 14, 2022 08:16

When it comes to cutting tools like end mills, solid carbide options will always outperform other tool materials. If you're looking for the best tools for your machining shop, buying from reputable solid carbide end mills manufacturers will ensure that you're getting tools that are built to last.

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End mills are incredibly useful tools. Many milling applications will necessitate the use of various specialized end mills. Precision is critical, especially when producing custom components, so selecting the best tools is critical. End mills must be able to withstand the high speeds of machining without losing their sharp edges.

When steel tools get too hot, they can lose their temper and soften. This can lead to the cutting edges degrading rapidly. Tools from quality solid carbide end mills manufacturers can help your shop combat these end mill based issues. Carbide is far more rigid than steel, making it ideal for end mill manufacturing.

Carbide end mills will also oscillate far less than their steel counterparts, helping to provide accuracy when machining. At high speeds, end mill oscillation can lead to tool chatter and it can cause unsightly marks on the work surface.

The fact that carbide is a composite material made by combining a binding metal and ceramic powder is why it is so well suited as a tool material. Tungsten carbide, a powdered ceramic material composed of tungsten and carbon, is the "carbide" component of these tools. Powdered carbide is a useful powdered material in its own right for grinding aggregate and other commercial applications.

To make tool carbide, small granules of this ceramic material are introduced to cobalt metal in the same way that aggregate is added to concrete. The resulting material combines metal's resilience and flexibility with ceramic's density and resilience. Using specialized, ultra-hard grinders, the material can then be ground into the final shape of the end mill.

One mistake that a lot of people make when looking for end mills is that they don't find the right solid carbide end mills manufacturer. Many US-based tool companies are distributors and not manufacturers. Tool distributors typically sell tools crafted overseas at a markup. These tools often suffer in quality due to lax QI standards and material qualities.

The best way to know you're getting quality tools is to work with a domestic manufacturer. These companies are actually performing the task of grinding their tools domestically and selling them direction to their customers. When you buy US made tools, you know that they were made to the precise specifications and with strict quality standards.

If your shop requires strong and accurate end mills, you should consider ordering from a reputable solid carbide end mills manufacturer. Online Carbide is a tool manufacturer based in the United States that specializes in high-performance drill bits and end mills. Their product line includes center drills, spot drills, stub drills, jobber drills, and other tools. All of their products are available at manufacturer direct pricing, allowing you to save money on high-quality tools for your shop. To view their entire catalog, go to www.onlinecarbide.com.

Posted September 14, 2022 08:16

Calendar April 25, 2022 06:04

Several industries have experienced the benefits of improved manufacturing processes, especially those that depend on CNC milling machines. However, CNC cutters still have to deal with problems related to material fatigue, especially when it comes to cutting tools. One of the best workarounds machinists have found is to adopt the use of carbide end mill sets. They not only provide several advantages over other cutting materials, such as steel but also grant a wider diversity as carbide end mill sets include several different sizes to cover specific cutting tasks.

Advantages of Carbide Tools
The most evident advantage of using carbide end mill sets is that they provide superior durability, greatly outlasting that of tools manufactured from steel alloys. The main difference between regular cutting tools and carbide end mills is that carbide is not a metal. Instead, it is a composite material that draws its properties from the tungsten carbide powder that covers the tool´s surface. This extremely hard, yet thin, coat of ceramic material gives the substrate, the metallic core, increased impact resistance, and rigidity, combined with superior sharpness retention. Carbide-coated tools add increased durability and accuracy, yet retain the desirable properties of their metallic core.

Some specialized manufacturers, such as Online Carbide, also create solid carbide tools. These are pieces entirely ground from compacted carbide powder and have the added advantage of being virtually impervious to extreme temperatures. A solid carbide tool can work at higher speeds and temperatures without suffering any of the drawbacks other metallic alloys present, making them more rigid for increased accuracy and temperature refraction.

Where To Find High-Quality Carbide End Mill Sets?
There is no shortage of solid carbide end mill sets out there. They usually include multiple sizes based on standard milling applications and tasks. The idea is to widen the range of action of your workshop and increase the number of jobs that can be done with one set of tools. When your operations involve handling multiple tasks, especially on the same workpiece, having all the tools you need at hand greatly increases efficiency.

However, not all carbide end mill sets are equal, and their source can greatly affect performance, part quality, and durability. Carbide tools manufactured overseas are not subjected to the rigorous quality control processes American-made products are. This makes it hard to accurately project their durability and performance before they fail, and could even affect the quality of your finished parts. Moreover, some of these sets are completed with tools that might not see much action in your shop or are pieces with very low demand bundled together to recoup some of the money.

That makes it immensely important to find a trusted supplier known for manufacturing high-quality carbide end mills. Online Carbide not only offers incredibly trustworthy cutting tools. They can put together carbide end mill sets that cover your specific needs at manufacturer-direct prices. Buying carbide tools for high-performance applications has never been easier. Contact them today, or visit their website for more information.

Posted April 25, 2022 06:04

Calendar March 10, 2022 02:13

Among the most common tools used by machinists today, we have drill mills. They come in many shapes and sizes, making them the most versatile tools in your workshop.



What makes them special is their particular ability to cut along their angled tip, giving them an incredibly extensive range of operations.

There are, of course, subtle style differences between what is usually known as an end mill and a drill mill. The point geometry is one of the most noticeable. Mill-style tools tend to mimic geometries typically found on end and chamfer mills. However, drill mills usually sport an s-gash geometry at the tip that reinforces tool strength and allows the bit to engage the material axially. This gives mills an edge when it comes to drilling, but remains a good choice for OD milling.

Here are some of the uses your drill mill can excel at:

Drilling holes into metal workpieces is, without a doubt, one of the most common uses for drill mills. Rigid tools, like those made out of solid carbide, are extremely accurate and durable which makes them perfect for spot drilling and countersinking, especially for large operations and hardened materials. Just make sure your carbide drill mill has an angle that is larger than that of the drill bit that will follow the hole.

Beveling and chamfering are other great uses for your carbide drill mills. As we mentioned before, their shape makes them incredibly useful for attacking the material axially. Pieces with long sharp edges can be easily chamfered to a smooth finish with the help of solid carbide drill mills. You can also bevel the edges of sheet metals easily by using a larger portion of your cutting surface or giving the piece multiple passes.

V Grooving is another great option when you are working with drill mills. In the case of v grooving, a single pass with your carbide drill mills is usually enough even on hardened materials, but you can play around with different angles and cutter positions to get the results you want.

Slotting is an excellent operation for solid carbide end mills like drill mills. It is best achieved with a single pass, but it is also possible to use two passes.

Other operations you can achieve with drill mills are necking, pocketing, and contouring. Just keep in mind that they tend to be less efficient than dedicated tools for each task. However, if you are aiming for high-performance machining, having versatile tools usually means reduced cycles and an increase in finished parts,

The best part of choosing carbide drill mills is that they are great at keeping their sharpness, even when you use aggressive tool paths and speeds. However, you need to make sure you have tools made with high-quality materials and processes. Online Carbide is an American carbide tool manufacturer that offers incredibly durable and efficient tools aimed at machine shops committed to High-Performance machining operations.

Posted March 10, 2022 02:13

Calendar February 16, 2022 01:57

Milling is a fabrication technique that involves employing high-speed cutting equipment to create pieces that are faster and more precise than working by hand. Milling on all scales is now more accessible than ever thanks to the widespread usage of CNC technology and high-quality cutting equipment. As a result, solid carbide drill manufacturers are providing high-quality tools to make it easier to mill huge quantities of components without having to worry about premature tool failure.

When it comes to end mills and drill bits, high-speed steel, or HSS, is one of the more affordable possibilities. This is a steel alloy that maintains its hardness (temper) even when subjected to the high heat levels that machining can produce. When regular tool steel is heated, it softens, causing the cutting edges to lose their sharpness quickly. Despite their growing popularity, HSS end mills are still confined to grinding softer materials. If your business wishes to mill items out of tougher metals, carbide drill manufacturers are the way to go.

Because it combines the strength of metal with the extraordinary rigidity and hardness of a ceramic, carbide is a one-of-a-kind tool-making material. In its raw state, tungsten carbide, the most often used carbide stock, is a powdered gray ceramic. This substance, which is made up of the same proportions of tungsten and carbon as steel, is twice as strong and hard. Powdered carbide is compressed and cemented together with a metal, usually cobalt, to generate a solid material suitable for tool manufacture.

This strong carbide stock maintains its edge at high speeds, and its rigidity prevents the tool from vibrating and falling off the mark. Because cemented carbide tools do not dull as quickly as HSS tools, they are suited for high-speed milling of hard materials. These carbide cutters will outlive and outperform similar steel cutters even when cutting wood and other softer materials.

All end mills and drill bits made by Online Carbide are made from high-quality solid carbide stock. The team at Online Cabide uses the same robot-fed 5-axis CNC grinders as other industry-leading carbide drill manufacturers to turn this tough material into tools. Unlike its competitors, Online Carbide sells its tools at factory direct prices, allowing clients to save a lot of money on high-quality cutters.

If your shop is in need of new carbide cutting tools, the team at Online Carbide has fantastic deals on everything you'll need. Square end mills, round end mills, full form thread mills, single pitch thread mills, variable end mills, aluminum end mills, 6 flute end mills, chamfer mills, drill mills, center drills, spot drills, stub drills, and jobber drills are among the products available in their catalog.

All of Online Carbide's tools are produced entirely of high-quality solid carbide, with no cheap carbide tips or coatings. Tools with coating choices are also available to assist protect your end mills and drill bits from wear. You can contact a member of the Online Carbide team at sales@onlinecarbide.com if you have any queries about their inventory.

Posted February 16, 2022 01:57

Calendar September 30, 2021 08:45

Manufacturing with computer numerical control is a great way to produce parts quickly and efficiently. While this process has helped to revolutionize modern machining, the efficiency of a milling machine depends on two things: the material being cut and the cutting tools being used. If you want to get the most out of your milling machine then you need to be using carbide cutting tools.

Milling cutters have to deal with extreme amounts of fatigue. As high speed tools, end mills have to deal with a lot of friction. This extreme friction can eventually cause the tool to reach extreme temperatures. For tools made of metal, this can quickly become a problem. Steel tools are hardened through a process known as tempering. When metal is tempered, it is cycled through specific temperatures that lock the internal structure of the tool into its strongest form. This process results in tools with strong cutting edges that will not wear as quickly as an untempered tool.

Because tempering is a heat based process, it is possible to undo a tool's temper by overheating it. Even tools made from high speed steel can still reach operating temperatures that would jeopardize their tempered strength. In order to avoid this issue entirely you need tools made from materials that are not affected by heat tempering. That is where carbide cutting tools come into play.

A carbide tool may look metallic and it does contain metal, but the carbide itself is a powdered ceramic material. Ceramics like tungsten carbide, the most common tool carbide, are extremely hard and dense. They are also extremely resistant to heat, maintaining their strength even at extreme temperatures. Carbide tool stock is made by cementing grains of tungsten carbide together using cobalt metal in a process known as sintering.

One of the biggest advantages to using carbide cutting tools is their longer lifespan. Carbide tools last several times longer than their steel counterparts. They also need to be sharpened and maintained less often than steel tools. In order to get the most out of your carbide tools, many come coated with special materials like titanium aluminum nitride or TiAlN. This material is extremely hard and lowers the coefficient of friction along the tool's cutting edges. It also forms a layer of insulating aluminum nitride that helps to protect the tool from heat and extend its working life.

If you are looking for high quality carbide cutting tools for your milling machine, then you need to visit www.onlinecarbide.com. Online Carbide specializes in manufacturing high performance milling cutters right here in the US. All of their tools are manufactured using extremely precise computer controlled grinding machines and many are treated with coating like TiAlN to extend their lifespan even further. If you need any additional information about any of the tools that they carry, you can always reach out to a member of their team by sending an email to sales@onlinecarbide.com.

Posted September 30, 2021 08:45

Calendar September 28, 2021 06:09

While milling machines are amazing tools, having to deal with tool chatter can be a not so amazing side effect of operating one. Tool chatter is a loud sound caused by tool vibrations. If you are sick of dealing with tool chatter then you have probably heard about variable flute end mills. These tools are specially designed to operate at high speeds while minimizing the effects of tool chatter. But are these tools all that they are cracked up to be?

The short answer is that yes, these tools can in fact help to significantly reduce internal tool vibrations and the screeching tool chatter that can accompany them. If that is all you needed to know, then you can stop reading right now and go pick some of these great cutting tools up for your milling machine. If you are interested in learning a little more about these tools and how they work, then read on.

Tool chatter is hard to avoid. All tools vibrate at high speeds. This is because of the fact that end mills are not perfectly rigid. They all have a little bit of flexibility to them that makes it possible for them to vibrate from side to side when they reach high rotational speeds. This sideward movement can be difficult to account for when designing a tool path. This means that while the tool is cutting, it is slamming from side to side against the face or faces of the workpiece that are being cut.

These countless tiny impacts come together to form the loud screeching sound that we know as tool chatter. So how can variable flute end mills help? It's simple, these tools are designed to be just a little asymmetrical. Asymmetry is the enemy of consistent oscillations. This means that if the tool is regularly experiencing different forces, it will be harder for it to build up the kind of dramatic internal vibrations necessary to cause tool chatter.

Because the asymmetry in these tools is only very slight, the internal forces at play become interesting to consider. A dramatically asymmetrical tool would pull itself apart from the effects of the different forces while cutting. Variable end mills are designed to be just asymmetrical enough to reduce the tool's ability to vibrate without sacrificing its integrity. This means that they will offer the same long lifespan as other tools while operating at a fraction of the volume.

If you are tired of tool chatter and are interested in finding some variable flute end mills for your shop, then it is important to buy from a quality manufacturer. Online Carbide is an American manufacturer of solid carbide end mills and drill bits. These tools are able to handle incredible amounts of strain, easily outperforming similar steel tools. Their variable end mills are specially designed to reduce tool chatter and ensure a great finish on your workpiece. You can see all of the tools that they have available when you visit www.onlinecarbide.com.

Posted September 28, 2021 06:09

Calendar September 27, 2021 07:54

If you are running a machining operation, whether it is a small CNC in the back of your garage, or an important manufacturing business, you have probably acquired a few end mill sets to cover your needs.

As you probably know, drill bits can only cut in the axial direction, while end mills give you broader capabilities by allowing you to profile, trace and face. It means you have to do frequent tool changes as you go through pieces that require plunging, countersinking, profiling, grooving, or chamfering. What if we told you there are ways to reduce downtime and keep your spindle running?

End mills are specially designed for milling applications but can take on different roles. Depending on their flute count and geometry, end mills can be used for roughing, slotting, finishing, or high-efficiency machining. Many end mill sets come with center-cutting heads that allow you to perform plunging cuts while leaving a nicely chamfered countersink for flush screws.

Choosing the right end mill set requires you to determine the nature of the projects you will be working on. This helps you narrow down your tool selection so you only purchase mills that will see real use in the near future. Let's go over the most common considerations.

Materials
It is imperative to know what materials you will be working on before choosing your tools. For example, plastic behaves a lot differently than steel, so they require different machining strategies. It is best to consider tool geometry, sharpness, and mechanical properties before selecting your tools. This will not only help you increase accuracy and efficiency, but also save you time and money in the long run by prolonging your tool lifespan.

Flute Count
Flutes determine how many contact points your tool will have with the material and its overall chip evacuation efficiency. For softer materials, a low flute count is preferred as it provides a better chip clearance rate and heat control. However, finishing operations usually benefit from a higher flute count. An end mill with 5-14 flutes will yield better results and a more polished surface.

Coating
When machining hardened steels, non-ferrous alloys, and hardwoods, you need tools with high-temperature refractory properties. Carbide end mill sets can withstand extreme temperatures and rotation speeds without losing sharpness or structural rigidity. This is not only a plus when going through a lot of material as it keeps heat under control without sacrificing accuracy. Carbide coating is also great for machining hardwoods as it is easier on the grain when it engages the material.

If you have a hard time choosing the right tools for your particular needs, call Online Carbide technical support. They will help you put together the perfect carbide end mill set for you. Give them a call at 630.238.1424 or by email at sales@onlinecarbide.com. They offer the best value by offering high-quality cutting tools at manufacture direct pricing.

Posted September 27, 2021 07:54

Calendar September 13, 2021 07:55

Milling components with computer guiding machines is a great way to produce components quickly and efficiently. In order to cut the workpiece, these machines use specialized high speed cutting tools. Different end mills and drill bits are used to perform specific functions during the milling process. Most tasks require the use of several different tools during the machining process, which is what makes drill mills such great tools for machinists. These tools can perform a variety of different tasks, which makes them a great choice for any shop.

Drill mills are unique tools because they blend characteristics of both end mills and drill bits. This makes them extremely versatile tools for a wide variety of different uses. The most unique feature of these tools is the fact that they have a sharp point. This is not a typical feature for end mills, which are typically only designed for side milling operations. Drill mills have flutes that are designed for side milling as well as a pointed tip that can be used to drill down into a workpiece.

The ability to perform multiple actions with a single tool is a great way to cut down on cool changes and to speed up production. Drill mills can perform several different milling tasks. The pointed tip of the tool makes it perfect for chamfering or beveling edges. The body of the tool can also side mill, which is especially useful for when it comes to creating cutouts in a workpiece. The pointed tip can also be used when side milling, which makes it easy to cut V shaped notches in a workpiece. The point of these tools can also be used to deburr or engrave a workpiece.

What makes these tools so useful is the fact that they can be used for drilling operations as well. Obviously these tools can be used to drill holes that are the size of the tool itself. Drill bits are also notorious for "walking" off their mark due to their long length. This means that when using longer drill bits on a workpiece, it is often a good idea to spot drill the location of the hole first. As long as the point angle of a drill mill is equal to or greater than point angle of a larger twist bit, it can be used to spot drill the location of a hole.

If you are interested in adding these versatile tools to your shop, then you need to visit www.onlinecarbide.com. They are an American tool manufacturer specializing in the manufacturing of end mills and drill bits. Their inventory includes drill mills that are available as untreated tools or with a TiAlN coating. All of their tools are made using precision grinding tools and are made from high quality micrograin carbide stock. If you have any questions about their drill mills or any of the other tools that they manufacture, you can reach out to one of their tool experts by sending an email to sales@onlinecarbide.com.

Posted September 13, 2021 07:55

Calendar September 10, 2021 06:31

A lot of people have moved into the machining industry lately. Especially with the appearance of more affordable CNC machines that allow anyone to craft custom parts right from their garage. However, many still render crudely finished products with sharp edges that make them quite dangerous depending on the intended use. That's where chamfer mills come into play.

It is common courtesy to chamfer any sharp edges off your parts or finished products to prevent accidents. Having a piece of furniture or piece that catches on clothes or causes some slashing damage can be grounds for serious problems.

Of course, you can create smooth surfaces by just filing your edges at a 45 degrees angle, or use a grinding disk. But when you´re machining, precision and accuracy are essential.

Chamfer mills provide both precision and speed. They not only take care of rough edges but also leave a much better finish. Additionally, they easily reach difficult angles without a problem and do a great job at smoothing out punched holes and prepping them up for threading.

Now, imagine we not only have to smooth out the surface, but we also need to modify the angle at which two surfaces meet. Carbide chamfer mills help you remove all those nasty 90 degrees edges and corners, creating a better-looking beveled slope while removing burrs along the piece.

This is also useful when preparing a piece for welding as chamfering provides a smooth surface to allow for a much stronger weld, and reduces the need for clearing excess material when finished.

A chamfer mill can also be used for finishing purposes. Carbide cutting tools have very sharp edges that easily remove material, leaving a perfectly polished surface that saves you time by eliminating the need of buffing out imperfections. I have found that machining and chamfering with carbide cutting tools make it easier to get parts that are ready for service right off the bat. Just make sure your bit engages the material correctly when machining tough alloys. A sharp edge can eat through your carbide and chip the tool easily if you´re not careful enough.

You can also use chamfer mills for engraving or creating channels along the surface without having to go through the finishing process. Carbide chamfer mills keep heat under control, allowing the drill to go through a lot of material without the risk of warp or chatter, leaving perfectly polished floors and walls.

So, even when your CNC or machining operations require minimum finishing, smoothing out edges and offering a polished surface is always a plus when delivering metal parts. We recommend having a few carbide chamfer mill bits in your arsenal. However, make sure they´re made here in the US from a manufacturer with great reviews. Our favorite is www-onlinecarbide.com as they offer incredible wear resistance and a great variety of tools for machining both soft and hard alloys. Their sales representatives are top of the line and provide advice on the right bits or angles for your machining projects.

Posted September 10, 2021 06:31

Calendar September 8, 2021 07:05

Drill bits are important tools in almost any manufacturing environment. Because drill bits see so much use, they can wear down pretty quickly. This means that busy shops will have to buy new drill bits rather frequently. Instead of having to deal with this, it is easier to buy carbide drills so you will have to replace them less often.

One of the biggest advantages of using carbide drill bits is the fact that they stay sharper for longer and outlast steel tools. While carbide is a relatively common tool material, many machinists are not familiar with its composition. Tool carbide looks almost metallic at a glance, but metal is just one part of its construction. The actual carbide in carbide tools is a powdered ceramic material known chemically as tungsten carbide. This dense ceramic is mixed with a binding metal to form the tool carbide that is ground into tools.

The fact that carbide tools merge qualities of ceramics and metals is what makes them so unique. The tiny grains of tungsten carbide embedded throughout the body of the tool are significantly harder than steel, giving these tools amazing cutting power. Ceramics are also extremely resilient when it comes to heat. Carbide drill bits can operate at temperatures that are even hotter than HSS or high speed steel tools. This is because all metals can only be heated so far before passing their tempering point and softening. Because carbide relies on ceramic for its cutting power, there is no risk of heat causing the tool's edges to soften.

Another great reason to buy carbide drills is accuracy. Especially when used in milling applications, drill bits can have some serious issues with accuracy. This is because they are very long relative to their width. This means that when operating at high rotational speeds, they tend to vibrate as the entire bit flexes due to the force of the rotation. This can lead to the tip of the tool deviating from the central axis of rotation. This means that upon making contact with hard surfaces, the bit can deflect and "walk" off its mark.

There are a few ways to deal with this problem. Using spot drill can help improve your accuracy, but it will also add a tool change to the production process. Carbide drill bits are actually much more rigid than steel tools. This means that they do not vibrate as much and can produce extremely accurate results without the need for spot drilling.

If you want to buy carbide drills for your shop, Online Carbide is a great place to start your search. They manufacture all of their solid carbide cutting tools right here in the US using high quality tool carbide stock and precise CNC grinding tools. Their inventory include standard jobber length drill bits, stub drill bits, as well as spot drills and drill mills. All of their tools are available at manufacturer direct pricing when you visit their online store at www.onlinecarbide.com.

Posted September 8, 2021 07:05

Calendar September 7, 2021 04:18

Threaded components are essential in a wide range of different applications. Whether you need to bolt two pieces of equipment together or you are attaching pipes together, threads are what makes it happen. The fact that threads are so essential in modern life means that there are a wide range of tools that can be used to produce threaded surfaces quickly and efficiently. If you are looking for one of the best ways to produce threaded surfaces, then thread milling with solid carbide tools is the perfect solution.

Thread milling, as the name implies, is the process of using a milling machine to produce threaded surfaces. Because milling machines are designed to be both fast and accurate, they are a perfect fit for cutting threads. Unlike tap and die tools or thread cutting machines, milling machines use specialized end mills for cutting out threads. Carbide thread milling tools are the clear choice if you need to cut extremely accurate threads.

Carbide tools have several advantages over their steel counterparts. Carbide tool stock itself is made by binding powdered carbide ceramic with a metal to add some strength. This means that these tools can handle extreme heat thanks to their ceramic content while also staying sharp much longer than steel tools.

One huge advantage to thread milling with solid carbide is the rigidity that these tools offer. Carbide is nearly twice as rigid as steel, which helps to prevent tools from vibrating significantly while in use. This means that carbide thread cutting tools are significantly more stable, producing extremely accurate and clean threads. For applications like pipe threading where accuracy is crucial for the final seal, these tools are a perfect option.

The fastest option when thread milling is to use a full form thread mill. These tools have rows of teeth like cutting points along its surface. These points are separated by a distance equal to the pitch of the threads that you are cutting. These tools cut by making a 360 degree pass inside or outside of the piece while dropping the length of the thread pitch. The result is that each point ends its cut where the point below it started, resulting in perfectly cut threads.

While full form tools can handle a wide variety of tasks, they are not always the best tool for the job. If you have to produce threads with different pitches or you are threading a delicate piece, then a single pitch thread mill is the best choice. These tools only have one point, which means that they have to trace along the entire length of the threaded surface. Despite the fact that it takes longer, it is perfect for mixed production or pieces with thin walls and overhangs due to the decreased cutting surface area.

If you are ready to start thread milling with solid carbide tools, then the tools available at Online Carbide are second to none. All of their thread milling tools are manufactured from solid carbide right here in the US. You can see all of their high performance tools when you visit www.onlinecarbide.com.

Posted September 7, 2021 04:18

Calendar September 6, 2021 09:08

Threads are an essential part of all sorts of components and connectors. From the pipes that feed water into our homes to the machines that make building those homes possible, threaded surfaces literally hold everything together. The process of cutting threads has taken many different forms over the years. Thanks to the popularity of CNC milling machines in the area of manufacturing, thread milling has become a popular way to add threaded surfaces to pipes and custom made components. If you want to thread mill efficiently it is important to know when to use single pitch thread mills.

Traditional thread making tools like taps and dies can have their drawbacks. They can take time and often require tool changes to produce threaded surfaces of different diameters and pitches. When chips fail to evacuate from these tools they can also cause some serious jams, potentially damaging the workpiece or the tool itself. Thread milling tools can tackle the same tasks in seconds with significantly less risk of the tool jamming or causing issues during the cut.

Some of the most common thread milling tools are known as full form tools. While these cutters are extremely fast and efficient, they are not always the best fit for a job. These thread cutting end mills have rows of sharp cutting teeth that are spaced to correspond to the desired thread pitch. When making a cut, the tool moves in a 360 degree angle while dropping the length of a thread pitch in order to form a uniform helical thread.

While this process allows threads to be cut in a second or less, it's still not always the best choice. Every full form tool can only cut threads with a uniform pitch, though they can be used to cut internal or external threads that are either left or right handed. These tools should only be used on very stable workpieces because they have a large cutting surface. If you have to deal with mixed thread sizes or unstable worpieces, then single pitch thread mills might be the best tools for the job.

Single pitch thread mills are designed with only a single cutting point instead of the full row of points found on a full form thread mill. This means that the tool has to trace along the entire threaded surface, which will take longer than using a full form tool. While the process might take a little longer, a single tool can create threads with a wide range of different pitch sizes, making them a great option. They can also be used to thread delicate surfaces like thin walled components and overhangs with ease.

If you are looking for some single pitch thread mills for your shop, then Online Carbide is the brand to check out. Their US made thread mills are second to none and are ground from high quality tool carbide stock. You can see their thread mills and all of their other cutting tools when you visit www.onlinecarbide.com.

Posted September 6, 2021 09:08

Calendar September 3, 2021 06:02

When it comes to accuracy, milling machines are truly amazing tools. They are capable of performing extremely complex operations very quickly to shockingly tight margins of error. Sadly certain longer cutting tools like drill bits are not always the most accurate when using these machines. Luckily using spot drills to your machining process can significantly improve how accurate your longer twist bits can be.

So what is the issue with drill bits? Simply put, the issue is tool vibration. All high speed tools oscillate slightly due to the centrifugal forces they are encountering. When the tool is long relative to their width like a drill bit, this effect can be a little more pronounced. This can lead to the tool having enough of an oscillation that the point of the bit will be swinging around the center of the bit's rotation.

When a bit that is oscillating contacts a hard surface, it can deflect instead of penetrating as intended. This can even cause the drill bit to walk off its mark entirely. Obviously this is a big issue, especially when accuracy is crucial on your workpiece. One of the best ways to improve your accuracy is to create a surface that will provide your drill bit with an easier location to drill. This can be achieved through spotting.

Spotting is the process of creating small dimples on the surface of a workpiece to mark the location of future holes. The process is almost like countersinking for a hole that does not exist yet. The best tool for spotting is a spot drill. Unlike your average drill bit, a spot drill is not designed to drill deep holes. Instead, they are limited to a fluted point that is made to cut cone shaped dimples into your workpiece. These tools are short by design, which makes them extremely stable. Carbide drills are a great option because carbide's structure is more rigid and tolerant of heat than other tool materials like high speed steel.

The process of spotting is usually quick and easy, all you need to do is make sure the spot drill has a point angle that is larger than or equal to the point angle of your longer twist drill bit. As long as this is the case, you can drill all of your spots so that your longer twist bits will hit their marks perfectly. It's also important to make sure that you are using a proper spotting drill and not a center drill or similar looking tool that often may have a smaller point angle.

If you need high quality spot drills for your shop, then you can find some high performance solid carbide options when you visit www.onlinecarbide.com. All of Online Carbide's tools are manufactured in America using high quality carbide stock. If you have any questions about any of the tools that they offer, feel free to reach out to a member of their team by sending an email to sales@onlinecarbide.com.

Posted September 3, 2021 06:02

Calendar August 30, 2021 05:58

If you are not already using TiAlN coated end mills, you might want to make the switch. End mills and other milling cutters have to tolerate extreme forces and temperatures, which can shorten their tool life. If you are not using coated tools, then you might not be getting the most out of your cutters.

End Mill Fatigue
All high speed tools have to deal with fatigue. The strain caused by friction at high speeds is immense and can even damage your tools. This is particularly true with end mills made from steel alloys due to the fact that their hardness is directly related to the temperature at which they are tempered. If the heat from friction rises above the tempering point, the structure of the metal can realign into a pattern that is not as hard, limiting the effectiveness of its edges.

One way to avoid this is to use tools made from carbide, which get their cutting power from grains of carbide ceramic embedded in the tool stock instead of from heat tempering. Despite being more resistant to heat and lasting longer than steel tools, carbide tools will still fatigue over time. One of the best ways to extend the life of any milling cutter is to coat it in a material like TiAlN.

Titanium Aluminum Nitride
Known by its chemical shorthand TiAlN, titanium aluminum nitride is a special metastable tool coating. TiAlN coated end mills are capable of deflecting heat away from the body of the cutter and into the chips. One of the biggest benefits of TiAlN is the fact that it has a low coefficient of friction, which helps to limit wear resistance and less heat is generated. When heated, TiAlN produces a layer of aluminum oxide that helps to provide extra insulation during high heat applications.

Physical Vapor Deposition
Now when you think of a tool coating, you might worry that the thickness of the coating material could interfere with the sharpness of the tool's edge. This would certainly be the case if we were talking about a coating that was crudely applied like paint, but tool coatings are deposited using physical vapor deposition. There are several techniques that are used but all involve placing the tools into a vacuum, vaporizing the coating material, and then having it resolidify on the tool surface. The major advantage of this is that a stable coating that is a fraction of a millimeter is achieved. Because the process takes place in a vacuum, the coating bonds directly to the body of the tool and offers incredible protection.

If you are interested in having tools that can run faster and last longer, then the TiAlN coated end mills available from Online Carbide are the perfect option. These tools are precision ground in the Us from high quality carbide and treated with titanium aluminum nitride TiAlN coating to offer a smooth surface finish that can withstand high temperatures. All of their tools are available at manufacturer direct prices when you visit their online store at www.onlinecarbide.com.

Posted August 30, 2021 05:58

Calendar August 27, 2021 02:20

Milling machines are amazing pieces of machinery for several reasons. Using specialized cutting tools, a computer guided milling machine can perform extremely complex jobs in a fraction of the time that it would take using other machines. One of the downsides to operating at high speeds is the fact that it can often lead to extremely loud tool chatter. The best way to cut down on chatter without slowing down production is to switch to variable end mills.

Tool chatter is a noise caused by the vibrations of your cutting tools. The effects of chatter can vary dramatically depending on the materials being cut, the end mill being used, and the speed and feed rates being used. All tools vibrate at high speeds because even very solid feeling materials like metals are actually flexible. To imagine the issue at hand, picture what would happen if you spin a length of rope between your hands. The rope with flex and bow outward and the exact same thing happens with your cutting tools, albeit to a lesser degree.

The tool paths being used by your machine cannot perfectly account for this effect. This means that your tools are swinging into and impacting the workpiece constantly, occasionally putting a large amount of strain on both the tool and the edge of the workpiece. Because these tiny impacts are occurring a fraction of a second apart, the sound that they make combines into a high pitch screeching sound.

Operating at lower speeds can help to reduce tool chatter, but it will also cost you time. If you want to maintain a fast paced production without having to deal with the ear splitting noise, then using a variable end mill might be the perfect solution. The idea of these tools is that they are designed to be slightly asymmetrical. This leads to the impact forces between cuts being slightly different.

So what is the advantage of asymmetry in your end mills? It's easiest to explain by imagining the process of dribbling a basketball. When you dribble a ball, you apply the same force every time the ball reaches your hand, which leads to a stable rhythm. That is the same thing that happens to your tools. When the impact force is uniform and the timing is evening spaced, the tool builds an internal oscillation that amplifies the vibrations. Variable end mills apply uneven forces, which makes it harder for the tool to reach a consistent rhythm. By breaking up those regular internal forces, you can reduce chatter and harmonics.

If you are tired of dealing with tool chatter, then adding some variable end mills to your arsenal is the perfect way to keep the volume down without slowing down production. You can find high performance variable helix end mills when you visit www.onlinecarbide.com. All of Online Carbide's tools are manufactured in the US from high quality solid carbide stock and are available at manufacturer direct prices. Pay them a visit if you are looking to save big on the tools that your shop needs.

Posted August 27, 2021 02:20

Calendar August 16, 2021 01:31

When it comes to manufacturing materials, aluminum is a perfect option for many pieces. Aluminum alloys tend to offer an ideal balance between strength and weight, making them an obvious choice for many custom components. For machinists who want to work with aluminum, having the right tools is essential. When you have the right end mills for aluminum, you can get great results every time.

Milling machines are capable of operating at high speeds and when machining aluminum, speed is everything. Operating at low speeds and feeds can slow down production time and end up costing you money, especially when you have production quotas to meet. One of the best ways to speed up production times is to use tools that are designed to facilitate high metal removal rates.

When making cuts, end mills produce chips and fling them away from the workpiece. This process is known as chip evacuation and is part of what makes aluminum such a unique material. While hard materials like steel form extremely small chips, aluminum is known to form longer chips. This is due to the fact that aluminum is soft and flexible. Instead of snapping into small uniform chips, end mills for aluminum tend to cut long ribbons of aluminum in place of the usual small chips.

The size of these aluminum chips makes them particularly difficult to evacuate. If the chips are not thrown clear of the cutter, they can cause serious problems. Aluminum is soft enough to be continuously cut as it builds around the end mill. This can create finely powdered aluminum at the base of the tool which, when combined with the heat of high speed machining, can form a mass of aluminum that can jam your cutter. This process can seriously damage your tools and your workpiece.

In order to facilitate easy chip evacuation, end mills for aluminum are designed with widely spaced flutes. Typically these tools will only have two or three flutes instead of the high flute count seen in tools that are intended for cutting steel and other hard materials. This provides ample room for chips to clear the flutes and prevent jams. Most flute designs for aluminum cutting tools will also feature high helix angles. This will put more upward force on the chips and help keep the cutter clear of aluminum chips.

If you are trying to find the best end mills for aluminum, then it is worth looking into solid carbide end mills. These cutters have a superior tool life when compared to steel tools because their sharp cutting edges come from ceramic carbide. This material is extremely resistant to heat fatigue, which means that you can operate your carbide cutters at high speeds without risking their lifespan. You can find high performance carbide end mills designed specifically for working with aluminum when you visit www.onlinecarbide.com. All of their tools are manufactured in the US and are always available at manufacturer direct prices.

Posted August 16, 2021 01:31

Calendar August 13, 2021 03:22

Spot drills and center drills are part of any drilling and machining operation. One of the most important aspects of machining parts is to drive holes with laser precision accuracy. You know that a hole that is off by a tenth of a millimeter can render a part useless, and there are no “undo” hotkeys in this business.

The problem is that twist drills or “jobbers” tend to “walk-off” when they first come in contact with a surface, especially when milling hard metal and alloys, no matter how tightly secured they are to the spindle. This happens because they are usually longer and more flexible than stub and spot drills.

Center Drills
Now, many CNC enthusiasts like using center drills for spotting since they are usually cheaper, and easier to find. However, the intended function of a center drill is to create a hole that helps secure a part in a lathe.

I can see why it might be the first pick for many when they understand the importance of spotting, as the pilot tip might suggest that it is its main purpose. However, if your operation requires a lot of spotting, the brittle center drill tip will not last too long.

There is one other problem: the countersink. When you're spotting, you want a hole angle that is equal to or greater than the twist drill angle. If the opening is too narrow, the recently drilled dimple will be a death trap for your bits, especially if they´re carbide-coated.

Now, it does not mean that center drills are not good for spotting. They do a good job as long as you only use the tip of the pilot, and don't abuse the tool. As we said before, the tip is very brittle and can only take you so far.

Spot Drills
True spot drills are the perfect tool for the job. They are chubby and rigid and generally provide the perfect anchorage for your jobber. The chunky shank helps to keep the tip right on target, providing maximum accuracy, and preventing it from walking off.

Some might say that spot drills are not necessary, or even detrimental if you´re using carbide drills. However, longer drill bits with carbide-coated tips are still too flexible and will deflect off or even start a hole at the wrong angle.

So, what's the solution?
Just remember that the tip angle of your twist drill must at least match that of your spot drill. That is the best way to protect your sharp carbide edges to come in contact with tapered angles that can damage your carbide tips. A matching point angle will help your tool find purchase quickly and engage the material right off the bat.

There seem to be very few trustworthy spotting drill bit suppliers. If you want excellent customer service and really durable tools, visit www.onlinecarbide.com. They manufacture all of their carbide bits and have plenty of spot drills to choose from.

 

Posted August 13, 2021 03:22

Calendar June 16, 2021 05:55

Using CNC milling machines to make custom components has helped to revolutionize several industries. If you work with milling machines, then you know just how quickly milling cutters can wear out due to fatigue. These tools work hard and many operators try to save money by buying carbide end mill sets. Most of these sets will include several different sizes of specific cutting tools so no single tool has to do all of the work.

Advantages of Carbide End Mills
One of the best things about buying carbide end mill sets is the fact that carbide tools last longer than tools manufactured from steel alloys. While carbide may look metallic, the superior cutting power of these tools actually comes from the ceramic tungsten carbide powder within the tool's surface. This ceramic material is cemented in place with metal to create a material that has the impact resistance of metal and the rigidity and cutting power of ceramics.

Though this material is a composite, tools ground entirely from carbide are referred to as solid carbide to differentiate them from tools that are metallic with carbide inserts. An added bonus of using solid carbide tools is the fact that the ceramic content itself is virtually unaffected by high temperatures. This means that you can run carbide tools at higher speeds and feeds than tools made from high speed steel and other metallic alloys.

Carbide End Mill Sets
Many manufacturers offer sets of solid carbide tools. These sets will include multiple sizes that can be used for different milling applications. Typically buying carbide end mill sets is a good way to get a variety of options all at once so you can get a lot of different jobs done using the same types of tools. This is beneficial for the machinist because when you know how a tool performs, it's easy to find other applications for the same tool in different sizes.

There are a few downsides to buying full sets of carbide tools. The biggest concern is where your tools are coming from. A lot of end mill sets are manufactured overseas and may not be made of the highest quality materials. Poor manufacturing can lead to tools with a shorter tool life so it is always better to find US manufacturers with high standards when buying tools. The other issue with buying full sets of end mills is figuring out what to do when one dulls before the others. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a replacement for a single piece of the set. When that happens you need to find another supplier that offers high quality solid carbide end mills.

Luckily for machinists who find themselves in this predicament, there is Online Carbide. At www.onlinecarbide.com you will find a great selection of US made solid carbide end mills and drill bits at manufacturer direct prices. So if you need to replace a piece of your carbide end mill set, pay their online store a visit to find some amazing high performance milling tools.

Posted June 16, 2021 05:55

Calendar May 27, 2021 06:26

When it comes to getting the most out of your milling machines, using the right tools is essential. Production is all about speed and using the wrong tools can cost you valuable time and potential damage both your equipment and your workpiece. Speed is part of what makes aluminum such a popular material for production, as it is a soft but sturdy metal. If you are trying to machine aluminum properly then you need to know how to find the best end mills for aluminum.

As we just mentioned, aluminum is a softer metal. With that softness come some physical differences between aluminum and harder materials like steel and iron. One of the things that really sets aluminum apart is its flexibility. When steel is cut by a high speed end mill, the cut portion is rigid enough to bend and snap, forming small chips. With aluminum, the increased flexibility means that the chips can bend longer before finally breaking.

So what does this mean for machinists? Simply put, the big chips from aluminum can be hard to remove from the cutting area and they can build up and clog tools. In order to avoid complications caused by the larger chip size, the best end mills for aluminum are specially designed to maximize the ability of the tool to remove chips from the cutting area.

The first step in achieving this goal is to use end mills with low flute counts. Milling cutters that are designed for cutting steel typically have more flutes to spread out the cutting force across the tool. End mills for aluminum typically have 3 flutes, providing ample room between the cutting edges for chip evacuation.

In addition to having fewer flutes, the angles of these flutes are also different from other tools. A higher helix angle puts more upward force on chips and helps to clear them from the base of the cutter. Using a cutter with a helix angle above 35 degrees is recommended for machining aluminum.

Finally, you need to look at the material of your end mill. Steel tools are commonly used because they are affordable, but they can dull quickly. This is especially true for tools operating at high speeds. That is what makes carbide tools the superior option. Carbide tools are made up of a composite material of powdered ceramic cemented together with a binding metal like cobalt. Carbide maintains an edge for longer and is extremely strong and rigid. Many of the best end mills for aluminum will also feature a gold colored ZrN coating. This material lowers the end mill's coefficient of friction, preventing aluminum chips from sticking and providing superior evacuation compared to uncoated tools.

If you are trying to find the best end mills for aluminum, then Online Carbide is a great manufacturer to check out. They offer a wide range of solid carbide end mills and drill bits at manufacturer direct prices. You can see all of their high quality, American made tools when you visit their website at www.onlinecarbide.com.

Posted May 27, 2021 06:26

Calendar May 26, 2021 03:18

One of the most common ways to purchase milling cutters is to invest in a carbide end mill set. Most of these sets feature several different sizes of a single style of end mill. This makes them a great choice for machinists who want to have a wide selection of different size options when performing a task. When it comes to purchasing a new set of end mills, there are a few important considerations to make.

Milling machines have helped to revolutionize the production of custom components. Often a single component can require several tool changes to perform all of the cuts necessary. When it comes to milling, there are a wide range of different cutting tools that can be used for different tasks. If you already know the type of cutter that you need, there should be a great selection of sets available. Your best option when choosing an end mill set is to look for tools manufactured from solid carbide.

Carbide is an excellent tool material because it is wear resistant and can handle extremely high temperatures. This is because tool carbide is actually a composite material, despite the fact that it may look metallic. The actual carbide in a carbide tool is a powdered ceramic material. This powder is cemented together using a binding metal such as cobalt.

The composite nature of carbide gives the tools the strength of metal and the hardness and heat resistance of ceramics. Because carbide is harder and more rigid than steel, it is the ideal tool material when it comes to milling harder materials like steel and cast iron. If you want tools that can work faster and last longer, then carbide is really the obvious choice.

In addition to choosing carbide tools, it's also important to find a set from a manufacturer that you can trust. There are a lot of cheap carbide end mill sets available from manufacturers overseas. Sadly not all tools are made equal. Low quality carbide can lead to unexpected tool failures due to poor quality control. When you order tools from domestic manufacturers, you gain a little extra peace of mind that your tools will be able to perform and that you will be able to reach the manufacturer during your regular business hours if you have any issues.

Even when you have an incredible carbide end mill set, you will probably notice that some sizes in the set will be used more than others. When this happens, it can sometimes be difficult to find an exact replacement without purchasing a completely new set. If you need a place to purchase high quality single end mills to replace worn out pieces in your favorite sets, then Online Carbide might be the perfect solution. They are an American tool manufacturer specializing in drill bits and end mills. All of their tools are available at manufacturer direct prices so you can get a great deal on the tools that your shop needs.

Posted May 26, 2021 03:18