Micro end mill for deep holes machining

Deep milling is a well-known constraint in chip removal machining. While this type of milling requires simple parameter adjustment with large tools, the situation is quite different for end mills with a cutting diameter of less than 1 mm.

New part designs are arriving in workshops as large depths need to be micro-machined using end mills with very small diameters.

Vibration problems, tool breakage and poor-quality machining can occur.

Louis Bélet has addressed the problem for its customers to offer them a reliable and economical solution that focuses on the three materials most commonly used in the med tech sector:

• Titanium
• Stainless steel
• Cobalt chrome

Tests have been conducted on a “Torx” screw socket, which is a good example of real deep milling applications. The aim is to combine a long service life with a high chip removal rate.

Numerous prototype iterations – bringing together substrates, grinding geometries, coatings and cutting parameters – have resulted in an effective micro end mill in all three materials mentioned above.

A great deal of effort was also made on the joining area between the cutting part and the shank. A specific curvature was developed to maintain a high level of rigidity and to dampen vibrations, all the while providing sufficient clearance to avoid touching the milled walls and to release chips.

We supply diameters of Ø 0.20 to Ø 1.00 mm as standard

Example of cutting parameters tested with a Ref. 1450 Ø 0.5 mm end mill:

Lastly, let’s hear what customers who have already used these end mills have to say:

“No burrs”

“An impeccable surface finish”

“Phenomenally better”