Mechanized Numerics, a small machine shop in Ann Arbor, Mich., pitted two "high performance" aluminum-cutting endmills against each other for a slotting demonstration the shop filmed and posted to YouTube in January 2015. According to the shop's YouTube channel, MechNum CNC, the cutter and parameters filmed for each machnie were nearly identical.
"The only real difference between the two cutters was their coating. The Viper was stealth-coated while the other was ZrN-coated," MechNum CNC reported, noting that the coatings shouldn't have had any impact on the results given the conservative feedrate used for the demonstration: 0.004" per minute.
The Destiny Tool Viper "vastly outperformed the other," MechNum CNC observed. While acknowledging the demonstration was not scientific, the shop noted that it only wanted "to show people the ridiculous sound from supercharging an endmill that can't be supercharged under these conditions."
Mechanized Numerics offers aluminum and plastics production work, as well as prototyping services for general CNC workpieces.
Related Glossary Terms
- arbor
arbor
Shaft used for rotary support in machining applications. In grinding, the spindle for mounting the wheel; in milling and other cutting operations, the shaft for mounting the cutter.
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- endmill
endmill
Milling cutter held by its shank that cuts on its periphery and, if so configured, on its free end. Takes a variety of shapes (single- and double-end, roughing, ballnose and cup-end) and sizes (stub, medium, long and extra-long). Also comes with differing numbers of flutes.
- slotting
slotting
Machining, normally milling, that creates slots, grooves and similar recesses in workpieces, including T-slots and dovetails.
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