Niagara Cutter N59635 Carbide Ball Nose End Mill, Inch, Uncoated (Bright) Finish, Roughing and Finishing Cut, 30 Degree Helix, 2 Flutes, 1.5" Overall Length, 0.008" Cutting Diameter, 0.125" Shank Diameter

The Niagara Cutter MEB230 miniature uncoated carbide ball nose end mill has two flutes and a 30-degree helix to create the intricate cuts needed for precision industries such as electronics and medical-device manufacturing. The two flutes have better chip-carrying capacity than end mills with more flutes. The 30-degree helix balances lower angles’ strong cutting edge for difficult-to-machine materials with higher angles’ increased cutting action. This allows efficient cuts in the materials common in precision industries such as stainless steel and reinforced plastic. The ball end is suited for contouring applications where sharp edges are not required, and the center-cutting design allows the tool to plunge into the workpiece like a drill bit.

The carbide substrate is harder than high-speed or cobalt steel, making it more wear resistant at high speeds and providing longer tool life. With no coating or surface treatment, it features just the base material to help the miniature mill retain its sharp edges and tight tolerances. The tool has a total indicated runout (TIR) of + or - 0.0002”. This measurement defines the positional accuracy of the end mill’s horizontal movement from the shank to the cutting edge. To increase rigidity and ensure low runout, the tool should be held by a precision holder. Cutting diameter tolerance is + or - 0.0005”. All sizes have an overall length of 1 1/2” and a shank diameter of 1/8”.

End mills are designed to remove material and create multi-dimensional shapes and profiles. They have cutting edges along the outside diameter and flutes that remove chips from the cutting area and allow cooling fluids to enter. If heat is not reduced effectively, the tool’s cutting edges will dull and additional material buildup can occur. The number of flutes can range from two to eight. Two-flute designs offer the most efficient chip removal, but more flutes provide a smoother finish. The shank is the end of the tool held in place by a tool holder or machine. Center-cutting end mills can create three-dimensional shapes and profiles, and make plunge cuts similar to a drill bit. Non-center-cutting end mills are for applications such as peripheral milling and finishing, but cannot make plunge cuts.

Niagara Cutter has been designing and manufacturing precision cutting tools for over 50 years. Specializing in end mills, cutting mills, and saws, the company manufactures all of its tools at its two facilities in the USA. This allows the company complete control over production, an essential benefit for customers in a variety of industries, especially aerospace and automotive.