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Tool Geometry: Cut and Spiral

Every week we have conversations with customers about how to customize tool designs to help achieve ideal machining environments and meet performance goals. Sometimes the projects are straightforward, requiring consistency and repeatability. Other times, projects may include complex features, high volume production requirements, or demanding materials. One thing that all projects need - chip evacuation.

On end mills, the directions of the cut and spiral determine how and where the chips evacuate the cutting area. When the directions are the same as each other (RH cut/RH spiral, or LH cut/LH spiral), the chips will exit out the top and move to either the right or left of the cutting area. When the directions are opposite (RH cut/LH spiral, LH cut/RH spiral), the chips will exit out the bottom and move to either the right or left of the cutting area. Whichever combination is utilized, the goal is the same – get chips out of the way so that the tool can work efficiently.

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