Shoulder milling

Work related to shoulder milling varies across a wide range of applications, and success in these tasks requires both expertise and the use of appropriate tools. Various types of angle milling tasks include corner/face milling, side milling/circular milling, and shoulder milling of thin and flexible walls. The requirements and efficiency criteria for each type vary, but all require careful planning and execution.

Shoulder/face milling involves machining two surfaces simultaneously with the goal of creating an accurate 90-degree angle. Achieving this requires precise alignment of both the milling cutter and the workpiece. The essential factor for the mill is its ability to perform both peripheral and face milling, which can be challenging when deep shoulders or complex shapes are involved.

Choosing an shoulder milling cutter is one of the most critical decisions when performing shoulder milling tasks, and there are numerous options. In addition to traditional shoulder and face mills and disc mills are available, each offering various advantages for different types of jobs. It is important to evaluate the characteristics of each tool concerning the requirements of the workpiece and select the most suitable option for the task.

Ordinary shoulder mills are general-purpose tools whose ability to achieve a “precise” 90-degree angle depends on the depth of the shoulder. Shoulder mills are also well-suited for machining holes and pocket-like shapes, making them versatile tools for a variety of tasks.

Endmills, whether indexable, solid carbide, or high-speed steel models, offer solutions when extra reach is needed for shoulder milling. They are best suited for situations requiring deeper cuts or access to tight areas. Their strength lies in their ability to produce precise and clean finishes, which is crucial in the manufacture of complex workpieces.

The choice for deep shoulder machining is often a long-edge milling cutter, whose indexable inserts are arranged in multiple rows along the circumference of the mill. This design enables a greater depth of cut and makes long-edge milling cutters suitable tools for demanding milling jobs. Long-edge milling cutters are particularly effective where high cutting depths are needed, making them indispensable tools, especially in medium and heavy machining.

The success of shoulder milling requires not only the selection of the right mill but also the importance of meticulous and careful planning. The material, shape, and requirements of the workpiece determine the milling strategy and tool selection. Additionally, machining parameters such as cutting speed, feed per tooth, and other parameters need to be optimized to achieve the best possible result.