In chapter 1 lesson 3, we take a closer look at the tools doing the actual cutting: end mills, and how they directly influence your designs.

We’ll break down the different types of end mills, including flat, ball, and chamfer, and how their shapes determine the kinds of features you can create. From there, we’ll explore tool anatomy like flutes, cutting edges, and the difference between side cutting and plunging. We’ll also cover common tool materials like carbide and high speed steel, along with coatings that affect performance, heat, and durability.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The different types of end mills and what they’re used for
• How tool geometry affects part features and design limits
• The role of flutes, cutting edges, and cutting direction
• Differences between carbide and high speed steel tools
• How coatings impact performance and material compatibility