Fast Facts: The advantages of using multifunctional milling tools

Photo courtesy of Emuge.

Dan Doiron, milling product manager, Emuge Corp., West Boylston, Mass., explains how shops can benefit from opting for a multifunctional milling tool.

Canadian Metalworking: What are the advantages of using multifunctional tools?

Dan Doiron: When it comes to defining multifunctional milling tools, it is difficult because all milling tools are multifunctional. Our Emuge general-purpose end mill, designed as a finishing/roughing mill, is universal in all material applications. CAD/CAM systems have transformed most tools into a high-efficiency milling (HEM) tool, making a general tool a high-end tool.

For a small shop producing parts of low-volume quantities along with different materials and running different parts all the time, this is a great value. The general idea for HEM is to utilize as much of the flute length as possible and take light radial passes at a much faster feed rate than the traditional way.

CM: What are the disadvantages of using multifunctional tools?

Doiron: I think the biggest disadvantage is not having one. Every shop should have one, especially when a new project enters the shop. These are opportunities to implement new strategies and explore different manufacturing practices. Shops should revisit those legacy parts that have been in production for several years to take the time and go through each process and compare the tooling to what is available currently. Tooling technology is always advancing and improving. Sometimes it can be something as simple as a new coating being introduced.

Emuge Corp., www.emuge.com

For more on this topic check out our latest article The versatility of multifunctional tools.