The basic concept of machining in any CNC machine like CNC Lathe, Milling, Wirecut, EDM, etc. is better surface finishing with less cycle time and lowest cost. Many technical terms are affect for this. Cutting direction is one of those.
Cutting direction depends upon the rotation of flute. Many people do not even that how to set preferred cutting direction.
There are two types of cutting direction: Climb milling and Conventional milling. The difference between climb and conventional is relation between cutting direction means direction of feed and rotation of flutes of milling cutter. Lets take a small definition of climb and conventional milling and when to use it. Also in CAM software option for the climb, conventional and mix.
Climb Milling
Climb Milling also known as down milling. When the milling cutter comes to the workpiece the first flute removes maximum amount of material. As a result when rest flues comes to the workpiece, it gets less material than a first flute. So it decrease the chance of recutting and increase the tool life.
Due to removing of maximum material cause more chip. In climb direction chip is go away from the workpiece and milling cutter and removed behind the cutter. The rest of flutes do the smooth surface.
For better surface area and better finishing climb cut is mostly used. Climb cut reduce the wear of tooling and also reduce the vibration when L/D ratio is high. It generates less heat of tool. You can view the climb milling in below figure.
Conventional Milling
Conventional Milling also known as up milling. When the milling cutter arrives on the workpiece, the first flute cut off the material less than the last flute. Due to increase the vibration in milling cutter.
As a result, a chip is collected by the cutter and takes time to remove it. As the chip is filled in a cutter, finishing decreases. And when the chip gathers, its generates heat in the cutter. It reduce the life of cutter and increase the chances of breakdown. You can view the Conventional milling in below fig.
