How to measure the depth of end milling cutter?

Measuring the depth of an end mill (i.e., depth of cut) usually involves a direct measurement of the machined surface on the workpiece. Here are some common ways to measure end milling depth:

First, use vernier calipers or depth vernier calipers

Vernier caliper:

Measurement steps:

Cleaning parts and measuring tools: Before measuring, ensure that the surface of the workpiece and the measuring surface of the vernier caliper are clean and free of impurities, so as not to affect the measurement accuracy.

Positioning the measuring position: Place one measuring claw of the vernier caliper on the unmachined surface of the workpiece (i.e. the datum) and the other measuring claw on the bottom of the machined surface.

Read the measured value: According to the reading method of the vernier caliper, read the distance between the two measuring claws, that is, the cutting depth.

Depth vernier calipers:

Measurement steps:

Cleaner parts and gauges: It is also necessary to ensure that the measuring surface of the workpiece and depth vernier calipers are clean.

Insert depth ruler: Insert the main ruler of the depth vernier caliper into the slot or hole in the workpiece until the base level of the ruler frame is against the unmachined surface of the workpiece (datum).

Measure depth: Screw the screw tightly and then read the measured value on the depth vernier caliper, which is the cutting depth.

Second, use a micrometer (outside micrometer)

Measurement steps:

Select the right micrometer: According to the approximate range of the cutting depth, select the appropriate outer diameter micrometer.

Cleaning parts and measuring tools: Ensure that the workpiece surface and the measuring surface of the micrometer are clean.

Measure the depth of cutting: Place the measuring surface of the micrometer on the bottom of the machined surface and the surface that is not machined (datum surface), turn the differential cylinder, so that the micrometer screw end face contacts the workpiece surface until the ratchet makes a sound, and then read the measured value.

Third, use other special measuring tools

Coordinate Measuring machine (CMM) : For high-precision depth of cut measurement, a coordinate measuring machine can be used. This device can accurately measure the three-dimensional coordinates of the workpiece surface, so as to calculate the depth of cutting.

Laser measuring instrument: Some advanced laser measuring instrument can also be used to measure the depth of cutting, through the laser beam irradiation of the workpiece surface and receive the reflected signal, calculate the depth of cutting.

Fourth, precautions

Measurement position: To ensure that the measurement position is accurate, usually choose to measure on the datum plane of the workpiece to avoid measurement errors.

Measuring tool selection: According to the size of the cutting depth and accuracy requirements, choose the appropriate measuring tool.

Measurement accuracy: During the measurement process, attention should be paid to maintaining the vertical and parallel of the measuring tool and the workpiece surface to ensure the measurement accuracy.

Safe operation: During the measurement process, pay attention to safe operation to avoid accidental injury.

Through the above method, the end milling depth (cutting depth) of the end mill can be accurately measured, so as to provide accurate reference data for the subsequent processing.