End Mills: Requirements Versus Standards

High-speed steel end mills were performing inconsistently in ferrous and nonferrous applications at Texas Instruments (TI). Tool manufacturing processes and related geometries were surveyed to determine how they affected performance, inventory, product quality, and cost. Using the survey results and subsequent tests, tool geometries were identified and TI's tooling standards were developed. With standardization and consistent cutter geometry, CNC regrinding became practical. An internal CNC regrinding and distribution facility was established to take advantage of the new capabilities.