If you're into designing your own PCBs using Eagle or KiCad and want to bring them to life, a CNC mill is a must - have. It can precisely route out PCBs by cutting away copper trace outlines. These carbide square end mills were first ordered for use with an Othermill, but they're versatile and work great in many precision CNC machines. Unlike regular PCB drill bits, end mills offer more flexibility. Drill bits can only cut axially (up and down on the PCB), while end mills can move in any direction - side to side, up and down. The cutting part is made of tungsten carbide, ideal for circuit board cutting and also suitable for some soft metals and other materials. Each end mill is super sharp, with high hardness, wear - resistance, and strength, which helps a lot when cutting through PCBs. It has a relatively long flute of about 5mm. Even though it's longer than usual, these mill bits work well and are affordable to replace if they break. Remember, carbide bits will dull after continuous use. We found that each bit can cut for about 5 hours before needing replacement. This product comes with one 0.5mm carbide end mill in a protective plastic case.
Using this carbide end mill is quite straightforward. First, make sure your CNC machine is set up properly and the bit is installed securely. When using it on a PCB, you can move it in different directions as needed for precise cutting. Since it can cut through soft metals too, you can use it for other small - scale metal - working projects. As for maintenance, after each use, clean the end mill gently with a soft brush to remove any debris. Store it in the provided protective plastic case to prevent damage. Keep in mind that the bit will get dull after about 5 hours of cutting on PCBs. When you notice a decrease in cutting performance, it's time to replace the bit. Don't force the bit to cut when it's dull, as it can damage both the bit and your workpiece.
