What is an end mill primarily used for in machining?

An end mill is primarily used for cutting complex shapes and profiles in materials. Unlike a drill bit, which is designed solely for creating cylindrical holes, the end mill features cutting edges on both the sides and the end of the tool. This versatility allows it to engage in side milling, face milling, and even contouring, making it ideal for machining intricate shapes, slots, and surfaces.

End mills are particularly valuable in milling operations where precision and detail are required. The design of an end mill enables it to achieve high cutting speeds and excellent surface finishes, essential for producing detailed parts in various industries. Its ability to cut on the sides allows it to create features such as pockets, fillets, and contours, which are common in advanced machining tasks, therefore illustrating its primary role in the machining process.