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This section provides an overview for general purpose milling cutters as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 26 general purpose milling cutter manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked general purpose milling cutter companies as of December, 2024: 1.Niagara Cutter, LLC, 2.Star SU LLC, 3.Hangzhou Chai Cutting Tools Co., Ltd.
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Categories Related to General Purpose Milling Cutters
A general-purpose milling cutter is a machine tool in which cutting tools such as milling cutters and end mills are mounted on a rotating shaft called the spindle. The cutting tool cuts the surface of the material while rotating the tool.
Cutting tools remove chips from the material surface by rotating the tool blade around the axis of rotation, creating a contact surface with the material, and removing chips along the contact surface. End mills have a cutting section at the tip and can machine holes in a direction perpendicular to the axis.
The tool position, direction of travel, depth of cut, and feed rate required for machining must be adjusted manually by the operator on a non-mechanized general-purpose milling cutter. On the other hand, with NC milling machines, which incorporate numerical control technology, these adjustments can be made automatically by computer.
General-purpose milling cutters are widely used machine tools for cutting materials and have a wide range of applications. For example, in addition to machining flat and curved surfaces, they can also be used for drilling, step machining, and groove cutting. In addition, although metal is often used as the work material, it is used for a wide variety of materials of any size that can be fixed to the milling machine.
Milling machines and end mills are used as tools. Compared to milling machines, end mills have a greater variety of cutting edges and shapes, and are used when more detailed cutting is required. It is important to select the most suitable tool for the machining purpose.
Unlike NC milling cutters equipped with CNC (computer numerical control) functions, general-purpose milling cutters require the operator to adjust the position of the tool and material manually, relative feed rate, and cutting depth.
In general, general-purpose milling cutters are widely used mainly in the manufacturing industry, but their use is not limited; they can also be used for DIY and hobby machining, allowing simple machining without the need for specialized knowledge.
General-purpose milling cutters are manually operated, allowing the operator to process material while adjusting the position of the tool. Conditions that can be adjusted by the operator include tool position, speed, and depth of cut. General-purpose milling cutters excel in manual operation and allow the operator to have a degree of freedom in machining.
NC milling machines build machining programs by importing 3D CAD data. As a result, material processing of complex shapes can be automated. General-purpose milling cutters, on the other hand, are capable of machining in small quantities and reflecting the skill of the operator.
To begin with, a milling machine is a machine tool that cuts and processes materials. It consists of a drill blade attached to a rotating shaft. The drill blade can be used to machine the flat or curved surface. In most cases, metal materials are used as the processing material. They are used for a variety of materials such as aluminum, brass, and stainless steel, all of which are of a size that can be fixed to the milling machine.
In addition, a tool called an end mill is used with the milling machine. Compared to milling, end mills have a greater variety of cutting edges and shapes, and are suitable for more detailed cutting operations. The most suitable tool should be selected according to the purpose of machining.
A general-purpose milling cutter is a type of machine tool that can cut materials in a way that is manually operated by the operator. The types can be broadly classified into two categories:
Horizontal milling machines are a type of milling machine that places material on a table and performs machining in a horizontal direction, with the tool moving from side to side. Horizontal milling machines can process large materials and are used for manufacturing parts for ships, aircraft, and automobiles. They are also highly efficient and safe because the operator does not need to get close to the material.
Vertical milling machines are a type of milling machine that performs machining vertically, with the tool moving up and down. Vertical milling machines are widely used in the machining field because they can process small and medium-sized materials. They can also process materials standing vertically and are excellent for drilling and groove cutting.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Niagara Cutter, LLC founded in Troy, Michigan, USA, in 1954, is a manufacturer of tools for aircraft, power generation, and general metalworking industry. The company manufactures products including carbide thread mills, cutters, diamond-coated end mills, and grinders. Its aluminum and non-ferrous end mills have an engineered flute shape designed for rigidity and chip space. The company is a subsidiary of Seco Tools, LLC and it also offers services of custom tooling. Its products are ISO-14001 certified.
Walter USA, Inc., established in 1919, is a manufacturer and supplier of cutting tools and precision machining solutions. Established in Düsseldorf and with its headquarters in Tübingen, the company provides tools like turning & grooving, holemaking, threading, milling, walter digital and customised solutions for industries such as the mechanical engineering sector, the automotive and energy industry, aviation and aerospace industry. Its product catalog includes around 45,000 standard tools and it offers efficient digital solutions.
Star SU, LLC was established in 1927 and is based in Chicago as a manufacturer of cutting tools and supplier of tool services. The company offers gear-cutting machine tools that have patent designs exclusive to them. Their selection of machines for this purpose includes Vertical Hobbing, Chamfer/Deburring, and Scudding Machines. The cutting tool category includes Gundrills, Carbide drills and Reamers, and PCD tools and the tool management services provided by the company cover all procedures required for tool resharpening and reconditioning. The industries served by Star SU LLC. include automotive, mining, oil & gas, aerospace, and many.
Mitsubishi Materials U.S.A. Corporation, is subsidiary of Mitsubishi Material Corporation, founded in Japan, in 1868, and is a distributor of metal products used in various industries. The company's product portfolio includes Turning Tools, Rotating Tools, Gear Tools and Environmentally Friendly Products. The company serves markets including Medical and Healthcare, Aerospace and Defense, Consumer Goods, Industrial Manufacturing and Construction and Building. They have global sales offices, distribution channels, R&D and a customer support center.
TaeguTec LTD. is based in Daegu, South Korea, and is a manufacturer of hard metal tools that was established in 1952 as Korea Tungsten Company before its rebranding and acquisition by the IMC group of companies. The company primarily produces a range of cutting tools for metalworking operations in the aerospace, automotive, and engineering industries. It also offers related industrial products such as hard metal tools and tungsten powder, and custom machining services for unique projects. The company chiefly serves clients in the oil and gas, power generation, and rail industries.
CNC-STEP GmbH & Co. KG is a manufacturer specializing in CNC machinery that is headquartered in Germany. Established in 2004, the company caters to sectors such as Manufacturing, Woodworking, Metalworking, Prototyping, and Engineering, among others. Its product range includes CNC Routers, Engraving Machines, Laser Cutters, Plasma Cutters, and 3D Printers. These precision-engineered solutions work in automating manufacturing processes, material shaping, and rapid prototyping across applications in industries that demand advanced CNC machinery for efficient production and fabrication purposes.
SECO, founded in Fagersta, Sweden is a supplier of metal cutting solutions for milling, stationary tools, holemaking and tooling systems. The company's product portfolio includes cutting tools, including drills, end mills, reamers, and inserts, CNC machining centers, Laser Cutting Systems, Waterjet Cutting Machines and Abrasive Cutting Tools. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, and Custom Manufacturing.
Gühring KG, established in 1898 in Albstadt, Germany, is a manufacturer of precision cutting tools for processing metals. The company produces a comprehensive range of products, including drills, end mills, taps, and reamers, that come with robust quality and precision. These cutting tools offer benefits such as optimal accuracy, durability, and improved machining performance, enabling customers to achieve efficient and precise results in their machining processes. The products cater to various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, and general engineering, where precision and stability are paramount.
Sumitomo Electric Hardmetal Corp., established in April 2003, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of cutting tools and laser optics. Based in Itami, Hyogo, Japan, the company offers a diverse range of products, including cemented carbide, CBN, and sintered diamond cutting tools under brands like IGETALLOY and SUMIBORON. Sumitomo Electric Hardmetal Corp. serves various industries by providing cutting-edge solutions for precision machining and laser processing. As a subsidiary of Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., the company upholds its rposition for innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Walter AG is headquartered in Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and is a manufacturer of metal machining tools that was founded in 1919 before being acquired by Sweden’s Sandvik AB in 2002. The company produces tools used in metal fabrication operations such as slot milling, finishing and drilling. These include adaptors for holding or clamping tools, turning tool tips for making grooves, and orbital drill thread milling cutters. The company’s products are used by tool and die shops, automotive manufacturers, and companies offering prototyping or engineering services.
SAU S.p.A., also known as Hermann Holzapfel GmbH & Co. KG, established in 1914 and headquartered in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a designer, manufacturer, and supplier of mechanical engineering products and tools. The company offers thousands of products, including modular boring tool systems, solid carbide milling cutters, and chucks. It also supplies a range of rotating accessories that are suitable for most tool machines. Its services include the manufacture of specialized products, tool calibration, and sharpening. It also offers storage and warehousing solutions to ongoing clients.
Gloor Precision Tools Ltd, established in 1959 and headquartered in Lengnau, Switzerland, is a manufacturer of carbide cutting tools. The company consults, manufactures, and resharpens solid carbide tools, including form, thread, and gear cutters. It offers thread tools with constant shape due to relief grinding and gear cutting tools designed with specialized software for precise profiles. Its tools feature logarithmically relief-ground angles for longevity and consistent profiles. The company excels in producing fine-toothed milling cutter profiles using a patented process. It supplies tools for medical, watchmaking, and locksmithing industries tailored to validated processes and compliance with industry standards.
De Boer Tool Ltd, established in 1996 in Canada, is a manufacturer and distributor of solid carbide cutting tools. The company has an 18,000-square-foot manufacturing facility equipped with modern tools and cutter grinders in Mississauga, Ontario. De Boer Tools is the authorized distributor of Mitutoyo Corporations, Sumitomo, Korloy, Big Kaiser, Morse, and VSM. The company's product portfolio includes thread mills, spacematic drills, drivematic drills, and custom cutting tools made with solid carbide. The company uses tools to serve the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.
TINH HA TRADING & SERVICE CO., LTD, established in 2002 and headquartered in Ha Noi, Vietnam, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision cutting tools, measurement tools, and a wide array of equipment catering to metalwork. The company offers an extensive product range, featuring advanced tools like the ZOLLER Presetting Machine, FARO Portable 3D Laser Scan and measuring machine, BIG Daishowa chuck system, Mitutoyo measuring tools, and Sumitomo cutting tools. These tools are instrumental in ensuring accuracy and efficiency in various metalworking applications.
Kyocera Corporation was incorporated in 1946 in Kyoto, Japan as Kyoto Ceramics, but the name was later shortened to Kyocera. Kyocera is a multinational manufacturer and distributor of consumer products as well as industrial components including ceramic and electronic components used in the semiconductor, wireless communications, electronics, and wireless communications markets. Kyocera’s consumer products line includes smartphones and kitchenware such as ceramic knives, cookware, and drinkware. Ceramics are used in semiconductors, solar photovoltaic modules, as well as cutting tools. Kyocera’s electronics cameras, LCDs, medical products, and more.
STANLEY Engineered Fastening, founded in 1910 and headquartered in Towson, Maryland, is a manufacturer and distributor of fastening and assembly solutions. The company caters to diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, and medical, offering a product range that comprises brackets for supporting structures, critical application fasteners like lockbolts and blind rivets, inserts for reinforcement, screws and bolts for fastening, and various types of hand tools for installation and removal of components. The company has multiple locations strategically positioned near its customers worldwide, including the USA, Germany, and Japan.
MAPAL Dr. Kress KG is an ISO 45001-certified precision tools manufacturer established in Aalen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, in 1950. The company offers milling tools for contouring and slotting with high efficiency, drilling tools for drilling different materials and diameters, and turning tools for reliably turning conical or cylindrical shapes. It also offers reaming tools for reaming holes to specific surface finishes or dimensions. The company’s products are commonly used in aerospace manufacturing, mechanical engineering, and woodworking operations.
Dormer Pramet, established in 1913 and based in Šumperk, Olomouc, Czech Republic, is a manufacturer and supplier of tools for the metal cutting industry. The company's product range includes rotary cutting tools, indexable cutting tools, hole-making tools, turning tools, milling tools, and threading tools. These products are employed in diverse metal-cutting applications in various production environments. The primary industries the company serves include industrial machinery manufacturing, metalwork, and precision tooling. The company also offers services such as training and advice, digital apps, online product selectors, and technical support.
Hoffmann SE is a supplier and distributor of quality tools, workshop equipment, and personal protective equipment that was established in 1919 and is based in Munich, Germany. The company’s product portfolio includes hand tools, power tools, measuring tools, clamping tools, cutting tools. The performance, excellence, and dependability of the tools, workshop equipment, and personal protective equipment have been carefully considered. The products are utilized in various industries, including metalworking, automotive, aerospace, jewelry, and electronics. Additionally, it is designed with energy efficiency and environmental compliance in mind.
MSC Industrial Supply Co. is based in New York, New York, USA, and is a distributor and supplier of metalworking products as well as maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) equipment that was established in 1941 as a subsidiary of MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. The company primarily produces holemakers such as reamers and taps, milling equipment such as face mills and indexable inserts, and fixed abrasives such as wheels and belts. It also offers safety equipment such as respirators, reflective signage, and protective eyewear. The company’s products are mainly used in industrial manufacturing operations, with additional applications in construction.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niagara Cutter, LLC |
7.2%
|
| 2 | Star SU LLC |
7.2%
|
| 3 | Hangzhou Chai Cutting Tools Co., Ltd |
6.3%
|
| 4 | Walter USA, Inc. |
6.3%
|
| 5 | Mitsubishi Materals U.S.A. Corporation |
5.4%
|
| 6 | De Boer Tool Ltd. |
5.0%
|
| 7 | Gloor Precision Tools Ltd |
4.5%
|
| 8 | TINH HA TRADING & SERVICE CO., LTD |
4.5%
|
| 9 | Hoffmann SE |
4.1%
|
| 10 | STANLEY Engineered Fastening. |
4.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the general purpose milling cutter page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
4 | 25.0% |
|
Japan
|
3 | 18.8% |
|
Germany
|
2 | 12.5% |
China
|
2 | 12.5% |
|
Republic of Korea
|
1 | 6.3% |
|
Sweden
|
1 | 6.3% |
|
Canada
|
1 | 6.3% |
|
Vietnam
|
1 | 6.3% |
|
United Kingdom
|
1 | 6.3% |
Nomura Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
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