A ball (ball-nose) mill has a hemispherical tip and is CAM Assist's go-to cutter for 3D contouring, finishing curved surfaces and machining fillets.
ℹ️ Every tool also shows Name, Description, Tool type, Allowed uses and Allowed stock materials above the geometry sections — see the overview.
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Use this key to understand what each input value controls on the tool.
1. Diameter (DC)The full diameter of the cutting portion of the tool.
2. Depth of cut maximum (APMX)The maximum axial cutting length available. From the tool tip up to the end of the cutting portion.
3. Flute count (ZEFP)
The number of cutting flutes (cutting edges) on the tool.
4. Corner radius (RE)The radius on the bottom cutting corner of the tool.
5. Overall length (OAL)The full physical length of the tool from the tip to the machine-side end.
6. Connection diameter machine side (DCONMS)The diameter of the machine-side shank that fits into the holder or spindle.
7. Protruding length (LPR)The length the tool protrudes from the holder in an assembly (stickout).
8. Usable length (LU)The usable reach of the tool before the shank or shoulder may interfere. Usable length (LU) determines the maximum reach of the tool in the axial direction before the shank or shoulder interferes with the workpiece. If the cutter is not reaching the bottom of a pocket or against a wall, it is typically because the usable length is insufficient.
9. Neck diameter (DN)The diameter of the reduced neck (relief) section behind the cutting portion for clearance.
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Main cutting geometry
| Sizing mode | Whether to define the ball by its diameter or its corner radius. For a true ball nose the two are linked (radius = ½ diameter); enter whichever you have and the other follows. |
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Diameter DC
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The cutting diameter. A primary driver of feeds, speeds and stepover. |
Corner radius RE
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The tip radius. For a full ball nose this equals half the diameter; it defines the floors and fillets the tool can produce. |
Depth of cut max APMX
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The deepest the tool can cut in a single axial pass; usually the flute length. |
Flute count ZEFP
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Number of cutting edges around the periphery. Directly scales the feed rate. |
Non-cutting geometry
Overall length OAL
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Total length from the holder face to the tip. |
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Connection diameter machine side DCONMS
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The shank/connection diameter where the tool meets the holder. |
Protruding length LPR
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The tool's default protruding length (stickout); assemblies can override it. |
Relief / shank geometry
Usable length LU
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The length below the holder that can be brought into the cut. |
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| Shank mode | Basic for a simple neck, or Advanced for a stepped body profile. |
Neck diameter DN Basic |
Reduced neck diameter for clearance in deep features. |
| Body segments Advanced | A multi-step body profile (diameters, lengths, taper angles). |
Tool materials
Tool material BMC
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The cutter substrate (e.g. carbide, HSS). |
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Coating COATN
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The coating name/designation, if any. |
Coating property CTP
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Whether the tool is coated. |
Grade identification GRDID
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The manufacturer's grade. |
Supplementary cutting geometry
Flute helix angle FHA
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Helix angle of the flutes. |
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Coolant supply CSP
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Whether the tool has through-tool coolant. |
Rake angle radial GAMF
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Radial rake angle of the cutting edge. |
Chip breaker CBMD
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Chip breaker's manufacturer designation, if fitted. |
Connection code type machine side CCTMS
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Standardised connection/interface code on the machine side. |
Optional details
Manufacturer BRAND
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Tool maker. |
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Manufacturer part number DES
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Catalogue/part number. |
Flute length LCF
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Length of the fluted (chip) section. |
Tool assembly length LTA
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Overall length of the assembled tool. |
Functional length LF
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Functional length of the tool. |
Face edge count ZEFF
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Number of cutting edges effective on the end face. |
Cutting diameter maximum DCX
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The largest diameter the tool cuts at. |
Shank length LS
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Length of the shank. |
Ramping angle maximum RMPX
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The steepest ramp angle the tool can plunge at. |
Tool lead angle PSIR
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The lead (approach) angle presented by the cutting edge. |
Cutting pitch differential CPDF
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Whether the flutes use variable (differential) pitch. |