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The difference between Thread Mill Cutter and Taper End Mill

The difference between Thread Mill Cutter and Taper End Mill

2025-09-27

Definition

Thread Mill Cutter

A cutting tool specifically designed for machining internal and external threads.
Threads are formed by CNC-controlled helical or circular interpolation.

Taper End Mill

An end mill with a tapered body (diameter gradually changes from the shank to the tip).
Mainly used for molds, cavities, 3D contouring, and angled surface machining.

Key Differences

Aspect	Thread Mill Cutter	Taper End Mill
Function	Specially for thread machining (internal & external)	For machining tapered surfaces, cavities, angled or 3D surfaces
Tool Structure	Small diameter, multiple flutes, cutting edges designed for thread profile	Tapered body, cutting edges vary with diameter
Cutting Path	CNC circular/helical interpolation to form threads	Conventional milling paths for taper or contour shapes
Accuracy	High precision thread machining	Depends on taper requirement and tool geometry
Applications	Thread holes, pipe threads, aerospace components, hard material threading	Mold cavities, tapered holes, chamfers, complex 3D machining

Examples

Thread Mill Cutter: Used for machining M6, M8, UNC, NPT threads.
Taper End Mill: Used for mold draft angles, tapered slots, engraving, and 3D contour surfaces.