Milling closed pockets or angles

Closed angles, less than 90 degrees, are a common component feature in pockets and cavities. A 4- or 5-axis machine is needed to machine a closed angle.

Milling a blisk impeller is one
application example of milling closed angles.

Use a 4-axis machine:

• If only one side of the pocket has a closed angle and the bottom shape is flat

Use a 5-axis machine:

• If there are corners with closed angles on both sides
• If the bottom profile has a radius

How to mill closed pockets or angles

Machining recommendation

1. Prior to radius machining, shoulder milling of the wall should be performed with a square end mill for best stability.
2. The radius is machined with a ball nose end mill.

Use a square end mill for
best stability when machining
the peripheral wall.

The final machining of the radius
should be performed with a conical
ball nose end mill.