Pocketing application considerations and tooling

High-feed tooling is typically your quickest pocketing solution, especially when coupled with a constant-ramp profile tool path. If a smoother wall finish is required, either of Dapra's shoulder milling options is a solid choice. If you prioritize edge economy, a strong cutting edge, and semi-aggressive cutting, our Toroid round/button inserts work very well. Common pocket milling applications include:

  • Open or closed pockets
  • Through or blind pockets
  • Round, rectangular, or polygon pockets
  • Straight-walled or tapered pockets

If you have questions about the best tool choice and parameters for your application, please contact us!



Recommended Tooling for Pocketing:

RHINO-FEED high-feed milling series

RHINO-FEED™ High-Feed Milling Series

  • Ultra-fast feed rates at light depth of cut
  • Productive for light-duty / lower HP machines
  • Long tool life
  • Axial tool pressure - very stable, even in long-reach applications
  • Z-level rough or constant ramp profile
  • Will leave rougher wall finish
  • Will leave corner radius/angle at blind pocket floor-wall intersection
  • Suitable for all materials except nonferrous
EDGE² DSS double-sided square shoulder

EDGE² DSS Double-Sided Square Shoulder Mills

  • Double-sided inserts for lower cost per cutting edge
  • General-purpose operating parameters
  • Good wall finishes for pocketing
  • Suitable for all materials except nonferrous
  • Moderate ramping capability
  • Replacement program for cutter bodies
  • Single insert size (12mm)
  • Will leave corner radius of insert in blind pocket floor-wall intersection
APET/XPET single-sided square shoulder

APET/XPET Single-Sided Square Shoulder Mills

  • Aggressive cutting with the strongest inserts and enhanced clearance
  • Good ramping capability
  • Geometries and grades for all materials, including nonferrous
  • Roughing focused, but good floor-finishing capabilities
  • 3 insert sizes (10mm, 12mm, 16mm)
  • Will leave corner radius of insert in blind pocket floor-wall intersection
EDGE² DTB double-sided button cutters

EDGE² DTB Double-Sided Toroid Button Cutters

  • Aggressive material removal using round inserts
  • Great edge economy with 12 usable indexes
  • Suitable for all materials except nonferrous
  • Will leave scalloped wall finish
  • Moderate ramping capability
  • Will leave larger insert radius in blind pocket floor-wall intersection
  • Single insert size (12mm)
Single-sided Toroid face mills

Single-Sided Toroid Button Cutters

  • Aggressive material removal using round inserts
  • Geometries and grades for all materials, including nonferrous
  • Good edge economy with 8 usable indexes
  • Good ramping capability
  • Will leave scalloped wall finish
  • Will leave larger insert radius in blind pocket floor-wall intersection
  • 4 insert sizes (3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4")

Need help with tooling selection or setting up your application?

Request free application assistance!