These end mills have a long shank and a cutting edge that curves around the top of the ball end, allowing them to reach into pockets to create undercuts. Made of solid carbide, they are harder, stronger, and more wear resistant than high-speed steel and cobalt steel for the longest life and best finish on hard material. Their extreme hardness means they are brittle, so a highly rigid setup, such as a CNC machine, is necessary to prevent the end mill from breaking. A titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coating allows them to dissipate heat better than other end mills, especially at high speeds. At high temperatures, the coating creates a layer of aluminum oxide that transfers heat to the chips, keeping the tool cool, even when used without lubrication. All are center cutting, allowing plunge cuts into a surface.