What is the purpose of a "milling cutter"?

The purpose of a milling cutter is to serve as a cutting tool specifically designed for use in milling operations. Milling is a machining process that involves removing material from a workpiece using rotary cutters, where the milling cutter plays a crucial role in the actual cutting action. These cutters can be made of various materials, including high-speed steel or carbide, and are available in different shapes and sizes to accommodate various milling applications, which include face milling, slab milling, and contour milling. The design and geometry of a milling cutter allow it to efficiently remove material by rotating at high speeds while being fed into the workpiece, creating precise shapes and finishes required in manufacturing.

The other choices do not describe the primary function of a milling cutter. For instance, a machine that sharpens other tools is distinctly a sharpening device, while software for milling simulations serves a different purpose by enabling manufacturers to plan and visualize milling operations rather than performing the cutting itself. Additionally, a device that measures cut depth pertains to measurement tools used in machining processes, which are separate from the actual cutting operations executed by milling cutters.