Final answer:
Endmills and drill bits are tools used for cutting into materials, with drill bits being used mainly for drilling operations due to their axial cutting design, while endmills can also move laterally allowing for a broader array of milling tasks such as shaping and profiling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary difference between an endmill and a drill bit lies in their purpose and design. A drill bit is designed primarily to create cylindrical holes, and it typically does this by spinning and cutting directly into the material along its axis. On the other hand, an endmill is used in milling applications where it removes material by moving sideways as well as plunging into the surface.
Drill bits are generally used only for drilling operations where the cut is made along the axis of the bit, making straight holes of varying diameters down into the material. In contrast, endmills can cut in all directions, allowing them to shape a material with a wide variety of operations such as profiling, facing, and slotting. An endmill has flutes like a drill bit, but also has cutting edges on the sides, enabling it to perform these additional tasks.
Furthermore, the design of an endmill can vary considerably in terms of the number of flutes, which can affect the finish of the cut material and the speed at which material can be removed. Endmills are also made to withstand side forces, unlike drill bits which are primarily designed for axial loads.