Milling

Milling is a machining process that involves the use of a milling machine to remove material from a workpiece. Milling machines are tools designed to machine metal, wood, and other solid materials. They can be oriented either vertically or horizontally in order to carve out materials based on a pre-existing design.

Process

Milling involves a rotating tool, the cutter, which is covered in multiple cutting points known as teeth. The cutter spins at a high speed and moves across the surface of the workpiece, removing material in the process. The workpiece is typically moved in three dimensions along the cutter, allowing for the creation of shapes, slots, holes, and details in three dimensions.

Types of Milling

There are several types of milling that can be categorized by the orientation of the spindle, the part's size, complexity, and the number of axes being controlled.

Face Milling

In face milling, the cutting action occurs primarily at the end corners of the milling cutter. Face milling is used to cut flat surfaces (faces) into the workpiece, or to cut flat-bottomed cavities.

Peripheral Milling

In peripheral milling, the cutting action occurs primarily along the circumference of the cutter, so that the cross section of the milled surface ends up receiving the shape of the cutter. In this case the blades of the cutter can be seen as scooping out material from the work piece.

Equipment

Milling is performed with a milling cutter in various forms, held in a collett or similar which, in turn, is held in the spindle of a milling machine.

Types and nomenclature

Mill orientation is the primary classification for milling machines. The two basic configurations are vertical and horizontal - referring to the orientation of the rotating spindle upon which the cutter is mounted. However, there are alternative classifications according to method of control, size, purpose and power source.

See also

• Machining
• CNC pocket milling
• History of numerical control
• Milling cutter
• Milling machine
• Router (woodworking)

References

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