What is a milling machine?
The milling machine is designed for processing ferrous and non-ferrous metal. The cutter of the machine processes flat or shaped surfaces, metal objects, gears, etc. Milling machines can be processed mechanically, automatically or by numerical control.
A feature of the milling machine is that during processing, the main movement is made not by the cutter, but by the part itself.
Types of milling machines
There are more than 10 types of milling machines. Each has its own purpose and additional auxiliary devices, depending on the type and purpose. Here is some of them:
- universal (with turntable)
- horizontal milling cantilever (with horizontal spindle and console)
- wide universal (with additional milling heads)
- wide-purpose tools (with a vertical working plane of the main table and transverse movement of the spindle units)
- vertical milling (with a vertical spindle), including cantilever
- consoleless (also called cross table)
- with mobile portal
- copy-milling
- continuous milling machines, including rotary milling machines
- drum milling
CNC milling machines
Milling machines with numerical control are the same milling machines, only equipped with numerical control, which automates calculations and performs all technological manipulations with parts and types of metal processing.
Automated processing improves the accuracy of metal processing, expands its capabilities and simplifies the process itself. Accurate program control calculations reduce scrap and increase productivity.
Currently, automated lathes with numerical control are more often used.