The Different Types of Milling Machines

Milling machines are one of the most useful tools found in machine shops everywhere. Perfect for quickly and efficiently removing stubborn materials from workpieces, these workshop workhorses have many different parts and come in just as many varieties. Here is more information on the different types of milling machines.

What’s a Milling Machine?

A milling machine is a device used in machine shops to cut, rough, or drill through different materials, usually metal. Milling machines work by taking a milling cutter and rotating it fast enough to bore holes in the metal. There are many various cutter tools machine shops use depending upon their current project.

A milling machine differs from a lathe in that the tool is what rotates on a milling device. Whereas lathes are stationary and rotate the workpiece, a milling machine moves the rotating cutting piece and brings it into contact with the fixed item.

Parts of the Machine

Many different parts make up a milling machine, and it is essential to have a strong understanding of them all if you want the device to operate safely. A milling machine's anatomy varies based on the type of machine, but most parts and their purposes remain the same. Here is a closer look at several critical parts found in most milling devices.

Table

The table is where you put the material that you want to mill. A system is then put in place to secure the material to the table. This process typically involves clamps or vises to prevent the item from shifting around.

Cranks

Another vital part of many milling machines are the cranks. These are useful for changing the angle an object approaches the boring device. Cranks allow the milling machine to operate along the X, Y, and sometimes Z axes. These angles will enable the tool to make the precise incisions necessary to fit within acceptable variance levels many clients demand.

Head

The head is the part of the machine responsible for holding and securing the cutting tool. The milling machine’s spindle, a rotating shaft that holds the cutting tool, is located in the head. The head also contains many of the controls for the extra bells and whistles many modern milling machines come with, including lamps and the power button. The head is sometimes able to be swiveled, allowing for even greater cutting precision.

Motor

It’s important to consider the motor when buying a new milling machine. Not only does the motor control the power of your machine, but it also decides when the device will stop working. You want to ensure the motor of your new workshop machine can handle the rigors of everyday use.

Types of Milling Machines

There are many different types of milling machines to consider. Each one has different pros and cons that will make the process of narrowing one down for your workshop much simpler. All of the different types of milling machines come in different sizes and perform a variety of unique functions.

Vertical

The first of the different types of milling machines to consider are vertical devices. You can define a vertical milling machine by the orientation of the spindle being vertical. It typically has a head that can swivel, making it possible to change the angle used for making any cuts. These machines are much more common today because they don’t take as much space in the workshop. On many older models, the workpiece is in motion, and you bring it to the cutting tool. Conversely, most newer models have heads that move up and down, bringing the cutting device to the piece.

Horizontal

A horizontal milling machine features a spindle oriented horizontally in comparison to vertical machines. These machines work the same way as other milling devices, exposing the workpiece to the rotating cutting tool. Where a vertical milling tool moves up and down, a horizontal milling tool slides from side to side. Horizontal machines were the original when it comes to designs, with the workpiece connecting to the arbor for movement.

Bed

The third type of milling machine found in workshops and metalworking shops is the bed style of devices. These devices are known for their use of a pendant that the spindle moves up and down along. For a bed mill to work, the table must move perpendicular to the spindle’s axis. This movement takes place on top of a heavy bed that rests on the floor. These are generally sturdy machines that remain highly accurate while offering better flexibility and performance.

Box

A box milling machine gets its name from the box way that has the cutting tool. The box way moves up and down, removing excess materials from the workpiece. These machines make excellent all-purpose machines because they are capable of performing all the essential milling functions. Box milling machines have several advantages, including having less vibration and higher rigidity. Unfortunately, these machines do tend to be more expensive and run at a slower speed.

Floor

Floor milling machines are a particular type of milling device using table rows to guide the workpiece. The spindles on a floor milling device move across a horizontal track set running throughout these rows. These machines have slowly started to wane in popularity and use, gradually replaced with machines controlled by a computer. Though their use has become limited in recent years, there are still some businesses and workshops that use them. Even if you are more comfortable working on other types of milling machines, it is still work learning what makes the floor milling device work.

With so many different types of milling machines available, finding the right option for your machine shop can prove challenging. If you find yourself in over your head when trying to select one, contact the professional team at Penn Tool Co. to help take some of the mystery out of the purchase. But the milling equipment only accounts for a small portion of the tools and equipment we carry. For more information on all the supplies we can provide for your workshop, check out our webstore or speak to a customer service representative today.