Different Types of Milling Machine

Milling machines facilitate in removing metal pieces through a rotating cutter. The rotation of the cutter takes place at high speed, which helps it cut through metal efficiently. Furthermore, these cutters have cutting edges that play a vital role in cutting materials.

Milling machines can hold more than one cutter at a time. It is the most important machine that you can find in a workshop. You can perform operations with high accuracy. It has a high rate of metal removal compared to other similar machines, such as a shaper, planner, and lathe machines.

These machines are famous for their better surface finishing and excellent accuracy, making them a necessity for production work. Milling machines are available in many types. Some of the main types of milling machines are as under:

Knee and Column Type

The most common type of milling machine is called knee and column. In this machine, you will find a vertical column that is attached to the bed that consists of all the gear drives and helps in rotating the knee and saddle. The knee in a knee type milling machine is responsible for providing vertical or up and down movement to the workpiece which is located in the base of the machines. In the upper region of the knee, you will find a saddle attached. The saddle can move in a transverse direction.

1.  Vertical Milling Machine

The position of the spindle on a vertical milling machine is perpendicular or vertical to the table. You can use this machine for slots, machining grooves, and flat surfaces. The spindle head is fixed to a vertical column, which rotates at an angle. The milling cutter is fixed on the spindle to work with angular surfaces. In some vertical milling machines, you can adjust the spindle up and down.

2. Universal Milling Machine

Universal milling machines can adapt to perform a wide range of operations. The table can pivot at any angle for up to 45-degrees on both sides from the normal position. As the table of the horizontal milling machine can move in three directions, it also boasts the fourth movement. This machine can also perform helical milling operations. You can also use additional attachments to increase the capacity of the machine.

3.Horizontal or Plain Milling Machine

Plain milling machines are more robust than hand millers. The plain milling machines that have a horizontal spindle are also called horizontal milling machines. You can feed the table in vertical, cross, or horizontal directions.