Milling is a machining process that uses a milling cutter to machine the surface of a workpiece. Types of milling machines include horizontal, vertical, gantry, copy, universal, and bed-type milling machines.
Milling is a highly efficient machining method that involves using a rotating, multi-edged cutter to cut the workpiece. During the process, the cutter rotates (performing the primary cutting motion) while the workpiece moves (performing the feed motion); alternatively, the workpiece may remain stationary, in which case the rotating cutter must move to execute both the primary cutting motion and the feed motion. Milling machines range from horizontal and vertical models to large gantry milling machines and can be either conventional or CNC-controlled. The process utilizes a rotating milling cutter as the cutting tool. Milling is typically performed on milling machines or boring machines and is suitable for machining flat surfaces, grooves, various contoured surfaces (such as splines, gears, and threads), and complex mold profiles.
