Milling on IndustryNet

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Milling equipment and tools can be very efficient in reducing the time spent during the removing of certain parts of a material, or shaping it the way until you are satisfied with the final product. The milling industry is a lucrative one; one that is used by public businesses, the private sector, even people crafting products from home.

When dissecting the milling process as a whole it is important to understand what makes it so very lucrative and efficient. It might seem like a lot of money to spend at first, but it is guaranteed to save you even more money in the long run.

What does a milling machine consist of?

The milling machine consists out of 4 different equipment parts. These may differ in size, but they are stock standard when it comes to any milling machine.

Base and Column: this is the base on which the machine rests. The column is attached to the base in order to support the other equipment that makes up the milling machine.

The table: this is also called the workpiece and contains several T-shaped slots. The workpiece is attached to what is called the ‘vise’ which is secured into the T-slots.The table is the piece of equipment that provides the horizontal motion of the milling machine by sliding it along a platform called the saddle.

The saddle: the saddle supports the table and provides the horizontal motion of the workpiece, by sliding along another platform called the knee.

The knee: this piece of equipment supports the saddle and the table. In some machines the knee can move vertically along the column, while the cutter is stationary above it.

What type of cutter will be needed?

There are two different types of milling processes that can be identified, namely horizontal milling and vertical milling. A different cutter will be required for each process.For horizontal milling one of the following cutters may be used: plane mill, form relieved mill, staggered tooth mill, or double angled mill. Alternatively, one of the following cutters may be used for vertical milling: flat end mill, ball end mill, chamfer mill, face mill, twist mill, reamer, or trap.

How does the milling process work?

The milling process includes 4 steps in order for the final product to be achieved. These steps are recorded as cycle time, which is important to calculate as you continue with the process. Firstly, the load or unload time should be calculated. This is the time it takes to load the material onto the milling machine. Secondly, one considers cut time – this is the time it takes for the cutter to shape the material. Then idle time is the time that is required when the machine itself is not moving. This may include tool movements between features, changing tools, changing machine setting, etc. Lastly, tool replacement time is calculated in for the tools that need replacing if it has been worn out. This does not take place during every cycle.

What materials can be used during the milling process?

Aluminium

Brass

Magnesium

Nickel

Steel

Thermoset Plastics

Zinc

Titanium

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