What is successful milling?

Milling has developed into a method that can process a very wide range of operations. In addition to all the traditional applications, milling is a powerful alternative to produce holes, threads, pockets and surfaces that used to require turning, drilling or tapping.

Different types of milling operations

• Shoulder milling

  
  

  Face milling

  
  

  Profile milling

  
  

  Slotting and parting

  
  

  Chamfer milling

  
  

  Turning

  
  

  Gear machining

  
  

  Holes and cavities/cavities

Initial considerations for milling operations

1. Milling configuration

The features to be milled must be carefully considered. These may be located at depth, require extended tooling, or contain discontinuities and inclusions.

2. Components

The workpiece surface is very demanding, with cast or forged scale. If the rigidity is poor due to thin sections or weak clamping force, special tools and strategies must be used. The workpiece material and its machinability must also be analyzed to determine the optimal cutting data.

3. Machine

The choice of milling method will determine the type of machine required. Face/shoulder milling or slot milling can be performed on a 3-axis machine, while milling 3D contours requires a 4-axis or 5-axis machine.

Today, turning centers usually have milling capabilities, while machining centers usually have turning capabilities, due to the presence of live tooling. Developments in CAM mean that 5-axis machines are becoming more common. They offer greater flexibility, but stability can be a limitation.