Buying a Milling Machine: Consider Its Types and Specifications

Milling machines and their variants have been around for the past many decades and they have evolved tremendously. A milling machine can be purchased on the basis of its types and specifications.

The following discussion provides information on how to purchase milling machines with different types and features.

Vertical or Horizontal Milling Machines Both vertical and horizontal machines types can be found with milling machine suppliers. The two types of machines differ on the basis of spindle axis orientation. The vertical milling machines are less expensive than the horizontal milling machines and thus are more commonly used. On the other hand, horizontal milling machines perform a clean operation by allowing the chips to fall away from the cutting region.

Plain or Universal Milling Machines As the name suggests, a plain milling machine is used for limited operations, whereas universal milling machines can be fitted with different attachments to enhance their operations. Rotary table, indexing fixture, rack cutting attachments and table swivel housing are some of the attachments that can be made to the universal milling machines.

Manually or Digitally Controlled Milling Machines The milling machine manufacturers have succeeded in designing modern and advanced Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) milling machines. Another type of milling machine is the mechanically controlled machine. However, the manually operated milling machines are still in fashion at certain workplaces. The CNC milling machines have an additional Z axis to add more flexibility and precision to the operations performed.

Some Common Milling Machines Here is a list of some of the most common milling machines available in the market: Turret ram milling machines consist of options to align the spindle in a number of positions. Knee milling machines are those in which x-y table uses a vertically adjustable knee to ride up and down. C-frame milling machines are the industrial machines with a separate hydraulic motor. Such a milling machine is capable of machining several products at the same time. Bed milling machines make use of a pendant to support the spindle to move up and down. Other common types of milling machines are bench mills, boring mills and double column machines.

Important Specifications Buying a milling machine becomes easier by learning the most important specifications associated with these machines. Here are some of the main specifications you must be familiar with: Number of axis the machine has X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis travel that indicates the distance traveled by the machine on different axis Spindle speed of the spindle head Spindle motor power that indicates the turbine power, electric motor power, or reciprocating engine power of the machine Number of tools and attachments supported by the machine Other features like pallet changer, automatic tool changer, rotary table, digital display and so on.

Consider the popularity and usefulness of different milling machines and use the tips provided above to choose the right milling machine.