Milling is a machining technique based on the removal of material from the workpiece by rotating a tool called a mill. The mill is the main element of the machine designed for this purpose, the milling machine. Unlike turning, in which the workpiece rotates, here the mill rotates instead. The removal of material is thus done progressively as the workpiece is advanced towards the mill. Besides the latter, which varies in shape (plaque mill, sphere mill...) the milling machine can accommodate various other tools (reamer, tap, drill, etc...) depending on the exact nature of the machining work to be realized. Most modern milling machines have digital control. This computerized and automated component is either directly integrated into the machine or controlled via PC using dedicated software. There four main
milling modes: profile milling (which is also called "shape" or "rolling" milling), the face milling (or envelope milling), the combined milling (method combining profile milling and face milling) and plunging. The machines used for milling operations are of various types. The
boring machine, for example, allows the machining of the inner surface of a cylinder. The company PBR belongs to the major manufacturers of machine tools of this type. The flexible cell also belongs to the milling machines category. It is an automated system which combines several machining devices and produced by manufacturers such as Heller. The horizontal and
vertical machining centers are also very widespread milling machines. Doosan, Matsuura, Mazak,
Mori Seiki, OKK, SW, Almac, Brother, Bumotec, Eumach, Fadal, Famuc,
Fehlmann, Kira, Lieder, Marec, Mikron, Realmerca, Topper,
Willemin Macodel and Witech brands have demonstrated their expertise in the production of this type of machines. Conventional milling machines such as those proposed by Aciera, Deckel, Dufour, Gambin, Heckert, Huron, Maho, Reiden, Schaffner and Schaublin are valuable brands, as well as CNC milling machines bearing the hallmark BC Technology, Bumotec, Fehlmann, Isper, Kern or Zayer. The slotting machines CAMS, pantographs signed TN and cam planers designed by Bechler or
Tornos come to complete the list of the main types of milling machine tools. Professionals can find very good quality machines for milling activities in the
second-hand market.
