What is successful milling?

Milling has evolved into a method capable of machining a very wide range of operations. In addition to all traditional applications, milling is a powerful alternative for holes, threads, cavities 

and surfaces that were previously produced by turning, drilling or tapping.

Different types of milling operations

Square shoulder milling

Face milling

Copy milling

Milling and cutting off

Chamfer milling

Turning and milling

Gear processing

Hole and pocket milling/pocket machining

Initial considerations for the milling process

1. Structure to be milled

Careful consideration must be given to the features to be milled. These features may be deep, requiring extended tool lengths, or they may contain discontinuities and inclusions.

2. Parts

The surface of the workpiece may be difficult to machine, with cast skin or forged scale. In cases of poor rigidity due to thin-walled parts or weak clamping, special tools and machining 

strategies must be used. The workpiece material and its machinability must also be analyzed to determine the optimal cutting parameters.

3. Machine tools

The choice of milling method will determine the type of machine tool required. Face milling/shoulder milling or slot milling can be performed in 3-axis machines, while milling 3D contours 

requires the optional use of 4- or 5-axis machines.

Currently, thanks to the driven tool holder, turning centers can have milling capabilities; machining centers can have turning capabilities. The development of CAM means that 5-axis machine 

tools are becoming more and more common. They offer greater flexibility, but stability can be a limiting factor.