The process

As in other machining processes, the milling material removal and machined surface generation occur due to the relative motion between workpiece and tool. There are two motions to consider: rotation of the tool and the advancement of the piece. In certain cases, the tool can also perform the two movements.

The variety of types of machine tools, their flexibility and diversity of these types of tools make the wide application of milling for the machining of parts. Its advantages are found in diverse forms and surfaces that can be generated, the quality of machined surface and the high rates of
chip removal.

In milling, the cutting process is intermittent and chip has a variable thickness. In every revolution of the tool, each one of its edges removes a certain amount of workpiece material.

The tools are called mills and milling are usually provided with multiple cutting edges arranged to around its axis of rotation. A machine tool that perform the milling process are called milling machines. They are built to ensure the movements necessary to remove the chip and the generation of machined surface.

Move forward through the links below:

Variables and cutting parameters in milling: Meet settings and view each parameter.
Methods of milling, peripheral milling and front - characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Forces in milling: It takes strength to cut metal. How it behaves in the milling?