Milling

Description of the technology

Milling is a method of cutting that involves the subtractive manufacture of flat and curved workpieces using a single- or multi-bladed cutting tool called a milling cutter. In the milling process, the primary (rotary) motion is provided by the milling cutter, and the feed motion is provided by the workpiece or milling cutter. In milling, the direction of the feed motion is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the milling cutter or at an acute angle to the rotational axis of the milling cutter.

Technologically, milling can be divided into:

  1. peripheral milling – the milling cutter’s axis of rotation is parallel to the work surface;
  2. face milling – the milling cutter’s axis of rotation is perpendicular to the work surface;
  3. angular milling – the milling cutter’s axis of rotation forms an acute angle with the work surface.

Kinematically, milling is divided into:

  1. conventional milling – the workpiece performs a feed motion in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the milling cutter knives (in the extent of their contact with the workpiece);
  2. climb milling – the workpiece performs a feed motion in the direction of movement of the milling cutter knives (in the extent of their contact with the workpiece).

Alternative technologies

  • MQCL milling
  • LAM milling
  • cryogenic milling
  • slotting
  • broaching
  • rapid prototyping
  • planing/shaping

Visualisation of action

Workpiece material types

  • all material groups
  • ferrous metals
  • non-ferrous metals
  • non-ferrous metals alloys
  • hard materials
  • hardened materials

Examples of products

  • molds
  • dies
  • turbine blades
  • threads

Implementation of the technology

Required resources

  • milling machine or CNC milling centre
  • cutting tools
  • tooling
  • machining fluids (optional)

Required competences

  • training in machining
  • training in programming CNC machines

Environmental aspects

Water consumption

Energy consumption

Waste generated

Expert evaluation

Competitiveness

Usability

Environmental impact

Development centers

  • West Pomeranian University of Technology
  • University of Zielona Góra
  • Poznan University of Technology
  • Opole University of Technology
  • Wrocław University of Science and Technology

Legal conditions

Companies using the technology