Detailed Introduction to the Types of Milling Machines
As an important metal cutting machine tool, the milling machine plays an indispensable role in the field of mechanical processing. There are many types of it, and each type has a unique structure and application range to meet different processing requirements.
I. Classified by Structure
(1) Bench Milling Machine
The bench milling machine is a small-sized milling machine, usually used for milling small parts, such as instruments and meters. Its structure is relatively simple, and its volume is small, which is convenient for operation in a small working space. Due to its limited processing capacity, it is mainly suitable for simple milling work with low precision requirements.
For example, in the production of some small electronic devices, the bench milling machine can be used to process simple grooves or holes on the shell.
(2) Cantilever Milling Machine
The milling head of the cantilever milling machine is installed on the cantilever, and the bed is horizontally arranged. The cantilever can usually move vertically along the column guide rail on one side of the bed, while the milling head moves along the cantilever guide rail. This structure makes the cantilever milling machine more flexible during operation and can adapt to the processing of workpieces of different shapes and sizes.
In some mold processing, the cantilever milling machine can be used to process the sides or some deeper parts of the mold.
(3) Ram Milling Machine
The spindle of the ram milling machine is installed on the ram, and the bed is horizontally arranged. The ram can move laterally along the saddle guide rail, and the saddle can move vertically along the column guide rail. This structure enables the ram milling machine to achieve a large range of movement and thus can process larger-sized workpieces.
For instance, in the processing of large mechanical parts, the ram milling machine can precisely mill different parts of the components.
(4) Gantry Milling Machine
The bed of the gantry milling machine is horizontally arranged, and the columns on both sides and the connecting beams form a gantry structure. The milling head is installed on the crossbeam and the column and can move along its guide rail. Usually, the crossbeam can move vertically along the column guide rail, and the worktable can move longitudinally along the bed guide rail. The gantry milling machine has a large processing space and carrying capacity and is suitable for processing large workpieces, such as large molds and machine tool beds.
In the aerospace field, the gantry milling machine is often used in the processing of some large structural components.
(5) Surface Milling Machine (CNC Milling Machine)
The surface milling machine is used for milling planes and forming surfaces, and the bed is horizontally arranged. Usually, the worktable moves longitudinally along the bed guide rail, and the spindle can move axially. The surface milling machine has a relatively simple structure and high production efficiency. While the CNC surface milling machine achieves more precise and complex processing through the CNC system.
In the automotive manufacturing industry, the surface milling machine is often used to process the planes of engine blocks.
(6) Profiling Milling Machine
The profiling milling machine is a milling machine that performs profiling processing on workpieces. It controls the movement trajectory of the cutting tool through a profiling device based on the shape of the template or model, thereby processing workpieces similar to the template or model. It is generally used for processing workpieces with complex shapes, such as the cavities of molds and impellers.
In the handicraft manufacturing industry, the profiling milling machine can process exquisite artworks based on the well-designed model.
(7) Knee-Type Milling Machine
The knee-type milling machine has a lifting table that can move vertically along the bed guide rail. Usually, the worktable and the saddle installed on the lifting table can move longitudinally and laterally respectively. The knee-type milling machine is flexible in operation and has a wide application range, and it is one of the common types of milling machines.
In general mechanical processing workshops, the knee-type milling machine is often used to process various medium and small-sized parts.
(8) Radial Milling Machine
The radial arm is installed on the top of the bed, and the milling head is installed at one end of the radial arm. The radial arm can rotate and move in the horizontal plane, and the milling head can rotate at a certain angle on the end surface of the radial arm. This structure enables the radial milling machine to perform milling processing at different angles and positions and adapt to various complex processing requirements.
For example, in the processing of parts with special angles, the radial milling machine can exert its unique advantages.
(9) Bed-Type Milling Machine
The worktable of the bed-type milling machine cannot be lifted and can only move longitudinally along the bed guide rail, while the milling head or the column can move vertically. This structure makes the bed-type milling machine have better stability and is suitable for high-precision milling processing.
In precision mechanical processing, the bed-type milling machine is often used to process high-precision parts.
(10) Special Milling Machines
- Tool Milling Machine: Specifically used for milling tool molds, with high processing accuracy and complex processing capabilities.
- Keyway Milling Machine: Mainly used for processing keyways on shaft parts.
- Cam Milling Machine: Used for processing parts with cam shapes.
- Crankshaft Milling Machine: Specifically used for processing engine crankshafts.
- Roller Journal Milling Machine: Used for processing the journal parts of rollers.
- Square Ingot Milling Machine: A milling machine for specific processing of square ingots.
These special milling machines are all designed and manufactured to meet the processing requirements of specific workpieces and have high professionalism and pertinence.
II. Classified by Layout Form and Application Range
(1) Knee-Type Milling Machine
There are several types of knee-type milling machines, including universal, horizontal, and vertical (CNC milling machines). The worktable of the universal knee-type milling machine can rotate at a certain angle in the horizontal plane, expanding the processing range. The spindle of the horizontal knee-type milling machine is arranged horizontally and is suitable for processing planes, grooves, etc. The spindle of the vertical knee-type milling machine is arranged vertically and is suitable for processing planes, step surfaces, etc. The knee-type milling machine is mainly used for processing medium and small-sized parts and is widely used.
For example, in small mechanical processing factories, the knee-type milling machine is one of the commonly used equipment and can be used to process various shaft and disk parts.
(2) Gantry Milling Machine
The gantry milling machine includes gantry milling and boring machines, gantry milling and planing machines, and double-column milling machines. The gantry milling machine has a large worktable and strong cutting ability and can process large parts, such as large boxes and beds.
In large mechanical manufacturing enterprises, the gantry milling machine is a key equipment for processing large parts.
(3) Single-Column Milling Machine and Single-Arm Milling Machine
The horizontal milling head of the single-column milling machine can move along the column guide rail, and the worktable feeds longitudinally. The vertical milling head of the single-arm milling machine can move horizontally along the cantilever guide rail, and the cantilever can also adjust the height along the column guide rail. Both the single-column milling machine and the single-arm milling machine are suitable for processing large parts.
In the processing of some large steel structures, the single-column milling machine and the single-arm milling machine can play an important role.
(4) Instrument Milling Machine
The instrument milling machine is a small-sized knee-type milling machine, mainly used for processing instruments and other small parts. It has high precision and can meet the processing requirements of instrument parts.
In the instrument and meter manufacturing industry, the instrument milling machine is an indispensable processing equipment.
(5) Tool Milling Machine
The tool milling machine is equipped with various accessories such as vertical milling heads, universal angle worktables, and plugs, and can also perform various processing such as drilling, boring, and slotting. It is mainly used for the manufacturing of molds and tools.
In mold manufacturing enterprises, the tool milling machine is often used to process various complex mold parts.
III. Classified by Control Method
(1) Profiling Milling Machine
The profiling milling machine controls the movement trajectory of the cutting tool through the profiling device to achieve profiling processing of the workpiece. The profiling device can convert the contour information of the template or model into the movement instructions of the cutting tool based on its shape.
For example, when processing some complex curved surface parts, the profiling milling machine can accurately replicate the shape of the parts based on the prefabricated template.
(2) Program-Controlled Milling Machine
The program-controlled milling machine controls the movement and processing process of the machine tool through the pre-written processing program. The processing program can be generated by manual writing or using computer-aided programming software.
In batch production, the program-controlled milling machine can process multiple parts according to the same program, ensuring the consistency and accuracy of the processing.
(3) CNC Milling Machine
The CNC milling machine is developed based on the ordinary milling machine. It adopts a CNC system to control the movement and processing process of the machine tool. The CNC system can precisely control the axis movement, spindle speed, feed speed, etc. of the machine tool according to the input program and parameters, thereby achieving high-precision processing of complex-shaped parts.
The CNC milling machine has the advantages of a high degree of automation, high processing accuracy, and high production efficiency and is widely used in fields such as aerospace, automobiles, and molds.