Operation and maintenance of milling machines

Milling is a method used to machine and fabricate specimens from free-cutting material. It is a metal cutting operation using a single-edged or multi-edged tool. The milling cutter conducts a rotary movement and the specimen undergoes a linear motion. Milling process is used to fabricate flat, curved, parallel, stepped, square and inclined faces and slots, grooves, threads and tooth systems.

Commonly used billing methods are: plain milling and face milling. Both methods can be up-cut milling or down cut milling. They only differ by milling cutters or cutting edges used in the cutters and feed direction. In up-cut milling, the motions of milling cutter and workpiece are in opposite directions whilst in down cut milling, their motions are in the same direction.

Tools should be stored in clean condition. Milling of components necessitates sturdy fixing of the workpieces and cutters. Fixing is also named as clamping.
CNC milling machines can vastly reduce the manual labor. The device is controlled by a software that directs the machine. CNC machines work on different axes. An operator should know how to find a program that can be read by machines and have written specific specifications that the project needs review. Mistakes should be avoided to get the right specification on the final product. CNC milling machine fully works on its own as soon as it gets the program written on it. The operator only needs to set the machine with right tools for the job and receive the material in the suitable position. The machine runs until the program is fully executed and the product is prepared as directed by the program. So, the operator can focus on other tasks or devices in this period.

As milling machine is also prone to wear and tear, they need regular maintenance to increase their life. The extent of wear is based on:

  • Maintenance and service of machine
  • Characteristics of lubricants and coolants applied
  • Environmental conditions such as dust, extremely cold or hot weather
  • Service conditions

Lubrication should be provided as per manufacturer’s suggestions. Milling machine is available in different sizes and shapes. For commercial to domestic milling operation, you should contact a reputed supplier of milling machines who can answer your questions and can help you find the right milling machine.

 

 

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