Universal Milling Machines

Universal milling machines

Milling is a cutting process for different materials carried out with a specialised machine. This machine has a multi-toothed rotary tool known as a milling cutter, hence the name milling machine. With these machines we are referring to universal milling machines.

The milling these machines offer allows movement in any direction along the three possible axes: longitudinal, cross and vertical. The main advantage of these machines is that they offer markedly higher performance than any other traditional machine.

Features of universal milling machines

There are two particular features found on most universal milling machines, which act as tool holders:

• One is located in the head, next to the cutter spindle, and has a wide variety of movements in different directions.
• The second is on the table, which is where the workpiece to be machined is placed.

The combined work of both tool holders is what allows the universal milling machine to do very accurate work on any type of complex workpiece.

The work done by the universal milling machine consists of removing swarf from the workpieces. These workpieces are clamped to the table in a suitable way so that the cutter can carry out its work.

Milling cutters, or milling tools, have a rotary movement, and come in different models and with different characteristics. Which one is chosen will depend on the type of milling to be done at the time, the size of the workpiece or its material. The movement of the cutters is provided by the motor, which will run at a cutting speed set in advance by the operator so that milling is carried out accurately and correctly.

Main movements of universal milling machines

Universal milling machines perform three movements, which are key to achieving accurate milling of workpieces.

First, the longitudinal movement, or X movement, is usually the most common and corresponds to the working movement itself. Second, there is the cross movement of the table, or Y movement, which is basically used to position the milling tool correctly. Finally, there is the vertical movement or Z axis, which sets the depth of cut of the milling operation.

Advantages of universal milling machines

At first glance, universal milling machines have a design very similar to that of any other conventional milling machine. However, they have numerous advantages that make them an ideal machine for milling all kinds of workpieces in different materials. In fact, this machine is a type of combination milling machine that combines the horizontal and vertical systems.

Greater versatility

Universal milling machines offer great versatility and can carry out a wider range of tasks and jobs. In fact, they can carry out the specific tasks of both vertical and horizontal milling machines. They are, without a doubt, the best option for a variety of jobs, since any type of milling is available, along with greater tool mobility.

High accuracy

Another characteristic of universal milling machines is their high accuracy. These machines always deliver a final result of the highest quality. In fact, they are used in high-output industrial sectors that require a very precise, millimetre-accurate finish. They can also cope with any urgent job demand.

Easy to operate

Universal milling machines look like complex machines, but nothing could be further from the truth. In most cases the milling process is very simple. Because everything is automated, a single operator can look after several milling machines at once, checking that the work is being done correctly. And these operators do not need a high level of training or extensive experience.

Greater safety in the workplace

The risk of accidents is reduced to a minimum with this type of machine. A milling machine is very safe and very economical to run, since maintenance costs are also reduced. It does not matter if production demand is very high, as these machines can take on different jobs in the quickest and safest way.

Universal milling machines are, in short, machines capable of cutting, straight slotting, form milling and keyway cutting, copying, cavity milling, threads and gears, drilling, reaming and boring. Many industrial sectors use these machines to meet enormous production demand. They always deliver very accurate results, even on more complex workpieces that need heavier cuts, and with enormous versatility, which allows all these different operations to be carried out successfully.

Other machines you may be interested in

• Industrial milling machines
• Turret milling machines

Unsure which machine to choose? Talk to a Heller technician.