Knee mills, also called knee and column mills, are milling machines that are used to shape metal and other solid materials. Knee mills operate with an x-y axis table that rides up and down on the column of a vertically adjustable knee. These machines are used for the precise cutting and shaping of materials and involve complex tasks such as planning, slot cutting, diesinking, rebating and routing. Most knee mills now function by a digital automation process called computer numerical control. This is where the milling machine is connected to a computer and the computer directs the milling operation with the precise coordinates for precise milling. These machines work with a rotating cutter which rotates on a spindle axis similar to a drill but involves cutting movements that are sideways and in and out. The movement of knee mills is precisely controlled to insure an accurate workpiece.

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