What is a Milling Machine?

A milling machine is a tool used for machining. It is used for the shaping of metal and other solid materials. In its basic form the milling machine exists as a rotating cutter that turns about the spindle axis (much like a drill) and a table top to which the work piece is attached. The cutter and the work piece rotate relative to one another, thus generating a tool path through which material is removed. The movement is controlled exactly, typically with slides and lead screws or analogous technology. Usually the movement is achieved through rotation of the table while the cutter rotates in one location. It doesn’t matter how the movement is achieved; what matters is that the relative motion occurring between the cutter and the work piece. A milling machine can either be operated manually or using CNC, which is computer numerical control.