{"id":9110,"date":"2021-01-21T12:04:12","date_gmt":"2021-01-21T10:04:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/?p=9110"},"modified":"2024-01-26T15:09:37","modified_gmt":"2024-01-26T13:09:37","slug":"horizontal-vs-vertical-milling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/horizontal-vs-vertical-milling\/","title":{"rendered":"Horizontal vs Vertical Milling"},"content":{"rendered":"

Milling refers to the removal of workpiece material by rotary cutters. Grooving, boring, drilling, etc. can all be used to manufacture parts with the desired finish.<\/p>\n

The introduction of CNC added many useful features to milling<\/a>. For example, the CNC program runs the automatic tool change system, pallet changer, tool carousel, enclosures, and coolant systems. The setup with these extra features now came to be known as a machining centre.<\/p>\n

With time, turning capabilities became a part of these machining centres. The machining industry started referring to them as multitasking machines. Thus, modern milling machinery can mill as well as perform lathe machine jobs for plate metal fabrication.<\/p>\n

Types of Milling Machines<\/h2>\n

The metal fabrication industry uses different types of milling machines depending upon the application. Broadly, we classify them as horizontal and vertical milling machines.<\/p>\n

There are many differences between vertical vs horizontal milling but before we get to that, let\u2019s take a brief look at what each of these mills is like.<\/p>\n

Vertical milling machines<\/h3>\n

\"Vertical<\/p>\n

In vertical mills, we fix the workpiece on a bed and carry out machining<\/a> by a movable tool. The tool removes the material as needed by following the CNC instructions.<\/p>\n

There are two main types of vertical milling machines – turret mills and bed milling machines.<\/p>\n

Turret milling machines<\/h4>\n

In a turret mill<\/a>, the vertical spindle remains fixed while the bed portion can move horizontally as well as vertically according to the program. A turret mill usually works on a small part.<\/p>\n

Bed milling machines<\/h4>\n

In a bed mill, the bed can only move in the horizontal direction whereas the spindle moves up and down as needed. These machines are better for bigger workpieces.<\/p>\n

Horizontal milling machine<\/h3>\n

\"Horizontal<\/p>\n

In horizontal milling machines, the part is again fixed on the bed. The machining takes place horizontally or at a required angle if the machine is equipped with a universal table.<\/p>\n

This table allows the cutting head to approach the workpiece from a variety of angles.<\/p>\n

The machine may also be equipped with special cutters to machine bevels, gears, radii, and grooves. Simplex horizontal mills have one spindle, while duplex has two.<\/p>\n

Horizontal vs Vertical Mill<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While there are many similarities between the two milling equipment, there are also many differences. We shall now look at the difference between them when it comes to their some important characteristics.<\/p>\n

Orientation<\/h3>\n

One of the primary differences between the two is the way the tools interact with the workpiece. As the name suggests, in horizontal milling machines, the orientation of the spindle on which the cutting tool is fixed is horizontal. The rotary cutter digs into the surface and removes material from the workpiece while rotating about this horizontal axis.<\/p>\n

In a vertical mill, the tool is fixed in a vertical orientation. Featuring a setup similar to a bench drilling machine, these machines have a vertical arbour that holds as well as rotates the cutting tool plunging it deep into the workpiece material as needed.<\/p>\n

Tool geometry<\/h3>\n

The shape and specifications of milling cutters and tools<\/a> for the two types of machines are different. Horizontal milling machines feature short and thick tools capable of removing large amounts of material from the workpiece compared to vertical milling machines.<\/p>\n

Vertical milling machines feature long and thin tools. The difference in cutting tool geometry affects the nature and accuracy of the cuts each machine is capable of.<\/p>\n

Cut specifications<\/h3>\n

Due to the thick tools used in horizontal milling, they are capable of performing deep and heavy cuts faster. In addition to normal cuts (facing, chamfering, etc.) they are ideal for grooving and slotting operations.<\/p>\n

Vertical milling machines can perform most general tasks but plunge cuts and drilling on the workpiece are their specialities. A vertical milling machine also offers higher accuracy compared to a horizontal milling machine.<\/p>\n

Cost<\/h3>\n

Vertical milling machines cost less compared to horizontal milling machines. The smaller investment cost means more and more machine shops<\/a> employ vertical machining centres. The cost of operation and maintenance is also less. These production cost savings reduce the overall machining cost for the customers.<\/p>\n

Due to the higher number of vertical machining centres in the industry, the number of skilled operators for these machines is also high.<\/p>\n

While horizontal milling machines cost more than their vertical counterpart, they make up for it by having better time and production efficiency in the long run. Only well-established manufacturing companies that have been in the business for some time invest in horizontal milling machines.<\/p>\n

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