A fundamental manufacturing operation where a solid block of metal, plastic, or wood is shaped by advancing it into a spinning multi-toothed cutter. Unlike turning on a lathe where the part spins, the milling machine holds the part stationary or moves it along linear axes while the cutting tool rotates. It is used to create flat surfaces, slots, pockets, and complex three-dimensional contours.
Heard on the job
We need to finish the milling on that aluminum bracket before the end of the shift.
Insider tip
Ensure your feed rate and spindle speed are correctly matched to the material to avoid chattering and poor surface finish.