Comparing Horizontal Milling and Vertical Milling Machining
The milling machining process is very popular in the modern metal fabrication industries. At Creatingway, we use the process to shape and cut materials expertly. It even produces vital products used in our everyday lives. It is unique to know that there exist two forms of milling machine: horizontal milling machine and vertical machine. The blog will try to differentiate the two types for easier understanding and different roles in the manufacturing industry. The final aim is to determine which condition best suits your set-up.
First, we have to elaborate on what the milling process is all about. The milling process involves the removal of material from a workpiece using a rotary cutter. We use a standard miller machine for this task. We generally power the machine by a powered motor that makes the milling cutter revolve. Another important component of the miller machine is the worktable. This can be adjusted to assist in feeding the workpiece to the cutter.
The rotary cutter is circular with a number of cutting edges positioned symmetrically on its axis. We hold the workpiece using a clamp through their center holes to the arbors linked to the machine spindle. The teeth of the cutting tool are on either the peripheries or both peripheries and faces.
What’s the Function of the CNC Milling Machining?
We believe milling machines are versatile in their functions. We use the machines in:
- Adding threads to bolts
- Drilling holes
- Creating detailed shapes
Horizontal Milling Vs Vertical Milling
So, what is the difference between vertical milling and horizontal milling? Both machines do perform the same function, but the difference is in the production process. How we orient the spindle is the main difference. They also possess differing advantages and disadvantages noteworthy in their functions.
What’s the Application？
Vertical mills are quite common in the manufacturing industry. We attribute this due to its low cost when compared to horizontal milling systems. As the name suggests, the spindle or cutting head has a vertical orientation on the vertical milling machines. On the particulars of how the milling controls work, it varies in the different machine types. They consist of two, comprising:
- Bed mills
- Turret mills
Bed mills
Bed mills possess a mobile spindle in the vertical axis while we move the material on the horizontal axis. The range of motion of the spindle is up and down while shaping the material in the process. The range of movement is quite good as it combines the spindle part and horizontal bed. This allows milling in an extensive range of shapes and depths.
Turret mills
Turret mills possess a fixed spindle in one position as the bed section of the machine is mobile. The bed moves in a vertical and horizontal direction allowing for easier manipulation by the machine. The only limit for the turret mill is the sizes of the workpiece it can handle. Apart from this, it is a very versatile machine to work with.
The advantage:
- Good for projects with the main focus on one particular side of the object. The project could be a sinking die or a large metal plate.
- Less complex in working than horizontal milling
- Perfect for finishing large plate metal fabrication
- Low production saving your expenses
- Generally, cheaper
- Easier to maintain
The disadvantage:
- Can’t handle heavy material well
- Inability to produce higher volumes
What’s the Horizontal CNC Milling Machine?
Horizontal mills make use of a horizontal arbor to put in place the cutting surface. The cutters appear similar to the blade of a circular saw, with the notable difference showcased in the thickness and size of the cutter. It is usually thicker and smaller in comparison. When compared to the vertical mill counterpart in speed, the horizontal mill offers speedier milling. Horizontal mills also possess a unique advantage of the ability to use several mills in a single operation. This ability is a result of its design in the arbor and length.
The advantage:
- Capable of performing heavier and deeper cuts
- Well suited for complex projects
- Ability to handle larger volume production jobs
- Function more smoothly due to lesser vibration
- Possess a better chip evacuation thus allowing a better surface finish
The disadvantage:
- High production cost
- A bit harder to monitor due to parts obstructing the viewpoint of the project
It is important to note that we require a lot of details in your design to achieve great outcomes. Every possible operation has a unique set of characteristics that is most suitable for a particular machine. There also include different cutting heads and add on that can modify a vertical mill or horizontal mill to lower on costs.
At Creatingway, we offer CNC milling services for the production and rapid prototyping. Contact us now for further inquiries on manufacturing suggestions. Our team of experts engineers is more than ready to help you out.
Creatingway is concentrated on CNC machining manufacturing, prototype machining, low-volume manufacturing, metal fabrication, and parts finishing services, provide you the best support and services. ask us one inquire now.
Any questions or RFQ for metal& plastic technology and custom machining, welcome to contact us below
Call +86-0(755)-89492523 or send an inquiry to us
Welcome visit us, any metal and plastic design and machining questions, we are here to support you. Our services email address:
