Lathe and Milling Machine

Ever wondered about the differences between a lathe and a milling machine? It is true that both of those are used for shaping and cutting raw materials, but the techniques involved are different. It is important that you understand the differences between the two for efficient utilization of both the machines.

In the workshop, both metalworking machines are intended for purpose of cutting raw materials from the work piece such as such as wood, metals and plastic into very precise shapes and sizes or a finished part. But they do differ in certain ways.  First of all, Lathes assist spinning the materials with the help of cutting tools. These devices remain static. On the other hand, milling machines assist in the spinning of cutting blade. The materials remain stationary. Or in other words, lathes turn the material rather than like a milling machine which makes use of a spinning tool for various cutting operations. A milling machine is a tool which has rotating cutter and spins the tool to cut material that is held stationary in a fixture or vise. However, cutting the material is much easier with lathe as it is better at holding work and also helps create cylindrical parts. In addition, Lathe is also ideal for sanding, drilling, knurling turning, facing and deforming operations.

Combination may be more effective

Both of these machine tools can work on different materials. They have the capability of creating objects more quickly than any printer. If you want to avail the best of both worlds then maybe you should go in for a combination of these machines. 

Tips to select the best modern milling machine

Milling machine is typically used as a part of enterprises operates on metal, wood, plastic, welding, machinery and so on. With the propelled innovative ideas, there is an incredible change happened in its machining works because today they work much faster than the speed was limited years back. However, Strong hard materials are turned into ideal states as well as it is useful in high speed machine tools. Milling Machine can be run to perform multiple jobs such as cutting, slotting, slitting, routing, angular milling and so on. The machines are lubricated with a fluid to keep them working which is apportioned on the friction parts to clean the metal parts. There are some important factors like milling feed direction, feed rates, cutting speeds and lubrication which keep in mind while buying modern milling machines. In addition, feed direction is required for the quality and performance of the production unit and feed rate depends on what type of cutter tools we are using for cutting operation.

Types of Milling Machines

• Vertical Milling Machine is utilized for slotting, milling, drilling and boring and its spindle axis is oriented vertically.

• Horizontal type machines are fundamentally used for end and face cutting of solid materials or simply for heavy duty jobs.

• The turret mill is exceptionally versatile with its spindle alignment to different positions as well as remains fixed during cutting processes.

• The most precise type is the CNC machine works as per the right instructions of Control unit and hugely versatile to produce multifaceted patterns on the work piece.

Additionally, the span of the machines varies from mini mill that can be placed onto a table to big ones are as large as a room. Things to consider while buying Milling Machine:
Purchasing a milling machine based generally on the work you want it to perform. Therefore, think of how basic or troublesome work is.

The fundamental points you should think about include:

• Production needs

• Repeat actions – Rotary table is required for repeatable actions of work pieces along with multiple axes, moreover purchase modern instruments for effective cutting tasks.

• Control – depending upon the speed you require check the satisfactory electrical load, shaft spinning, turbine and the engine power.

• Size matters - Small size milling machines takes a lot of force to drill a hole in steel metals as well as for moderate precision, large and heavy mill is beneficial for higher production of materials.

• Speed – how fast the moveable axle head is to allow tool operate.

• Tools – the number of accessories available free with the machines.

• Availability – Online well known brands of machines and also read the reviews of users.

Factors to know while working with milling machine:

• The supervisor ought to be prepared well. The work piece must be hold firmly and the controller needs to ensure the tight clamps are properly actuated otherwise it can lead to mishaps.

• On regular basis, he should test out if it is the time to change the instruments.

• The machines guards help to shield little pieces of material flying off and remember to wear safety glasses when working machines.