No machine shop is complete without a milling machine. In fact, this equipment will undoubtedly be used to complete nearly every job that enters the shop. If you’re wondering what makes milling machines universally necessary in shops around the country, read on. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on the subject. 

Milling Machine FAQ

What do milling machines do?

Milling machines are incredibly versatile and can be used in several applications, though their main purpose is to remove material. Using rotary cutters, they primarily drill and bore. However, they can also cut gears and produce slots on both flat and irregular surfaces. 

Are there different kinds of milling machines?

The specific number depends on how you categorize them, but most machine shops will tell you there are at least half a dozen types. Examples include column, turret, C-frame, planer-style, and tracer-controlled. You can also categorize these machines as either horizontal or vertical. Both orientations are used to tackle all kinds of jobs, though, so professionals typically prefer to differentiate among the machines using other features, as well. 

How precise are milling machines?

Naturally, different kinds of milling machines—and the cutters they’re equipped with—have different levels of precision. An end mill, which is used for sideways cutting, for example, is a highly precise cutter. It can produce a slot to within two 1/1000 of an inch in a single pass (and that’s not even the most precise cutter available!). 

How hard is it to use a milling machine?

Using a milling machine requires a lot of knowledge and skill. As such, those who work at machine shops must complete extensive hands-on training. And every time the shop gets a piece of new equipment, more training will be necessary until they’ve mastered every function of that machine, as well. 

If you need a reliable machine shop in Cincinnati, OH, turn to R. A. Heller Co. For more than 70 years, this locally owned and operated company has been serving clients across a broad range of industries. From precision grinding to hard chrome plating, they can handle virtually all your machining needs. To learn more about this one-stop machine shop, visit their website or call (513) 771-6100 to discuss your needs with a member of their team.