A horizontal boring mill is a machine that bores large holes in a horizontal direction relative to the floor. It is often used for heavy workpieces that can't be rotated or adjusted easily on machining equipment. Most horizontal boring mills can handle a variety of functions beyond boring, including cutting, grinding, and milling. Below, learn how these mills work, the benefits they offer, and how they can be utilized during the machining process.

How They Work

When the inside diameter of a workpiece's hole is not a standard size, drilling or reaming must be followed by boring to ensure the proper size of the hole. The horizontal boring mill can be adjusted to any diameter within the device's work envelope. In most cases, the envelope is much bigger than that of other machining equipment.

When you need to bore a hole, you attach the boring tool to the spindle and adjust the cutter to the desired dimension. The boring tool rotates to create the hole, while the rest of the device and the workpiece itself remain stationary.

Benefits They Offer

One of the primary benefits of horizontal boring mills is their ability to accommodate large-sized workpieces. They also perform cuts quickly and precisely—some mills can make several cuts at one time—which allows for the production of large quantities in less time. This type of mill minimizes the risk of deflection and can be integrated with CNC machining technology, so you can count on consistent and accurate results. 

Common Uses

The horizontal boring machine is used in a wide variety of applications across a number of different industries. These devices are often employed with outsized workpieces that need to be placed with a crane overhead. They can perform contouring, drilling, milling, reaming, shaping, and tapping. They can accommodate medium to very large parts, and while these parts are generally rectangular in shape, they can be asymmetrical or irregular and will still enjoy the same high-quality results.

When you need milling or similar work done with a high degree of accuracy, Wilson Machine & Welding utilizes horizontal boring mills. Since 1972, they have been serving customers in the Cordova, AL, area and throughout the Southeastern United States. They provide comprehensive boring, machining, and CNC services for projects of all sizes. Call (205) 648-3203 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to browse their services.