Turret Milling Machine and Its Features

Milling machines are highly versatile machine tools used to machine solid materials. A milling machine can execute an extensive number of operations, such as planing, cutting, shaping, drilling, diesinking, contouring, and others.

Milling machines are often classified into two primary forms, including vertical and horizontal, that pertain to the main spindle’s orientation. The cutting blade in horizontal machines extends horizontally. In a vertical machine, on the other hand, the cutting edge is vertically held on top of the workpiece.

Vertical milling machines have several subcategories, and one of these is the turret milling machine.

• What is a Turret Milling Machine?

A turret milling machine mainly operates with the table moving around the cutting bland in all directions. It is a type of milling machine with the ability to cut different kinds of objects.

Turret milling machines are composed of the stationary spindle and the table that is moved to the spindle axis in both parallel and perpendicular directions for cutting the workpiece.

This particular type of machine offers different cutting methods using a quill. This quill allows the raising and lowering of the milling cutter in the vertical direction to cut the specific material.

• Uses and Applications of Turret Milling Machines

There are numerous selections of turret milling machines available on the market right now. All of them have different specifications, features, dimensions, and functions. This is why turret milling machines are considered to be the most versatile milling machines today.

But the large ones require a more complicated operation. It is because as the size of the machine increases, the downward and upward movement needs considerable effort as well, not to mention that reaching the quill feed handle also becomes difficult. As a result, it is more preferred for die-sinking operations involving machining a mold into a metal block.

The turret milling machine can also be repositioned anytime to improve the machine’s functionality. It is a highly resourceful milling machine made up of various options to align the spindle in different positions. This also has a sturdy structure and a unique design. It also includes several user-friendly features with greater functionality.

Turret milling machines are highly effective machines known for their high performance and low maintenance. Being multipurpose machines, these are also capable of manufacturing a plethora of products.

A turret milling machine is specifically suitable for the production of a wide selection of auto parts. This type of vertical milling machine is actually cheaper compared to horizontal milling machines, which explains why these are often used all over the world.

Among the newest features of turret milling machines is using the so-called CNC or computer numerical control technology. With the use of this state-of-the-art technology, users are allowed to input simple and complex instructions to operate the machine’s different parts. This CNC technology can also help boost the user’s productivity and allows them to continuously produce a large amount of similar and accurate products. There are also recent models that come with a handheld remote control complete with buttons for spindle movements and machine feeds.

Understanding the Components & Accessories Used in a Turret Milling Machine

Here are some of the components and accessories commonly used in a turret milling machine:

• Spindle: It is also known as "milling head". The spindle is the main component of the milling machine that rotates the cutting tool. It is mounted vertically or horizontally depending on the type of milling machine.

More details about the spindle (milling head), there are 5 main functions of the milling head:

1. Rotating the cutting tool: The milling head rotates the cutting tool, which can be an end mill, drill, or other cutting tool. The rotation of the cutting tool generates the cutting force that removes material from the workpiece.

2. Changing the cutting tool: The milling head can be equipped with different types of cutting tools to perform various machining operations, such as milling, drilling, and boring.

3. Controlling the spindle speed: The milling head can be adjusted to control the spindle speed, which is critical for achieving the desired cutting speed and surface finish.

4. Controlling the feed rate: The milling head can also be adjusted to control the feed rate, which determines how fast the cutting tool moves along the workpiece.

5. Adjusting the angle of the cutting tool: Some milling heads can be tilted to adjust the angle of the cutting tool, which allows for more complex machining operations, such as angular milling and chamfering.

 

• Arbor: An arbor is a tool holder that connects the cutting tool to the spindle. It is designed to hold different types of cutting tools, such as drills, end mills, and taps.

• Table: The table is the work surface that holds the workpiece during machining. It can be adjusted vertically, horizontally, or angularly to achieve the desired machining position.

• Knee: The knee is a vertical component that supports the table and can be adjusted vertically to change the height of the workpiece relative to the cutting tool.

• Quill: The quill is a vertical component that moves up and down along the spindle axis to perform drilling and boring operations.

• Power feed: The power feed is a motorized mechanism that automatically feeds the workpiece into the cutting tool during machining. It allows for more efficient and precise machining.

• Digital readout (DRO): A DRO is an electronic display that shows the position of the table, knee, and quill in real-time. It helps the operator to accurately position the workpiece and make precise cuts.

• Coolant system: The coolant system is used to cool the cutting tool and the workpiece during machining, which helps to extend the tool life and improve the surface finish of the workpiece.

• Workholding devices: Workholding devices are used to hold the workpiece securely during machining. Examples include vices, clamps, and fixtures.

• Toolholders: Toolholders are used to hold the cutting tools securely in the spindle or the arbor. They come in different sizes and shapes to accommodate various types of cutting tools.

PLANO MILLING HEAD

CNC MILLING HEAD

VERTICAL TURRETMILLING HEAD

ANGL EMILLING HEAD