As we know that milling is the cutting process used in various applications and it is the most important process in industries. Have you heard about milling machines? Milling machines are used for drilling, boring and producing slots. They are also used in the process of shaping metals and irregular surfaces. Here, the question arises which milling machine you should select? In this article, we will discuss the two main types of milling machines. We select milling machines on the basis of factors such as feed rates, cutting speed, the milling feed direction, etc. Here will discuss the main difference between horizontal and vertical milling machine in detail. Basically, milling machines are categorized into two parts:
- Vertical Milling Machine
- Horizontal Milling Machine
1. Vertical Milling Machine
In this machine, the spindle axis is aligned in a vertical direction. The base of vertical milling machines is made up of cast iron as it has higher compressive strength. The screw jack is attached to the base and it moves in the vertical direction. Also, this machine is used in a larger number of applications as we can use various cutters according to our requirements. The drawback of the vertical milling machine is that it has low efficiency.
The vertical milling machine is again sub-divided in two types:
(a) Bed Mill: In bed mills, spindle always moves parallel to its own axis while the table moves perpendicular to the axis of the spindle.
(b) Turret Mill: In turret mills, spindle is in stationary position and table is moved in such a way that it will always perpendicular and parallel to the axis of the spindle during the cutting operation.
Also Read:
- What is Milling Machine – Operation, Parts and Types.
- Types of Lathe Machine – Mother of all Machines
- Difference Between Up Milling and Down Milling – Which is Better?
2. Horizontal Milling Machine
In a horizontal milling machine, the spindle axis is aligned horizontally.
The base of the horizontal milling machine is made up of grey cast iron. In this machine, an arbor is used and it is inserted in a spindle nose. The gear arrangement is inside the column. Above column, we have overarm. An arbor is supported by yoke and arbor support. An arbor is chosen according to the internal diameter of the cutter. Arbor and spindle both are different. Arbor is an extension and is fitted inside the spindle and it transfers the rotational motion of spindle to the cutter. This type of machine gives us an excellent finishing and the cutting chips are removed easily.
Difference Between Horizontal and Vertical Milling Machine in Tabular Form
| S.no | Vertical Milling Machine | Horizontal Milling Machine |
| 1 | In a vertical milling machine, a spindle axis is aligned vertically. | Here, a spindle axis is placed in a horizontal direction. |
| 2 | It is cheaper in price. | A horizontal milling machine is a little bit costly. |
| 3 | We get a poorer surface finish. | By using a horizontal milling machine, you will get the best surface finishing. |
| 4 | Vertical milling machine reduces the tool life. | Horizontal Milling Machines help to increase the tool life. |
| 5 | This machine requires a smaller area. | A horizontal milling machine requires a bit larger area. |
| 6 | In the vertical milling machine, we don’t get proper removal of chips. | In a horizontal milling machine, chips are removed and thrown away from the machine properly and easily. |
| 7 | Its working capacity is low. | It can do the work of 3 or 4 vertical milling machines easily. |
| 8 | This type of machine is less powerful and are lighter in weight. | It is heavier in weight and more powerful than vertical milling machines. |
| 9 | It is further divided into:
(i) Bed mill (ii) Turrent mill |
It is classified as:
(i) Plain Horizontal milling Machine (ii) Universal Horizontal Milling machine. |
In short, we can say that vertical milling machines are versatile and mostly used, while horizontal milling machine is perfect for high-cheap removal work, high-horsepower and a heavy-duty.
So, today we learned about the difference between horizontal and vertical milling machines. Hope this article has helped you and share this article maximum if you liked it!
