Differentiating Factors Between Vertical Milling and Horizontal Milling

Several business and manufacturing units across industries hugely depend on fabricated parts and components to make the final desired product. CNC machining is the most popular technique and is mainly used owing to the accuracy, dimensional consistency, speed, and volume it can offer irrespective of the complexity of the design. There are different techniques used for producing the parts in different sizes, shapes, and dimensions. These are cutting, forming, and milling among others. Among all these, CNC milling has gained immense traction and is very widely used by fabricators. CNC milling removes material from the workpiece by generating a rotary action of multipoint cutting tools. Depending on the application requirements, there are different types of milling machines in use today. Vertical milling and horizontal milling are the two popular ones. Would you like to know more about these CNC milling types? If that sounds yes, read this post that answers these questions in detail. So, stay tuned.

A Quick Overview of CNC Milling

It is one of the most common CNC machining techniques. This technique utilizes computerized controls to perform material reduction through the rotary action of multipoint cutting tools while the workpiece remains steady. The removal of material is similar to traditional milling. However, the CNC milling technique is performed by referring the pre-set program in the control panel. Two codes are used to manage the milling operation in this advanced milling process, namely – G-code and M-code. Additionally, the computer-aided design of the product is used as a developed CNC program. This mainly includes milling speed, inclination, and movement of the tool along specific axes such as the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis.

Vertical Milling vs Horizontal Milling – Know the Real Difference

Milling machines are classified into – vertical milling and horizontal milling. Furthermore, they are classified into different types such as planer-type, knee-type, and others. All milling machines mentioned above feature variable spindle speeds, an electric motor, a power-operated table, coolant systems, and so on. The factors that differentiate vertical milling and horizontal milling are listed below.

• Spindle Orientation: While there are many similarities between these two milling techniques, there are many differences too. The first and foremost important differentiating factor is the orientation of the spindle. This implies the way the cutting tool interacts with the workpiece. In horizontal milling machines, the spindle has a horizontal orientation, while in vertical milling, a spindle features a vertical orientation. In simple words, horizontal milling machines dig a cutting tool on a horizontally oriented spindle that can effectively remove material from the workpiece. In contrast, vertical milling machines with a vertically oriented spindle hold and rotate the cutting tool against the workpiece. The spindle can move in an upward as well as downward direction while pressing against the workpiece for material removal.
• Cutting Tool Geometry: Tool geometry is defined as the shape and specifications of the milling cutters and tools. The difference between the geometry of cutting tools has a major impact on the nature and accuracy of the cuts each machine is capable of. Compared to vertical milling machines, horizontal milling machines have short and thick tools that can remove a large amount of material from the workpiece. On the other hand, vertical machines feature thin and long cutters.
• Cuts Specifications: With thick cutting tools, horizontal milling can produce deep and heavy cuts faster. They are ideal for different operations such as gear, plain, gang, and straddle milling operations. Plunge cuts and drilling are the specialties of vertical milling. Also, with vertical milling, operations such as flat, angular, slot, and T slot milling are performed effectively.
• Cost: Compared to horizontal milling machines, vertical milling machines are cost effective. Due to this, many fabrication facilities employ these machines to produce the desired parts and components. In addition to this, the overall operational and maintenance cost is also less.

Both vertical milling and horizontal milling machines have their own strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, which milling technique to choose for your application depends on the requirements. If you are considering CNC milling machining for your project, then you must approach a reliable and experienced player in machining and fabrication. Brogan & Patrick is one prominent CNC machining service provider in the USA. With vast years of market presence and skilled employees, the company specializes in providing CNC machining services across crucial industries such as aerospace, medical, and oil and gas.