Classification of Milling Operations

Milling operations may be classified under four general heading as follows:

• Face Milling,  machining flat surfaces which are at right angle to the axis of the cutter.

• Plain or Snab Milling,  machining flat surfaces which are parallel to the axis of the cutter.

• Angular Milling,  machining flat surfaces which are at an inclination to the axis of the cutter.

• Form Milling,  machining surfaces having an irregular outline.

Special Operations

    Explanatory names, such as sawing, slotting, gear cutting and so forth have been given to operations.  Routing is a term applied to milling at irregular outline while controlling the workpiece movement by hand feed. Grooving reamers and taps are called Fluting. Gang Milling is the term applied to an operation in which to or more milling cutters are used straddle the workpiece and mill both sides at the same time.