Milling machine

A milling machine is a machine tool used for the shaping of metal and other solid materials. Milling cutters are held in the spindle and rotate on its axis. In a turret mill the spindle remains stationary during cutting operations and the table is moved both perpendicular to and parallel to the spindle axis to accomplish cutting.

Milling machines exist in two basic forms: horizontal and vertical, which terms refer to the orientation of the cutting tool spindle. Unlike a drill press, workpiece is held stationary and the drill is moved vertically to penetrate the material, milling also involves movement against the rotating cutter, which is able to cut on its flanks its tip. 

Milling machines may be manually operated, mechanically automated, or digitally automated via computer numerical control.Milling machines can perform a vast number of operations, some very complex, such as slot and keyway cutting, planing, drilling, diesinking, rebating, routing, etc. 

Cutting fluid is often pumped to the cutting site to cool and lubricate the cut, and to sluice away the resulting swarf. Cal mill the spindle axis is vertically oriented. The spindle can generally be extended allowing plunge cuts and drilling. A horizontal mill has the same sort of x–y table, but the cutters are across the table.