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Horizontal vs Vertical Mills

Monday, August 21, 2017

Modern milling machines are often versatile, but different types of machines are still better suited for some jobs than others. Milling machines may be classified in different ways, but one common designation is between horizontal and vertical. What is the difference between a horizontal mill and a vertical mill?

Horizontal Milling

Horizontal milling machines are designed so that the cutting surfaces are mounted on a horizontal arbor. The design of horizontal milling machines means that they are often faster than vertical milling machines. Additionally, some horizontal machines have rotating beds that increase their versatility.

Vertical Milling

Vertical milling machines are designed with the cutting surface mounted in a vertical position. Milling is performed differently depending on the design of the machine. Bed mills, for example, features a cutting spindle that can be moved up and down, as well as a horizontally movable bed. Turret mills, by contrast, feature a fixed-position spindle, and have a bed that can be moved both horizontally and vertically.

Horizontal or Vertical?

So which style of milling machine is better? It depends on what you plan to do most with the machine. Horizontal and vertical milling machines both have advantages.

Some common considerations when deciding between a horizontal and vertical milling machine include the weight of the pieces to be milled, the size and shape of the pieces, and the number of planes that will need to be milled. A skilled machinist may often be able to accomplish the same task with either style of milling machine by adjusting the technique.

Lowrance Machine utilizes both horizontal and vertical mills in order to best meet the needs of our customers. We are continually upgrading and investing in equipment to maintain our role as leaders inthe production field. We have been meeting the manufacturing and machining needs of our customers for more than 50 years. Contact us today at 281-449-6525 to learn how we can help with your next project.