Second-hand milling machines
What is a milling machine, and how does it work?
A milling machine is a highly versatile tool, an essential instrument for any machine shop. The milling process employs a variety of rotary cutters to remove material from the workpiece. Unlike a lathe, which rotates the workpiece past a single fixed blade, the milling machine advances one or more cutters into a workpiece. This may be done in varying directions on one or several axes, with different cutter head speeds and pressures.
Milling machines are amongst the most versatile of tools, using an assortment of toothed cutters to shape items of metals, plastics, wood, and other materials. They produce both flat and irregular surfaces; milling is one of the most commonly used processes to produce custom parts with high precision.
How to choose the right milling machine for the job
The essential criteria when choosing a milling machine are the number of axes you need, the orientation of the spindle, the travel capacities on the X, Y, and Z axes, and finally, the power.
Most milling machines work along three axes—one vertical and two horizontal—but four- and five-axis machines are available for more sophisticated cutting needs.
On a vertically oriented milling machine, the spindle is perpendicular to the table; it is parallel to the table on a horizontal machine. The horizontal orientation offers the benefit of allowing the placement of multiple cutters next to each other. Most versatile is the universal milling machine, which offers the widest range of movements with features such as a swivelling table, a hinge spindle, a dividing head, and a host of optional attachments.
Your milling machine’s power requirements will vary depending upon the material you’re cutting and the depth of penetration into the workpiece. A lower-powered machine may need to make several passes to produce a cut as deep as a more powerful machine.
The dimension of the parts you are machining will dictate the X, Y, and Z travel capacity (or amplitude). Basically, this refers to the travelling distances for the cutting head or heads.
Over the years, a number of specialized milling machines have evolved to meet specific needs. These include rotary table, drum, planetary, pantograph, profiling, and tracer machines. Each of these has a table type or cutter movement that is well-suited for a special purpose.
Computerised or manual?
A milling machine can be controlled manually or by a computer. The latter are known as Computerized Numeral Control (CNC) machines.
What are the key points of operating a milling machine?
Although many milling functions are automated, a machine operator is still required. The operator’s duties will likely include setting and adjusting the machine, fixing and releasing the workpiece, selecting and mounting the correct cutting tools, and so on. Operators nowadays need adequate CAD and computer experience to read the designs and program the CNC machines accordingly.
Milling machine operators must be familiar with the operating and safety documentation for any machine and be equipped with the appropriate safety gear, most notably certified safety glasses.
What brands and manufacturers should I look for?
Milling machines are manufactured by both large and small manufacturers, mainly in the US, Germany, China, Taiwan, Japan, and the Netherlands. The best-known manufacturers are MAZAK, NICOLAS CORREA, DMG, DANOBAT, DOOSAN, HAAS, HYUNDAI, OKUMA, HERMLE, ZAYER, MIKRON, HURON, TIGER, DAHLIH, EMMEGI, MTE, KIHEUNG, CHIRON, UNISIGN, LAGUN, BERGONZI, MILLTRONICS, BRIDGEPORT, HARTFORD, LEADWELL, KAO MING, ENSHU, BROER, ELUMATEC, SCHAUBLIN, MORI SEIKI, HECKERT, ZIMMERMAN, DAEWOO, HWACHEON, NILES-MAGDEBURG, EMCO, TOS, MAHO, DECKEL, KLOPP, KNUTH, HELLER, HURTH, WMW, and MAHO.
Completely refurbished second-hand milling machines
At APT International, we completely overhaul all our second-hand milling machines. Each machine is restored to its original condition. We are happy to refurbish or upgrade a machine according to your specific requests. This means you will buy only tested, approved, and up-to-date milling machines at APT International.
Why buy a second-hand milling machine from us?
We are specialists in the purchase and sale of second-hand industrial production machinery such as lathes, drills, milling machines, and more. We have 30.000 m² of machinery in stock, and we take care of the dismantling, transport, and installation of the machinery worldwide. You can expect a smooth transaction each and every time.
With over 30 years of experience, APT International is a well-established and reputable dealer in the used production machinery market. Our technicians have unparalleled expertise and will help you find the machine that will best suit your needs and your budget. Please contact us—we are happy to be of service to you!