Face Milling vs. Peripheral Milling: Discover the Crucial Differences
Milling is a form of machining that uses rotary cutters to remove material from a workpiece. It is one of the most commonly used processes in industry and machine shops today for machining parts to precise sizes and shapes. Face milling and peripheral milling are two common types of milling operations, each with its own distinct advantages and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll take a look at the differences between face milling and peripheral milling and explore the advantages and disadvantages of each.
What is Face Milling?
Face milling is the process of cutting flat surfaces into a workpiece. This cutting operation uses end mills, which are rotating cutters that remove material by their movement within the workpiece. As the name suggests, face milling involves the cutting of flat surfaces, usually perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The cutters used in face milling have a larger diameter than those used in other types of milling operations, such as peripheral milling.
Face milling is a relatively simple process, and it has several advantages over other milling operations. One of the main advantages of face milling is that it can be done quickly since the cutters used are relatively large. This reduces the amount of time it takes to complete the milling operation. Additionally, face milling can be used to produce a smooth finish on the surface of the workpiece, making it ideal for applications where a high level of precision is required.
Although face milling has several advantages, it also has some drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is that the cutters used are relatively large, which means that the size of the workpiece must also be relatively large to accommodate them. Additionally, face milling is not suitable for producing very fine finishes, as the large size of the cutters means that they cannot produce a very fine surface. Finally, face milling is not suitable for operations on very hard materials, as the large cutters will not be able to cut through them effectively.
What is Peripheral Milling?
Peripheral milling is a type of milling operation that cuts around the outside edge of a workpiece. Unlike face milling, which cuts across the surface of the material, peripheral milling is performed on the outside edges of the workpiece. This type of milling operation is typically used to create curved or angled surfaces on the workpiece, as well as to produce rounded or chamfered edges.
One of the main advantages of peripheral milling is that it can be used to create complex shapes and angles that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with face milling. Additionally, peripheral milling is ideal for producing very fine finishes on the workpiece, as the small cutters used in the operation can produce a much finer surface finish than larger cutters. Finally, peripheral milling is well-suited for operations on very hard materials, as the smaller cutters can more effectively cut through them.
Despite these advantages, peripheral milling also has some drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is that it is a relatively slow process, as the small cutters move slower than the larger cutters. Additionally, peripheral milling is not suitable for larger workpieces, as the small cutters cannot effectively cut through large pieces of material. Finally, peripheral milling requires a higher level of skill and precision than face milling, as the operator must be able to accurately control the position of the cutter to produce an accurate result.
The Similarities and Differences Between Face Milling and Peripheral Milling
Face milling and peripheral milling have several similarities. Both involve the use of rotating cutters to remove material from a workpiece, and both can be used to create a variety of shapes and angles. Additionally, both are relatively cost-effective processes, as they require minimal setup and can be completed quickly.
Despite these similarities, there are several key differences between face milling and peripheral milling. One of the main differences is the size of the cutters used. Face milling uses end mills with a much larger diameter than peripheral milling, which uses smaller cutters. Additionally, face milling is typically used to create flat surfaces, while peripheral milling is used to create curved or angled surfaces. Finally, face milling is generally faster than peripheral milling, as the larger cutters can move quicker than the smaller ones.
Conclusion
Face milling and peripheral milling are two common types of milling operations, each with its unique advantages and drawbacks. Face milling is a relatively simple process that produces a smooth finish on the surface of the workpiece. However, it is not suitable for operations on very hard materials or for producing very fine finishes. Peripheral milling is well-suited for producing very fine finishes and for operations on very hard materials. However, it is a slower process than face milling and requires a higher level of skill and precision from the operator.
Ultimately, the choice of milling operation depends on the material, size, and complexity of the workpiece. Face milling may be the best option for larger and simpler workpieces, while peripheral milling may be the better choice for smaller and more complex pieces. No matter which option is chosen, understanding the differences between face milling and peripheral milling is essential for achieving the best results.