Mill

Mills (vertical milling machines) are used to perform machining operations in the X, Y, and Z axes. The workpiece is fixtured securely onto the table, generally using a vice or clamps. Depending on the desired operation, different cutting tools may be used in the mill, such as end mills, drill bits, or fly cutters. The cutting tool is held by the spindle, which rotates at high speeds to remove material from the workpiece. The mill is controlled in the Z-axis by raising or lowering the spindle, and in the X and Y axes by moving the table. The digital readout (DRO) provides coordinates that allow the user to control the mill at precisions of up to 0.0005". E4 students use the mill to cut the slot and flats on their hammer heads.

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TRAK K3 Knee Mills

The shop operates and maintains a set of four Trak K3 Knee Mills (3-axis) with ProtoTrak SMX-line digital readouts. The mills all feature 50"x10" tables operated by handwheel or power jog. The quill is equipped with a power drawbar, as well as a fine-control handwheel. The DRO is equipped with a CNC-programming interface as well as gCode capability. These mills are your go-to for operations such as:

  • Drilling holes (with a drill bit)

  • Milling slots, flats, or shapes (with an end mill)

  • Tapping (threading) holes (with a power tap or manual tap)

  • Flycutting flat faces (with a flycutter)

Note: Knee mills are also known as turret mills. Same thing!

TRAK DPM SX3P Bed Mill

Also known as our Clinic Mill, the DPM SX3P Bed Mill features a 5hp continuous-spindle motor backed by a solid ram for keeping the head stable during heavy cuts. While it does not feature the operational flexibility of the knee mill, it is more rigid, leading to more precise cuts under most conditions. The main differences between this mill and the Trak K3 knee mills are:

  • Larger Z-axis travel for taller projects. This is especially important when CNC machining, but not so important for manual machining.

  • Manual collet holder instead of pneumatic drawbar (ask a proctor!)

  • Jog Z-axis up and down instead of changing table height

  • Change spindle speed on DRO interface

  • Slightly more precise

If you want to use this mill, talk to Drew or a proctor.