Main classification of milling machines

Distinguish by layout and scope of application
1. Elevating table milling machine: There are universal, horizontal, and vertical types, mainly used for processing small and medium-sized parts, with the widest application.
2. Gantry milling machine: including gantry milling and boring machines, gantry milling and planing machines, and double column milling machines, all used for processing large parts.
3. Single column milling machine and single arm milling machine: The horizontal milling head of the former can move along the column guide rail, and the workbench is fed longitudinally; The end milling head of the latter can move horizontally along the cantilever guide rail, and the cantilever can also adjust the height along the column guide rail. Both are used for processing large parts.
4. Workbench non lifting milling machine: There are two types of milling machines, rectangular and circular, which are medium-sized milling machines between lifting table milling machines and gantry milling machines. The vertical movement is completed by the milling head lifting and lowering on the column.
5. Instrument milling machine: A small lifting table milling machine used for processing instruments and other small parts.
6. Tool milling machine: used for mold and tool manufacturing, equipped with various accessories such as end milling heads, universal angle workbenches, and plugs. It can also be used for drilling, boring, and slotting.
7. Other milling machines, such as keyway milling machines, cam milling machines, crankshaft milling machines, roller journal milling machines, and square steel ingot milling machines, are specialized milling machines manufactured for processing corresponding workpieces.
Divided by structure
(1) Desktop milling machine: A small milling machine used for milling small parts such as instruments and meters.
(2) Cantilever type milling machine: A milling machine with a milling head mounted on a cantilever. The bed is horizontally arranged, and the cantilever can generally move vertically along one side of the column guide rail of the bed. The milling head moves along the cantilever guide rail.
(3) Sliding pillow type milling machine: A milling machine with a spindle mounted on the sliding pillow.
(4) Gantry milling machine: A milling machine with a horizontal layout of the bed and columns and connecting beams on both sides forming a gantry. The milling head is installed on the crossbeam and column and can move along its guide rail. Usually, the crossbeam can move vertically along the column guide rail, and the workbench can move longitudinally along the bed guide rail, used for large workpiece processing.
(5) Flat milling machine: A milling machine used for milling flat and formed surfaces.
(6) Profile milling machine: A milling machine that performs profile machining on workpieces. Generally used for processing complex shaped workpieces.
(7) Lifting table milling machine: A milling machine with a lifting table that can move vertically along the bed guide rail. The workbench and saddle usually installed on the lifting table can move vertically and horizontally, respectively.
(8) Rocker arm milling machine: Rocker arm milling machine can also be called turret milling machine, rocker arm milling, universal milling. The turret milling machine of the machine tool is a lightweight universal metal cutting machine tool with vertical and horizontal milling functions, which can mill the flat, inclined, groove, and spline of small and medium-sized parts.
(9) Bed type milling machine: A milling machine where the workbench cannot be raised or lowered and can move longitudinally or horizontally along the bed guide rail, while the milling head or column can move vertically.
(10) Special milling machine: For example, tool milling machine: a milling machine used for milling tool molds, with high machining accuracy and complex machining shapes.
Divided by control method
Milling machines can also be divided into profiling milling machines, program controlled milling machines, and CNC milling machines.