climb milling
Definition and explanation of climb milling in woodworking
Milling machines play a major role in removing material from workpieces. Depending on the type of workpiece, the material and also its position, different milling processes are used. Climb milling is usually preferable for a variety of reasons.
Here you will find the basic information about climb milling and get to know the advantages and disadvantages of this method in more detail.
Definition: What is climb milling?
In climb milling, the cutting edge of the milling cutter moves in the same direction as the feed of the workpiece. This means that the chip thickness is thickest at the start of the milling process, and in the optimum case the chip thickness reaches zero at the exit of the cutting edge. Among other things, this ensures a longer service life and a better, because clean, milling edge. However, climb milling requires a significantly higher precision of the work surface. The table feed must not have any play due to the forces that occur, as otherwise the chip may break off and the chip thickness may be too high.
Advantages of climb milling
Down milling can be used for different workpieces and materials. As a rule, the forces that occur can be optimally cushioned by good control of the feed. In addition to the significantly better service life of the tool, the cutting edge also offers a significantly better cutting pattern. The higher feed rate is also one of the biggest advantages of this methodology.
Disadvantages of climb milling
In contrast to down-cut milling, in up-cut milling the tool is guided against the direction of rotation. Thus, the chip thickness starts at zero and keeps increasing. Since the cutting edge has to be driven into the cut, higher temperatures and a polishing effect are created on the surface of the workpiece. The higher material loads during up-cut milling significantly reduce the service life of the machine. On the other hand, the tolerances when clamping the workpiece are larger, since lower forces act on it.
What is the difference between down milling and up milling?
In contrast to down-cut milling, in up-cut milling the tool is guided against the direction of rotation. Thus, the chip thickness starts at zero and keeps increasing. Since the cutting edge has to be driven into the cut, higher temperatures and a polishing effect are created on the surface of the workpiece. The higher material loads during up-cut milling significantly reduce the service life of the machine. On the other hand, the tolerances when clamping the workpiece are larger, since lower forces act on it.
Empfehlung: RUWI Frästisch für CNC-Fräsen mit Holz
Fasen, nuten, runden, schleifen, entgraten, bündigfräsen – mit dem RUWI Frästisch (einer mobilen Tischfräsmaschine) ein halbstationäres System im Bereich der Holzbearbeitungsmaschinen, das präzise Fräsarbeiten an einem stabilen Arbeitstisch und höchste Flexibilität gleichermaßen ermöglicht.
Jetzt mehr erfahren und informieren: RUWI Frästisch
When is climb milling preferable to conventional milling?
As a rule, climb milling is always the method of choice, since a significantly better chip edge can be achieved. In addition, excessively high temperatures in the workpiece are avoided, which can mean, among other things, the “welding” of chips on the workpiece. As a rule, up-milling is only chosen when there is no other way to clamp the workpiece appropriately or there is no way to absorb the forces that occur. With up-cut milling, the lifting forces must be absorbed and cushioned, with down-cut milling the pulling forces.
What is better: down milling or up milling?
Climb milling is always preferable under the same conditions. Not only are the results significantly better, the protection of material and tools also plays a more important role. The longer service life and the lower chance of cutting edge failure speak in favor of this method in any case. Up-cut milling is only advantageous when workpieces are machined with a very high machining tolerance. Here this method can lead to better results.
When do you use climb milling?
Climb milling is generally used for all workpieces that require a clean chip edge and fast work performance. As a rule, up-cut milling is only used when it is not possible to work with down-cut milling due to the technical conditions or the existing clamping mechanisms.
You might also be interested in these milling processes
Would you like to get to know other milling processes in woodworking?
Here you will find more articles that will give you extensive knowledge.
RUWI products for woodworking
