Vertical milling machine

The vertical milling machine is a precision tool used for shaping and fabrication by the removal of stock typically from metallic work pieces. Plastics and other materials can also be machined on the mill depending upon tooling and material. Mill controls may be manually operated, computer numerical controlled (CNC), or a combination of both. Mill machining and material removal is typically made by a rotary cutter held in a spindle. Cutting options are more sophisticated and variable than a drill press by virtue of a moveable table and/or vise (x and y-axes) and vertical spindle movement (z-axis). Many vertical mills also have a rotatable turret for the upper cutting head which provides even greater machining options (b-axis).