A Milling machine is a power-driven machine used for the complex shaping of metal (or possibly other materials) parts. Its basic form is that of a rotating cutter or bit which rotates in the vertical axis (like a drill), and can move in three dimensions relative to the workpiece (in contrast to the drill which can only move in one dimension while cutting). The motion across the surface of the workpiece is usually accomplished by having a moveable table on which the workpiece is mounted, so arranged to move in two dimensions. Milling machines may be operated manually or under numerical control (see CNC).
A more complex (but possibly more common) form of the milling machine is the Universal milling machine, in which the rotating cutter can be oriented to any arbitrary angle, including at right angles to the workpiece.
Milling machines can perform a vast number of complex operations, such as slot cutting, planing, drilling, rebating, routing, etc.
Cutting fluid is often pumped to the cutting site to cool and lubricate the cut, and to sluice away the swarf resulting.
