The most common type of milling machine, a vertical milling machine features a vertically oriented spindle that holds, as well as rotates, the cutting tool against the stationary workpiece. The spindle is capable of moving up and down — all while pressing against the workpiece to remove material.
There are actually two distinct types of vertical milling machines: turret milling machines and bed milling machines. In a turret milling machine, the spindle and table can move perpendicular and parallel to the axis. In comparison, bed milling machines only move the table perpendicular to the axis. Many manufacturing companies prefer turret milling machines because of their versatility. They are able to perform a wider range of milling operations than bed milling machines, making them a smart investment for manufacturing companies.