Milling (machining)

Milling is kind of like using a special tool to take away parts of a material to make it into a specific shape or size. Imagine playing with Play-Doh and using a tool to cut or shape it into a new piece of art. Milling works with all sorts of materials, like metal, wood, and plastic.

The tool used for milling is called a milling machine. It has special cutting edges, called "teeth," which rotate quickly and take away bits of the material. The milling machine can move the material around on different axes, or directions, to create different shapes and designs. Think of it like a robot that can move in different directions to make a toy or a puzzle.

Different kinds of milling machines can be used for different purposes. Some use simple, straight-cut lines to make flat or rectangular shapes, while others can create more complex curves and angles. The person operating the machine has to plan out what they want to make and how they want to make it using specialized software, sometimes called "CAD."

Milling can be used for lots of different things! It's often used by engineers and designers to make parts for machinery or buildings. It can also be used in art and jewelry making, to create intricate shapes and designs. Thanks to milling machines, we can make all sorts of things more easily and quickly than we used to.