Difference between Milling Machine and Planner Machine

A milling machine is a machine tool that uses a rotating cutting tool to remove material from a workpiece. The milling machine has a worktable that can be moved in the XY-plane and a spindle that can be moved in the Z-axis. The milling machine can be used to shape the material by cutting away excess material using a variety of different cutting tools, such as end mills and slot drills.

A planner machine is a machine tool that uses a rotating cutting tool to remove material from a workpiece. However, unlike a milling machine, the workpiece is stationary and the cutting tool moves along multiple axes in order to shape the workpiece. Planner machines are typically used to machine large, flat surfaces, such as those found on a lathe bed or a planer bed.

In general, milling machines are more versatile than planner machines, as they can be used to machine surfaces of any shape, as well as perform a variety of other operations such as drilling, tapping, and boring. However, planner machines are generally more precise and can produce higher quality surface finishes, as they are designed specifically for the purpose of shaping large, flat surfaces.

Here are some additional points of difference between milling machines and planner machines:

Milling machines can be horizontal or vertical, while planner machines are always horizontal.

Milling machines typically have a shorter bed length than planner machines, which means they are not able to accommodate as long of a workpiece.

Planner machines have a much larger and heavier table and base than milling machines, which gives them greater stability and allows them to handle larger and heavier workpieces.

Milling machines can be manually or digitally controlled, while planner machines are typically digitally controlled.

Milling machines can be used to machine complex shapes and contours, while planner machines are limited to shaping flat surfaces.

Milling machines can be outfitted with a variety of different cutting tools, such as end mills, slot drills, and ball nose cutters, which allows them to machine a wide range of different materials and shapes. Planner machines, on the other hand, are typically equipped with a single, large-diameter cutting tool that is used to shape flat surfaces.

Milling machines can be used to produce a variety of different types of products, including gears, cams, dies, and molds, while planner machines are primarily used to produce large, flat surface finishes.

Milling machines are generally more expensive than planner machines due to their versatility and the wide range of cutting tools that they can accommodate.

Milling machines are typically used in smaller machine shops or in prototyping applications, while planner machines are more commonly found in large manufacturing facilities where they are used to produce finished parts.

Milling machines can be used to produce precise and intricate shapes, while planner machines are limited to shaping flat surfaces. However, planner machines are capable of producing very high quality surface finishes due to their precision and stability.

It's important to note that while milling machines and planner machines are similar in some ways, they are designed for different types of work and have their own unique capabilities and limitations. The choice between the two will depend on the specific requirements of the job at hand.