UNIT 4 MILLING

TYPES OF MILLING MACHINES

Milling operation is broadly classified as peripheral milling and face milling.
Peripheral Milling
This operation is also called plain milling operation. In this operation axis of
rotating tool is always kept parallel to the surface being machined. This operation
is done by the cutting edges on outside periphery of the milling cutter. Different
type of peripheral milling operations are possible as described below.
Slab Milling
In this milling operation the cutter width extends beyond the workpiece on
both sides.
Slotting
It is also a type of milling operation, also called as slot milling operation. In
this case width of the cutter is less than the width of workpiece. It is used to
make slot in the workpiece. Thin slots can be made by using very thin
milling cutters. The workpiece can be cut into two pieces by making a very
thin slot throughout the depth of workpiece. Cutting the workpiece this way
be slot milling is called saw milling.
Side Milling
The cutter is used for milling of sides of a workpiece.

KTU STUDENTS
Straddle Milling
It is just like side milling with difference that cutting (milling operation)
takes place simultaneously on both the sides of workpiece.
All the above types of milling operations are also demonstrated in
Figure 1.1 as per their respective article number.
Milling cutter
Milling cutter

Work
Work piece
piece
(i) Slab Milling (2) Slot Milling (3) Side Milling (4) Straddle Milling

Figure 1.1 : Different Types of Peripheral Milling

Peripheral milling is also classified on the basis of the rotational direction
of cutter, as up milling and down milling.
Up Milling
It is also called conventional milling in this case movement of cutter teeth is
opposite to the direction of feed motion.
Down Milling
It is also called climb milling. In this case direction of cutter motion is the
same so that of direction of feed motion.

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 Face Milling
In the operation of face milling, axis of the milling cutter remains perpendicular to
the surface being milled. In this case cutting action is done by cutting edges of
both sides (end and out side) periphery of the milling cutter. Depending upon the
relative geometry of workpiece and milling cutter face milling is different types as
described below.
Conventional Face Milling
In this case diameter of milling cutter is greater than the width of
workpiece. The milling cutter remains over hanging on both sides of
workpiece.
Partial Face Milling
In this case the milling cutter overhangs on the workpiece on one side only.
End Milling
In case of end milling thin (low diameter) cutter are used as compared to
workpiece width. It is used to make slot in the workpiece.
Profile Milling
This is just like end milling in which the outer side periphery of a flat part is
machined (milled).
Pocket Milling
This is a selective portion milling on the flat surface of workpiece used to
make shallow packets there.
Surface Contouring
In this operation a ball nose cutter if feedback and forth across the
workpiece along a curvilinear path at short intervals. This creates the

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required contours on the surface of workpiece. This operation is used to
make contours of molds and dies and this time the operation is named as die
sinking.
All the above described operations are indicated in Figure 1.2 at their respective number.

Milling cutter
Milling cutter Milling cutter
Work
piece
work piece work piece Feed
Work piece directio

(i) Conventional (2) Partial Face Milling (3) End Milling (4) Profile Milling

Milling cutter
Milling cutter

Work piece

Feed Work piece

Pocket
Feed direction

(5) Pocket Milling (6) Surface Contouring

Figure 1.2 : Different Types of Face Milling

WORKING PRINCIPLE OF MILLING MACHINE

Working of a milling machine is based on the fact that milling cutter is fed against
workpiece. This is achieved by developing relative motion with precise control between
workpiece and rotating milling cutter. Feed motion is generally given to the workpiece
through its holding device. Cutting mechanism of the workpiece in milling operations is 7

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 same as that in turning operation on lathe. This cutting takes place due to plastic
deformation of metal by the cutting tool. Milling machine can also hold more than one
cutter at a time. The holding device is supported by mechanism that can offer a selective
portion of the workpiece to milling cutter for its processing. Indexing is one of the
examples of this type of processing.
Type of Milling Machines
Milling machines can be classified into different categories depending upon their
construction, specification and operations. The choice of any particular machine is
primarily determined by nature of the work to be done, its size, geometry and operations
to be performed. The typical classification of milling machines on the basis of its
construction is given below.
The broader classification has three categories and each category has its
sub-classifications given below :
Column and Knee Type Milling Machine
(a) Head milling machine
(b) Plain milling machine
(c) Universal milling machine
(d) Omniversal milling machine
(e) Vertical milling machine
Fixed Bed Type Milling Machine
(a) Simplex milling
(b) Duplex milling
(c) Triplex milling

KTU (b)
(c)
STUDENTS
Special Type Milling Machine
(a) Rotary table milling
Drum milling
Planetary milling
(d) Tracer controlled milling
In addition to above three types there is one more type of milling machine named as
planner type milling machine which is rarely used.
Column and Knee Type Milling Machine
Main shape of column knee type of milling machine is shown in Figure 1.3. This
milling machine consists of a base having different control mechanisms housed
there in. The base consists of a vertical column at one of its end. There is one
more base above the main base and attached to the column that serves as
worktable equipped with different attachments to hold the workpiece. This base
having worktable is identified as “knee” of the milling machine. At the top of the
column and knee type milling machines are classified according to the various
methods of supplying power to the table, different movements of the table and
different axis of rotation of the main spindle. These are described in brief as
below.
Head Milling Machine
In case of head milling machine feed motion is given by hand and
movements of the machine are provided by motor. This is simple and light
duty milling machine meant for basic operations.
Plain Milling Machine
Plain milling machine is similar to hand milling machine but feed
movement can be powered controlled in addition to manual control.

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 Milling
Speed motion
Overarm
Head

Arbor Work table

Milling cutter Work table Column
Column Cutter
x Speed motion x
N Saddle
Saddle
Z z
Feed motion y y x Feed y
Knee Knee
Z

Base
Base Table adjustments

Figure 1.3 : Column and Knee Type Milling Machine

Universal Milling Machine
A universal milling machine is named so as it is used to do a large variety of
operations. The distinguishing feature of this milling machine is it table
which is mounted on a circular swiveling base which has degree
o
graduations. The table can be swiveled to any angle upto 45 on either side
of normal position. Helical milling operation is possible on universal milling
machine as its table can be fed to cutter at an angle. Provision of large
number of auxiliaries like dividing head, vertical milling attachments, rotary
table, etc. make it suitable for wide variety of operations.
Omniversal Milling Machine

KTU STUDENTS
Omniversal milling machine is like a universal milling machine with
additional feature that its table can be tilted in a vertical plane by providing
a swivel arrangement at the knee. This enables it to make taper spiral
grooves in reamers, bevel gears, etc.
Vertical Milling Machine
Position of spindle is kept vertical or perpendicular to the worktable in case
of vertical milling machine.
Fixed Bed Type Milling Machine
It is also known as manufacturing type milling machine. Its table is mounted directly
on the ways of fixed bed. Table movement is restricted to reciprocation only. Cutter is
mounted on the spindle head which can move vertically on the column. Duplex
milling machine has double spindle heads, one on each side of the table. Triplex
milling machine has three spindle heads one each side of the table and third one is
mounted on the cross rail. Bed type milling machine is shown in
Figure 1.4. Milling cutter

Movements

Arbor

Work piece
Fixed bed

Figure 1.4 : Fixed Bed Type Milling Machine

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 Planer Type Milling Machine
It is a heavy duty milling machine, its spindle head is adjustable in vertical and
transverse directions. It is different from planner as feed is given to the worktable.
This can accommodate a number of independent spindles carrying milling cutters
on the rail. Independent driving of the different spindles is possible so multiple
operations are possible simultaneously.
Special Type Milling Machines
These are the special purpose milling machines, entirely different in design and
construction from the conventional milling machines. In case of rotary table
milling machine face milling cutters are mounted on two or more vertical spindles
and a number of workpieces are clamped on the horizontal surface of a circular
table which rotates about a vertical axis. Different milling cutters are mounted at
different heights. Loading and unloading are possible while milling is in progress.
In case of drum milling machine the worktable rotates about a horizontal axis and
is called drum. In a planetary milling machine, the work is held stationary while
the revolving cutters in a planetary path. It is used to finish cylindrical surface of a
workpiece internally or externally or both. Pantograph milling machine
reproduced the workpiece at any desired scale of pre-decided model. Profiling
machine duplicates full size of the template attached to the machine. Tracer
milling machine can produce any pre-decided irregular or complex shapes of dies,
moulds by synchronizing movements of the cutter and tracing elements.

PRINCIPAL PARTS OF A MILLING MACHINE

Generally columns and knee type milling machine is considered as typical milling
machine. Principal parts of a typical milling machine are described as below.

KTU Base

Column
STUDENTS
It provides rest for all parts of milling machine including column. It is made of
grey iron by casting.

It is a type of rigid vertical long box. It houses driving mechanism of spindle, table
knee is also fixed to the guide ways of column.
Knee
Knee can be adjusted at a height on the column. It houses the feed mechanism of
the table and other controls.
Saddle
Saddle is placed at the top of the knee. Saddle provides guide ways for the
movement of the table.
Table
Table rests on the saddle. It consists of „T‟ shaped slots for clamping the
workpiece. Movements of the table (feed motions) are given in very controlled
manner be lead screw.
Overhanging Arm
Overhanging arm is mounted on the column and serves a bearing support for the
arbor. This arm is adjustable so that the bearing support may be provided near to
the milling cutter. There can be more than one bearing supports to the arbor.
Arbor
It holds rotating milling cutters rigidly and mounted on the spindle. Sometimes
arbor is supported at maximum distance from support of overhanging arm like a
cantilever, it is called stub arbor. Locking provisions are provided in the arbor
assembly to ensure its reliability.

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Front Brace
Front base is used to adjust the relative position of knee and overhanging arm. It is
also an extra support fixed between the knee and overhanging arm for rigidity.
Spindle
Spindle is projected from the column face and provided with a tapered hole to
accommodate the arbor. Performance of a milling machine depends on the
accuracy, strength and rigidity of the spindle. Spindle also transfer the motive
power to arbor through belt or gear from column.

SPECIFICATIONS OF A MILLING MACHINE

Along with the type of a milling machine, it has to be specified by its size. Generally size
of a typical milling machine is designated as given below :
(a) Size (dimensions) of the worktable and its movement range table length
 table width as 900  275 mm.
Table movements : Longitudinal travel  Cross  Vertical as 600  200
 400 mm.
Above travels indicate maximum movement in a direction.
(b) Number of feeds available (specify their values).
(c) Number of spindle speeds (specify their values).
(d) Total power available.
(e) Spindle nose taper.
(f) Floor space required.

KTU (g) Net weight.

CUTTING PARAMETERS
STUDENTS
There are three major cutting parameters to be controlled in any milling operation. These
three parameters are cutting, speed, feed rate and depth of cut. These parameters are
described below.
Cutting Speed
Cutting speed of a milling cutter is its peripheral linear speed resulting from
operation. It is expressed in meters per minute. The cutting speed can be derived
from the above formula.

Vdn
1000
where d = Diameter of milling cutter in mm,
V = Cutting speed (linear) in meter per minute, and
n = Cutter speed in revolution per minute.
Spindle speed of a milling machine is selected to give the desired peripheral speed
of cutter.
Feed Rate
It is the rate with which the workpiece under process advances under the revolving
milling cutter. It is known that revolving cutter remains stationary and feed is
given to the workpiece through worktable. Generally feed is expressed in three
ways.

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 Feed per Tooth
It is the distance traveled by the workpiece (its advance) between engagement by
the two successive teeth. It is expressed as mm/tooth (ft).
Feed per Revolution
Travel of workpiece during one revolution of milling cutter. It is expressed as
mm/rev. and denoted by f(rev).
Feed per Unit of Time
Feed can also be expressed as feed/minute or feed/sec. It is the distance advances
by the workpiece in unit time (fm).
Above described three feed rates are mutually convertible.
f m  n  frev
where n = rpm of cutter.
It can be extended further as
f m  n  f rev  z  n  ft

where z = Number of teeth in milling cutter.

Depth of Cut
Depth of cut in milling operation is the measure of penetration of cutter into the
workpiece. It is thickness of the material removed in one pairs of cutter under
process. One pairs of cutter means when cutter completes the milling operation
from one end of the workpiece to another end. In other words, it is the
perpendicular distance measured between the original and final surface of

KTU STUDENTS
workpiece. It is measured in mm.

MILLING CUTTERS
Milling cutters are classified into different categories depending on different criteria as
described below :
According to the Construction of Milling Cutter
(a) Solid milling cutter
(b) Inserted teeth cutter
(c) Tipped solid cutter
Solid cutter consists of teeth integral with the cutter body, in tipped cutter, teeth
are made of cemented carbide or satellite, teeth are brazed to steel cutter body
called shank. Inserted teeth cutter are larger in diameter, teeth of hard material are
inserted and secured in the shank.
According to Relief Characteristics of the Cutter Teeth
(a) Profile relieved cutter
(b) Form relieved cutter
In case of profile relieved cutter, a relief to cutting edges is provided by grinding a
narrow land at their back. In case of form relieved cutters a curved relief is
provided at the back of the cutting edges.
According to Method of Mounting the Cutters
(a) Arbor type
(b) Facing cutter
(c) Shank cutter

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 Arbor type cutters have a central hole and keyways for their mounting on arbor.
Shank type cutters are provided with straight or tapered shanks inserted into the
spindle nose and clamped there. Facing type milling cutter are used to produce flat
surfaces. These are balled or attached to the spindle nose or the face of a short
arbor (stub arbor).
According to Direction of Rotation of the Cutter
(a) Right hand rotational cutter
(b) Left hand rotational cutter
A right hand rotational cutter rotates in an anticlockwise direction when viewed
from end of the spindle while left hand rotational cutter rotates in a clockwise
direction.
According to the Direction of Helix of the Cutter Teeth
(a) Parallel straight teeth
(b) Right hand helical
(c) Left hand helical
(d) Alternate helical teeth
Parallel or straight teeth cutter consists of teeth parallel to axis of rotation of the
cutter with zero helix angle. In case of right hand and left hand helical teeth
cutters, teeth cut at an angle to the axis of rotation of the cutter. Teeth have
opposite inclination in both the cutters. Alternate helical teeth cutter has alternate
teeth of right hand and left hand helical teeth cutters.
According to Purpose of Use of the Cutter

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(a) Standard milling cutter
(b) Special milling cutter
Special milling cutters are designed to perform special operations which may be
combination of several conventional operations. Standard milling cutters are the
conventional cutters which are classified as given below.
Plain Milling Cutters
These cutters are cylindrical in shape having teeth on their circumference.
These are used to produce flat surfaces parallel to axis of rotation. Plain
milling cutter is shown in Figure 1.5. Depending upon the size and
applications plain milling cutters are categorized as light duty, heavy duty
and helical plain milling cutters.
Cutting edge
Relief angle Primary clearance angle

Secondary clearance
angle
Lip angle

Land
Back of tooth
Radial rake
angle Face of tooth

Gash or chip space

Body
D

o
n
o
c
r

f
i

of Fillet or root radius

cutter
Root
diameter
rotation

Out side diameter

Tooth depth

Figure 1.5 : Plain Milling Cutter and its Elements

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 Side Milling Cutters
Side milling cutters are used to remove metals from the side of workpiece.
These cutters have teeth on the periphery and on its sides. These are further
categorized as plain side milling cutters having straight circumferential
teeth. Staggered teeth side milling cutters having alternate teeth with
opposite helix angle providing more chip space. Half side milling cutters
have straight or helical teeth on its circumference and on its one side only.
Circumferential teeth do the actual cutting of metal while side teeth do the
finishing work.
Interlocking side milling cutter has teeth of two half side milling cutter
which are made to interlock to form one unit.
Metal Slitting Saw
These cutters are like plain or side milling cutters having very small width.
These are used for parting off or slotting operations. Metal slitting saw is
shown in Figure 1.6. It is of two types. If teeth of this saw resembles with
plain milling cutter, it is called plain milling slitting saw. If its teeth matches
with staggered teeth side milling cutter, it is called staggered teeth slitting
saw.

Key hole

KTU STUDENTS
Angle Milling Cutter
Figure 1.6 : Metal Slitting Saw

These cutters have conical surfaces with cutting edges over them. These are
o
used to machine angles other than 90 . Two types of angle milling cutters
are available single angle milling cutter and double angle milling cutter.
End Mill

End mills are used for cutting slots, small holes and light milling operations.
These cutters have teeth on their end as well as an periphery. The cutting
teeth may be straight or helical. Depending upon the shape of their shank,
these are categorized as discussed below.
Taper Shank Mill
Taper shank mill have tapered shank.
Straight Shank Mill
Straight shank mill having straight shank.
Shell End Mills
These are normally used for face milling operation. Cutters of
different sizes can be accommodated on a single common shank.
‘T’ Slot Milling Cutters
These are the special form of milling cutters used to produce „T‟ shaped
slots in the workpiece. These have cutting edges on their periphery and both
sides.

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 Fly Cutter
Fly cutters are the simplest form of cutters used to make contoured surfaces.
These cutters are the single cutting point cutting tools.
Formed Cutters
Formed cutters may have different types of profile on their cutting edges
which can generate different types of profile on the workpieces. Depending
upon tooth profile and their capabilities formed cutters are categorized as
given below.
Convex Milling Cutters
These cutters have profile outwards at their circumference and used to
generate concave semicircular surface on the workpiece.
Concave Milling Cutters
These milling cutters have teeth profile curve in words on their
circumference. These are used to generate convex semicircular surfaces.
Corner Rounding Milling Cutters
These cutters have teeth curved inwards. These milling cutters are used to
form contours of quarter circle. These are main used in making round
corners and round edges of the workpiece.
Gear Cutter
These cutters are used in making gears on milling machine. Gear cutting is
an operation which cannot be done otherwise. These cutter have shape of
the teeth which are to be reproduced on the gear blank.
Different gear cutters are used to make teeth with invalute profile or

KTU fixed tooth profile.

Thread Milling Cutter STUDENTS
cycloidal profile. A gear cutter is used to cut a range of gear size with a

These cutters are designated to mill threads of specific form and size on the
workpiece. These cutters may be with parallel shank of tapered shank and
mainly used to make worms.
Top and Reamer Cutter
Top and reamer cutters are the cutters of double angle type, these are
normally used to make grooves and flutes in taps or reamers. Taps and
reamers are used as thread cutting tools for softer material workpieces.

MILLING MACHINE OPERATIONS

Milling operations described earlier were based on major categorization of milling.
These were differentiated on the basis of relative position of milling cutter and
workpiece. Their detailed description is given below. Following different operations can
be performed on a milling machine :
(a) Plain milling operation
(b) Face milling operation
(c) Side milling operation
(d) Straddle milling operation
(e) Angular milling operation
(f) Gang milling operation
15

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 (g) Form milling operation
(h) Profile milling operation
(i) End milling operation
(j) Saw milling operation
(k) Slot milling operation
(l) Gear cutting operation
(m) Helical milling operation
(n) Cam milling operation
(o) Thread milling operation
Plain Milling Operation

This is also called slab milling. This operation produces flat surfaces on the
workpiece. Feed and depth of cut are selected, rotating milling cutter is moved
from one end of the workpiece to other end to complete the one pairs of plain
milling operation.
Face Milling Operation

This operation produces flat surface at the face o the workpiece. This surface is
perpendicular to the surface prepared in plain milling operation. This operation is
performed by face milling cutter mounted on stub arbor of milling machine. Depth
of cut is set according to the need and cross feed is given to the work table.
Side Milling Operation

KTU STUDENTS
This operation produces flat and vertical surfaces at the sides of the workpiece. In
this operation depth of cut is adjusted by adjusting vertical feed screw of the
workpiece.
Straddle Milling Operation

This is similar to the side milling operation. Two side milling cutters are mounted
on the same arbor. Distance between them is so adjusted that both sides of the
workpiece can be milled simultaneously. Hexagonal bolt can be produced by this
operation by rotating the workpiece only two times as this operation produces two
parallel faces of bolt simultaneously.
Angular Milling Operation

Angular milling operation is used to produce angular surface on the workpiece. The
produced surface makes an angle with the axis of spindle which is not right angle.
Production of „V‟ shaped groove is the example of angular milling opration.
Angular milling is shown in Figure 1.7.
Angular milling
cutter

Work piece Work table

Angular milling

Figure 1.7 : Angular Milling Operation

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Gang Milling Operation
As the name indicates, this operation produces several surfaces of a workpiece
simultaneously using a gang of milling cutters. During this operation, the
workpiece mounted on the table is fed against the revolving milling cutters. This
operation is illustrated in Figure 1.8.
Gang milling
cutter

Work piece

Work table
Gang milling

Figure 1.8 : Gang Milling Operation

Form Milling Operation

Form milling operation is illustrated in Figure 1.9. This operation produces

irregular contours on the work surface. These irregular contours may be convex,
concave, or of any other shape. This operation is done comparatively at very low
cutter speed than plain milling operation.
Milling cutter

KTU STUDENTS
Work piece

Form milling
Work table

Figure 1.9 : Form Milling Operation

Profile Milling Operation

In this operation a template of complex shape or master die is used. A tracer and
milling cutter are synchronized together with respect to their movements. Tracer
reads the template or master die and milling cutter generates the same shape on the
workpiece. Profile milling is an operation used to generate shape of a template or
die. This operation is demonstrated in Figure 1.10.
Tracer

Table

Gang milling

Figure 1.10 : Profile Milling Operation

End Milling Operation

End milling operation produces flat vertical surfaces, flat horizontal surfaces and
other flat surfaces making an angle from table surface using milling cutter named
as end mill. This operation is preferably carried out on vertical milling machine.
This operation is illustrated in Figure 1.11.
17

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Manufacturing Processes-III Milling cutter
Work piece

Figure 1.11 : End Milling Operation

Saw Milling Operation

Saw milling operation produces narrow slots or grooves into the workpiece using
saw milling cutter. This operation is also used to cut the workpiece into two equal
or unequal pieces which cut is also known as “parting off”. In case of parting off
operation cutter and workpiece are set in a manner so that the cutter is directly
placed over one of the „T‟ slot of the worktable as illustrated in Figure 1.12.
Milling cutter

Work piece

Saw milling operation

Figure 1.12 : Saw Milling Operation

Slot Milling Operation

KTU STUDENTS
The operation of producing keyways, grooves, slots of varying shapes and sizes is
called slot milling operation. Slot milling operation can use any type of milling
cutter like plain milling cutter, metal slitting saw or side milling cutter. Selection
of a cutter depends upon type and size of slot or groove to be produced. Right
placement of milling cutter is very important in this operation as axis of cutter
should be at the middle of geometry of slot or groove to be produced. The
operation is illustrated in Figure 1.13.
Work piece
Milling cutter

Slot

Figure 1.13 : Slot Milling Operation

Gear Cutting Operation

The operation of gear cutting is cutting of equally spaced, identical gear teeth on a
gear blank by handling it on a universal dividing head and then indexing it. The
cutter used for this operation is cylindrical type or end mill type. The cutter
selection also depends upon tooth profile and their spacing. Gear cutting operation
is illustrated in Figure 1.14. Indexing is explained in detail later in this unit.

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 Milling cutter

Gear blank
Gear blank
Gear cutting

Figure 1.14 : Gear Cutting Operation

Helical Milling Operation

Helical milling produces helical flutes or grooves on the periphery of a cylindrical
or conical workpiece. This is performed by swiveling the table to the required
helix angle, then rotating and feeding the workpiece against revolving cutting
edges of milling cutter. Helical gears and drills and reamers are made by this
operation.
Cam Milling Operation
The operation cam milling is used to produce the cam on milling machine. In this
operation cam blank is mounted at the end of the dividing head spindle and the
end mill is held in the vertical milling attachment.
Thread Milling Operation

KTU STUDENTS
The operation thread milling produces threads using thread milling centres. This
operation needs three simultaneous movements revolving movement of cutter,
simultaneous longitudinal movement of cutter, feed movement to the workpiece
through table. For each thread, the revolving cutter is fed longitudinal by a
distance equal to pitch of the thread. Depth of cut is normally adjusted equal to the
full depth of threads.

INDEXING
Indexing is the operation of dividing the periphery of a workpiece into any number of
equal parts. For example if we want to make a hexagonal bolt. Head of the bolt is given
hexagonal shape. We do indexing to divide circular workpiece into six equal parts and
then all the six parts are milled to an identical flat surface. If we want to cut „n‟ number
of teeth in a gear blank. The circumference of gear blank is divided into „n‟ number of
equal parts and teeth are made by milling operation one by one. The main component
used in indexing operation is universal dividing head.
Universal Dividing Head
It is most popular and common type of indexing arrangement. As indicated by its
name “universal”, it can be used to do all types of indexing on a milling machine.
Universal dividing head can set the workpiece in vertical, horizontal, or in inclined
position relative to the worktable in addition to working principle is explained
below with the help of illustration in Figure 1.15. The worm gear has 40 teeth and
the worm has simple thread. Crank is directly attached with the worm. If we
revolve crank by 40 revolutions the spindle attached with worm gear will revolve
by only one revolution and one complete turn of the crank will revolve the spindle
th
only by 1/40 revolution (turn). In order to turn the crank precisely a fraction of a
revolution, an indexing plate is used. An indexing plate is like a circular disc
having concentric rings of different number of equally spaced holes. Normally
indexing plate is kept stationary by a lock pin. A spring loaded pin is fixed to the

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 crank which can be fixed into any hole of indexing plate. The turning movement
of the workpiece is stably controlled by the movement of crank as explained
below.
Worm gear

Worm
Worm piece

Spindle Work carrier

Change
gear
Worm
shaft
Driver

Driven
gear
Indexing Indexing
plate crank

Spring
loaded pin
Figure 1.15 : Working Principle of Indexing Mechanism
If the pin is moved by one hole on the indexing plate in the circle of 20 holes, the
spindle will revolve by 1  1  1 th turn of one revolution.
40 20 600

INDEXING METHOD

KTU (a)
(b)
STUDENTS
There are different indexing methods in popularity. These are :
Direct indexing
Simple indexing
(c) Compound indexing
(d) Differential indexing
Direct Indexing
It is also named as rapid indexing. For this direct indexing plate is used which has
24 equally spaced holes in a circle. It is possible to divide the surface of workpiece
into any number of equal divisions out of 2, 3, 4, 56, 8, 12, 24 parts. These all
numbers are the factors of 24.
In this case fist of all worm and worm wheel is disengaged. We find number of
holes by which spring loaded pin is to be moved. If we want to divide the surface
24
into 6 parts than number of holes by which pin is to be moved  N for 6 parts
N = 6.

26
So number of holes   4 holes that is after completing one pair of milling 6
whole surface of workpiece we have to move the pin by 4 holes before next
milling operation, that is to be done for 5 number of times for making hexagonal
bolt.
Simple Indexing
It is also named as plain indexing. It over comes the major limitation of direct
indexing that is possibility of dividing circumference of workpiece into some fixed

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 number of divisions. In this case worm and worm gear is first engaged. So one
1
complete turn of indexing crank revolves the workpiece by 40 th revolution.
Three indexing plates are used. These plates have concentric circles of holes with
their different numbers as described below :
Plate No. 1 15 16 17 18 19 20
Plate No. 2 21 23 27 29 31 33
Plate No. 3 37 39 41 43 47 49

These are the standard indexing plates followed by all machine tool
manufacturers.
Indexing Procedure
(a) Divide 40 by the number of divisions to be done on the circumference
of workpiece. This gives movement of indexing crank.
40
Indexing crank movement 
N
N is the number of divisions to be made on the circumference of
workpiece.
(b) If the above number is a whole number, then crank is rotated by that
much number of revolutions after each milling operations, till the
completion of the work.
For example, if we want to divide the circumference into 10 number
of parts.

KTU STUDENTS
Indexing crank movement 
40

operation for 9 more milling operations.

 4 revolutions. 10

That is the indexing crank is given 4 revolutions after each of milling

40
(c) If indexing crank movement calculated by N is not whole number, it
is simplified and then expressed as a whole number and a fraction.
(d) The fractional part of the above number is further processed by
multiplying its denominator and numerator by a suitable common
number so that the denominator will turn to a number equal to any
number of holes available on the any of indexing plates.
(e) That particular holes circle is selected for the movement of crank pin.
(f) The numerator of the process fraction stands for the number of holes
to be moved by the indexing crank in the selected hole circle in
addition to complete turns of indexing crank equal to whole number
40
part of N.
Let us do the indexing to cut 30 teeth on a spur gear blank that means
we need to divide the circumference of gear blank into 30 identical,
parts. Crank movement is calculated s given below.
40 40
Crank movement  
N 30
Here, N = 30.

10 1
1 30  1 3

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 Let us multiply both numerator and denominator by 5.

5
 115
Denominator becomes „15‟ so we will select 15 hole circle of plate 1.
Action 1
After each milling operation we will rotate indexing crank by one
complete turn and 5 holes in 15 holes circle. This way we do milling
total 30 times.
In this case we can multiply numerator and denominator by „7‟ a
the place of „5‟ as described below.
40
Indexing crank movement  (N  30 teeth)
N

 40  1 10  1 1  7  1 7
30 30 3 7 21
Action 2
We will select the hole circle of 21 holes. After each milling
operation indexing crank will be rotated by 1 complete circle and
7 holes in 21 holes circle. This way milling operation will be done by
total 30 times.
Both the answers determined in the above problem are correct and
substitute of each other.
Limitations

KTU STUDENTS
This method can used for indexing upto 50 for any number of divisions
after 50 this method is not capable for some numbers like 96, etc.
Compound indexing overcomes the limitations.
Compound Indexing
The word compound indexing is an indicative of compound movements of
indexing crank and then plate along with crank. In this case indexing plate is
normally held stationary by a lock pin, first we rotate the indexing crank through a
required number of holes in a selected hole circle, then crank is fixed through pin.
It is followed by another movement by disengaging the rear lock pin, the indexing
plate along with indexing crank is rotated in forward or backward direction
through predetermined holes in a selected hole circle, then lock pin is reengaged.
Following steps are to be followed for compound indexing operation. The
procedure is explained with the help of numerical example.
Example 1.1
Let us make 69 divisions of workpiece circumference by indexing method.
(Using compound indexing)
Solution
Follow the steps given below :
(a) Factor the divisions to be make (69 = 3  23) N = 69.
(b) Select two hole circles at random (These are 27 and 33 in this case,
both of the hole circles should be from same plate).
(c) Subtract smaller number of holes from larger number and factor it as
(33 – 27 = 6 = 2  3).

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(d) Factor the number of turns of the crank required for one revolution of the spindle (40). Also factorize the
selected hole circles.
(e) Place the factors of N and difference above the horizontal line and factors of 40 and selected both the hole
circles below the horizontal line as given below. Cancel the common values.
69  23  3
623
40  2  2  2  5
27  3  3  3
33  3  11

(f) If all the factors above the line are cancelled by those which are below the line, then the selected hole circles can
be used for indexing otherwise select another two hole circles. In this case there is need to select another hole
circles. Let us select 23 and 33 this time and repeat the step 5 as indicated below.
69  23  3
10  2  5
40  2  2  2  5
22  23  1
33  11  3
(Difference of hole circle values)
Encircled numbers below the line are the left out numbers after canceling the common factors. All the factors
above the horizontal line are cancelled so selected hole circles with 22 and 33 holes can used for indexing.

KTU
(g) Following formula is used for indexing :
40 n n
69
 1 2
N1 N2
STUDENTS
In this formula N1 = 23 and N2 = 33 (N1 is always given smaller value out of two).

(h) Multiply all the remaining factors below the line as 2  2  11  44 . The formula above will turn to
40  44  44
69 23 33
We will neglect the +ve sign.

21 11
 1 23 1 33
The –ve sign indicates backward movement.
Action
For indexing of 69 divisions, the indexing crank should be moved by 21 holes circle in forward direction and
then crank along with the plate are moved by 11 holes in 33 hole circle is reversed (backward) direction.

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