Climb Milling

In conventional milling, the cutter revolves opposite to the direction of table feed. Therefore the width of the chip starts at zero and increases to a maximum at the end of the cut. This can lead to accelerated tool wear under some conditions - conventional milling is recommended for hot rolled steel, surface hardened materials and steels with a surface scale. In climb milling, the cutter revolves in the same direction as the table feed. The tooth meets the work at the top of the cut, producing the thickest part of the chip first. In horizontal applications the resultant force created by climb milling can act as a clamping force, acting toward the machine table. It is important to make sure that the machine tool has no leadscrew backlash. Normally climb milling improves product surface finish and increases tool life.

Advantages of Climb Milling

Longer Tool Life: Since the chips produced are deposited behind the cutter, tool life can be substantially increased.
Ease of Fixturing: Climb milling exerts a downward clamping force on the workpiece and not an upward force as in conventional milling, which results in simplified fixturing.
Improved Surface Finish: Since the chips are not carried by the cutter, less likelihood of marring the machined surface.
Lower Power Requirements: A higher rake angle can be utilized, lowering power consumption.
Better Chip Evacuation: Easier and faster chip removal since chips are deposited behind the cutter.