If you’re familiar with metal fabrication, you already know that there is a wide variety of ways to cut, shape and assemble your sheet metal to reach its final form. Milling and drilling are two ways to create holes in the metal, which can be used for anything from riveting or fastening with bolts to simply shaping the metal in a specific way.

What’s the difference between milling and drilling in Phoenix, AZ? Read on to find out!

Milling

Milling uses several rotary cutters to gradually remove metal from a desired area. Instead of drilling, which creates simple round holes, milling creates shallow cavities or deep slots, gear teeth and threads, depending on the method.

Face milling is for creating flat-bottomed cavities, whether horizontal or vertical, while peripheral milling makes deeper cuts. Both types can either be performed manually (conventional), feeding the piece into the milling cutter against its rotation, or with computer-controlled machinery (climb milling). This type of milling feeds the metal into the milling machinery in the direction of the rotation.

Depending on the desired result, the speed and feed can be adjusted to create different effects. Milling is typically used to finish a product after it’s been machined to a certain extent, in order to create depth or features like slots or threads. However, in some cases, milling can be used to form a piece from start to finish.

Drilling

Most of us are familiar with drilling, particularly when it comes to construction jobs. In metal fabrication, drilling entails using one or more bits to drill holes into a piece of metal. The holes are always round, and depending on the bit, can produce a variety of different results.

For example, spotting drills create shallow holes or indentations that can either serve as a guide for other drill bits or function on their own. Screw machine drills don’t require spotting—they can create precise and straight holes all on their own. Peck drilling, much like the name implies, uses quick “pecks” to drill the hole and clear debris.

When drilling, the technician needs to pay attention to the metal chips, which build up and fall away as the holes are drilled, and prevent drifting off. Drifting can be avoided using several different methods, including spot drilling first, center punching and casting.

Although the two processes sound alike, they can produce very different results. Still not sure whether metal milling or drilling is right for your project? Ask one of the experts at Metal Pro Inc.

Metal milling and drilling services in Phoenix, AZ

For all your metal fabrication projects, Metal Pro Inc. can help. In addition to milling and drilling services, depending on your specific needs, we also offer cutting, bending and assembling services that will see your project through to completion. Our experienced and skilled team can handle any size or scope of project, and will recommend the best way to complete the job to get great results. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get a quote.