Fräs

Fräs is a machine tool used to remove material from a workpiece by means of rotating cutting tools. In metalworking, woodworking and plastics processing, the term fräs can refer to either the milling machine itself or the milling cutter used. Milling machines are typically capable of removing material along multiple axes and can be operated manually or controlled by computer numerical control (CNC). A typical setup includes a sturdy frame, a movable table, a spindle that holds the cutter, and a control system for coordinating motions in the X, Y and Z directions.

Tooling consists of milling cutters, which come in many shapes and sizes, such as end mills, face mills, and shell mills. Cutter materials include high-speed steel, carbide and, increasingly, coated carbides or ceramics. The choice of cutter, along with spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut, determines chip formation and surface finish. Coolants or cutting fluids are commonly used to manage heat and chip evacuation.

Operation and applications: The workpiece is clamped to the table, and the cutter rotates to remove material as the table or workpiece is moved according to a programmed path or manual control. Milling machines produce features such as slots, pockets, contours, profiles and through holes. With specialized cutters, gear teeth or complex three-dimensional shapes can be machined. In woodworking, a hand-held fräs (often called a router) is used to create decorative edges and profiles.

History: The milling machine originated in the early 19th century, with contributions credited to inventors aiming to produce interchangeable parts. Over time, rigid machine designs and, later, CNC control enabled more precise and automated milling of complex parts.

See also: milling, cutting tool, CNC milling, router.