Jyrsinkone

A jyrsinkone, known in English as a milling machine, is a versatile machine tool used to remove material from a workpiece by means of rotating cutting tools. It can produce flat, contoured, and complex surfaces on metal, plastic, wood, and other materials. Milling machines are essential in precision manufacturing and prototyping.

Typical configurations include vertical milling machines (spindle oriented up and down) and horizontal milling machines (spindle oriented left to right). Other variants are knee-type, bed-type, and universal mills. Modern mills are often CNC-controlled, enabling automated toolpaths and multi-axis motion (3-, 4-, or 5-axis).

Operation: The workpiece is secured on a movable table, and the cutter rotates while the tool advances against the workpiece along the X, Y, and Z axes. A variety of cutting tools are used, such as end mills, face mills, and drilling tools. Milling allows pockets, slots, keyways, profiles, and through-holes to be produced with high precision.

Applications: Milling machines are used in metalworking, aerospace, automotive, mold making, electronics, and woodworking. CNC mills enable repeatable production of complex shapes and tight tolerances.

History and safety: Early milling machines emerged in the 19th century, evolving into widely used machine tools by the mid-20th century. Safety considerations include guarding, removal of chips, ear and eye protection, and proper training to operate rotating spindles and sharp cutting tools.