Milling on Vertical Milling Machine(VMC)

VMC Booking Time: 3 Hrs

Max CMF Points Earned: 350

Vertical Milling Machine

Learn basic introduction about the Vertical Milling Machine (VMC)  before performing any operation.

Bearing Housing

The bearing housing is a mechanical structure designed to support and position bearings, which ensure accurate alignment, load distribution and rigid mounting in rotating machinery.

Download Part Drawing

General Safety & Precautions

  • Always wear safety goggles and ear protection while operating the VMC.
  • Securely clamp the workpiece before beginning any operation.
  • Never touch rotating parts or cutting tools while the machine is running.
  • Keep the work area clean and free from oil and chips.
  • Use appropriate cutting fluid to avoid overheating.
  • Check tool alignment and offsets before starting operations.
  • Do not leave the machine unattended while in operation.
  • Use proper speeds and feeds to prevent tool breakage.

Step-0: Material & Tools Required

  • Workpiece: Mild Steel or Aluminum Block (as per project specification)
  • Tools Required:
    • Face Mill Cutter (dia. 10 mm)
    • End Mill Cutter (dia. 10 mm)
    • Twist Drills (dia. 4.2 mm, 8 mm, 15 mm, 18 mm)
    • M5 Tap
    • VMC or Vertical Milling Machine
    • Tapping Tools

Step-1: Clamp Workpiece and Set Machine

  • Operation: Secure the block on the VMC bed and set up a zero reference
  • Tool Required: Face Mill Cutter (dia. 10 mm), End Mill Cutter (dia. 10 mm), Drill Press with 8 mm drill bit, Drill Press with 15 mm drill bit, Drill Press with 4.2 mm drill bit
  • Time: 20 minutes

Step-2: Face Milling – Top Surface

  • Operation: Perform facing to level the top surface
  • Tool Required: Face Mill Cutter (dia. 10 mm)
  • Time: 10 minutes

Step-3: End Milling – Side Surfaces

  • Operation: Finish the side faces of the block
  • Tool Required: End Mill Cutter (dia. 10 mm)
  • Time: 20 minutes

Step-4: Face Milling – Bottom Surface

  • Operation: Face the underside of the block
  • Tool Required: Face Mill Cutter (dia. 10 mm)
  • Time: 10 minutes

Step-5: Drill Pilot Hole – dia. 8 mm

  • Operation: Drill a pilot hole for larger through holes
  • Tool Required: VMC / Drill Press with 8 mm drill bit
  • Time: 10 minutes

Step-6: Drill Through Hole – dia. 15 mm

  • Operation: Enlarge the hole to 15 mm diameter
  • Tool Required: VMC / Drill Press with 15 mm drill bit
  • Time: 10 minutes

Step-7: Drill Through Hole – dia. 18 mm

  • Operation: Further enlarge the hole to 18 mm diameter
  • Tool Required: VMC / Drill Press with 10 mm drill bit
  • Time: 10 minutes

Step-8: End Milling – Counterbore dia. 28 mm

  • Operation: Create a counterbore with dia. 28 mm
  • Tool Required: End Mill Cutter – dia. 10 mm
  • Time: 10 minutes

Step-9: Drill Pilot Hole – dia. 8 mm (Opposite Face)

  • Operation: Drill pilot hole on the opposite side
  • Tool Required: VMC / Drill Press with 8 mm drill bit
  • Time: 10 minutes

Step-10: Drill Through Hole – dia. 18 mm (Opposite Face)

  • Operation: Drill final diameter through the block
  • Tool Required: VMC / Drill Press with 18 mm drill bit
  • Time: 10 minutes

Step-11: End Milling – Counterbore dia. 24 mm (Opposite Face)

  • Operation: Create a counterbore on opposite side
  • Tool Required: End Mill Cutter – dia. 24 mm
  • Time: 10 minutes

Step-12: Drill Tap Holes – dia. 4.2 mm for M5 (4 holes)

  • Operation: Drill holes in preparation for internal M5 threading
  • Tool Required: VMC / Drill Press with 4.2 mm drill bit
  • Time: 10 minutes

Step-13: Tapping – Internal M5 Thread (4 holes)

  • Operation: Tap M5 internal thread
  • Tool Required: M5 Tap & Tapping Machine
  • Time: 10 minutes

Learning outcome:

  • Proper use of marking and hand tools
  • Workpiece alignment
  • How to use VMC?
  • Face milling
  • End milling
  • Drilling and tapping