Milling machines group cutting and woodworking machines in classification by type of processing. Milling machines are used for handling with mills flat and shaped surfaces, gears, etc. of metallic and other workpieces. The cutter is fixed in the spindle milling machine, performs rotational (the main thing) movement, and blankmounted on the table, makes feeding movement straight or curved (sometimes carried out simultaneously a rotating tool). Control can be manual, automated or carried out by the system CNC.

In the milling machines the main motion is the rotation of the milling cutter and feed motion — the relative movement of the workpiece and the cutter.

Auxiliary movements required in the machine for preparation of cutting process. To the auxiliary movements are movements associated with setting up and adjusting the machine, its control, securing and releasing the workpiece and the tool, and connecting the tool to the treated surfaces and its removal; the movement of devices for automatic control of dimensions, etc. of the Subsidiary motion can be performed on the machine both automatically and manually. The machines all ancillary movements in sequence is performed automatically.