What type of milling is known for producing a smoother finish on a workpiece?

Climb milling is known for producing a smoother finish on a workpiece due to the way the cutting tool engages with the material. In climb milling, the cutter rotates in the same direction as the feed of the workpiece. This means that the cutting edge enters the material at the thickest part of the chip, causing the chip to gradually decrease in thickness as it is cut away. This engagement reduces the cutting force and helps eliminate vibrations, resulting in a finer surface finish. The downward force from the cutting tool also helps minimize tool deflection, contributing to greater precision and a smoother finish on the workpiece.

The other milling types listed have different cutting engagements that generally result in rougher finishes. For instance, conventional milling involves the cutter entering the material from the thin end of the chip, potentially leading to a rougher surface due to increased chip thickness and greater cutting forces. Understanding the mechanics of these different types of milling helps to appreciate why climb milling is preferred for achieving superior surface finishes.