What is one of the major purposes of milling in finishing processes?

One of the major purposes of milling in finishing processes is to smooth surfaces to specification. Milling is a machining process that utilizes rotating cutting tools to remove material from a workpiece. In the finishing stage, the key objective is to achieve precise dimensions and a smooth surface finish, which is essential for both aesthetics and functionality.

Finishing operations often require that the surface of a part meets specific flatness, surface roughness, or other dimensional tolerances, and milling is well-suited to accomplish this. It can effectively remove any irregularities or roughness left from earlier machining operations, ensuring that the final product meets engineering and design specifications.

While adding decorative finishes, hardening surfaces, and cutting threads are important functions in machining, these are not the primary goals of milling within the context of finishing processes. The focus during finishing is predominantly on achieving a refined surface quality and precise dimensions.