Which type of milling machine has its spindle mounted perpendicular to the floor?

A vertical milling machine is characterized by having its spindle oriented perpendicular to the floor. This design allows for a variety of milling operations to be performed with precision, particularly when working on flat surfaces or when using milling cutters for detailed work. The vertical orientation of the spindle enables the operator to have better control and visibility during the cutting process, facilitating operations such as drilling, boring, and contouring.

In contrast, horizontal milling machines have their spindles mounted parallel to the floor, and they are best suited for tasks requiring the machine to remove large volumes of material. Ram-type milling machines can have both vertical and horizontal capabilities depending on their configuration, while universal milling machines are versatile machines that can be used for both vertical and horizontal milling but do not specifically designate their spindle orientation.