What is the primary action in the milling process?

In the milling process, the primary action involves the tool rotating while the material is moved in relation to the tool. This often happens in multiple directions, typically along the x, y, and z axes. The essential characteristic of milling is that the cutting tool is applied against the workpiece to remove material and produce the desired shape or finish.

While the movement of the material itself is a critical component of this process, it's also important to know that the cutting tool plays an active role by rotating at high speeds, cutting into the material to create various forms and profiles. This action differs from processes where the tool remains static, impacting the dynamics and outcomes of the machining process.

In comparison, options that suggest the tool's action or different processes, like heating the material or creating only holes, do not capture the full scope of milling, where both the tool's movement and the material's positioning work together to achieve the desired machining effects.