Rajkot makers build radial drilling machines, pillar and bench drills, tapping machines and several types of milling machine. These are mostly conventional, manually operated machines for workshops, maintenance departments and general engineering.
They are popular in markets that want simple, rugged machines that local mechanics can repair. Several makers also offer versions with a digital readout or power feed.
Drilling machines
Drilling machines are sized by the largest hole they can drill in mild steel, the spindle taper and the reach from the column. These are the common types:
- Radial drilling machines have an arm that swings around a column, so you can drill large, heavy parts without moving them. Size is given by the drilling capacity in steel and the arm length.
- Pillar drills have a fixed head on a column and a table that moves up and down. They suit smaller parts and general workshop use.
- Bench drills are light machines for small holes in light parts.
- Tapping and multi-spindle drilling machines suit batch work where the same hole pattern repeats.
Milling machines
Milling machines are sized by table size, axis travels and spindle power. These are the types you will see most:
- Knee-type vertical and horizontal milling machines are the standard workshop types, with a table that moves on a knee.
- Universal milling machines have a swivelling table, which allows helical milling with a dividing head.
- Turret or ram-type milling machines have a movable head, which suits tool rooms and repair work.
- Bed-type milling machines have a fixed-height table for heavier parts.
What to check
These machines are simple, so the differences are in the materials and the build. A cheap-looking quote often means thinner castings, softer slideways or a weaker gearbox.
- Ask whether the column, base and table are cast iron, and whether the slideways are hardened and ground.
- Ask for the spindle taper, speed range, number of feeds and motor power in kW.
- Ask for the table size, travels and maximum table load.
- Ask for a geometric test chart for the machine, as explained in geometric accuracy tests.
- Ask what accessories are included, such as vices, arbors, dividing heads or coolant systems. See accessories with Indian machine tools.
Safety on export machines
Machines built for the domestic market may lack chuck guards, spindle guards, emergency stops or interlocks that your country requires. Radial drills and milling machines both need guarding around rotating parts.
Agree the guarding and electrical standard before the order. If you import into Europe, the machine must meet the EU machinery rules, and the party placing it on the market is legally responsible. Confirm the requirements with your regulator or a notified body.
Next step
We visit makers, check the machine on the floor against the quote, and inspect before loading. To find the right drilling or milling machine, book a free sourcing review.