A milling machine extracts raw materials from a material by performing multiple separate cuts using rotating cutters to give it a desired shape. This machine is an essential part of the mold-making tool kit used for machining custom molds with high precision and tight tolerance. 

Milling machines can be used to perform several operations on the surface of a workpiece, including machining flat surfaces, drilling, boring, cutting, threading, crushing, and slotting. 

Milling machines could be vertical or horizontal, manual or CNC (computer numerically controlled). Depending on your project scope and budget, you could choose between the two. CNC milling centers have many functional parts, including a milling cutter, base, column, saddle, spindle, worktable, arbor, knee, overarm, and control.