An asphalt milling machine (or cold planer) is a piece of equipment used to remove the top layer of old or damaged asphalt. It uses a rotating drum fitted with tungsten carbide cutting tools to grind away the pavement, which is then collected and transported for recycling or disposal. Milling is a key step in road rehabilitation, as it prepares the base course for new asphalt.
How does it work?
The core component is the milling drum, mounted horizontally at the front of the machine. As the machine moves forward, the drum rotates (100–300 rpm), and the cutting tools chip away at the asphalt. The milled material is conveyed to a hopper or dump truck via a belt system. Most machines feature a depth control system (sensors or GPS) to ensure consistent removal (1–10 cm thick).
What are the types?
· By Milling Method:
· Cold Milling: Operates at ambient temperature (most common, efficient).
· Hot Milling: Uses heat (burners or infrared) to soften asphalt (useful for hard pavements).
· By Width:
· Small: 0.3–1 meter (local repairs, e.g., potholes).
· Medium: 1–2 meters (urban roads, parking lots).
· Large: 2+ meters (highways, large-scale projects).
Why is milling important?
Milling offers several advantages over traditional repairs:
· Cost-Effective: Milled asphalt is recycled into new HMA, reducing material and disposal costs.
· Improves Quality: Removes damaged layers, eliminating reflective cracks (cracks in old pavement that spread to new surfaces).
· Environmentally Friendly: Reduces landfill waste and carbon footprint.
· Precision: Achieves consistent depth and width, ensuring the new pavement meets design specs.
Where are they used?
Milling machines are used in road rehabilitation, airport runways, parking lots, and bridge decks. They’re essential for restoring smooth, safe surfaces and extending the life of existing infrastructure.
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