Micro milling is a cold planing process that produces a super-fine-textured road surface using specialized machinery, such as a cutter drum with cutting teeth. These road surfaces can be made coarser or smoother by adjusting the speed of the cutter drum or the overall machine.
Micro milling is typically done on the final surface of the road to improve driveability and uniformity. It can also be used to restore minor pavement distress and is a great way to prolong road longevity.
You have most likely already driven on a micro-milled road and noticed how smooth and easy the experience was, compared to traditional road surfaces. Aside from aesthetic purposes, micro milling surfaces offer a range of benefits.
There are three main components of a micro milling machine: the cutting drum, vacuum, and conveyance system. As the milling machine moves across the pavement, the cutting drum rotates to break up existing asphalt. The vacuum sucks up the broken micro milling asphalt pieces and send them to the conveyance system.
From the conveyance system, the picked-up asphalt pieces are sent to a dump truck. This process is carried out simultaneously to minimize waste during production through the reuse and recycling of materials.
Several use cases for micro milling also make it a worthwhile investment. Let’s take a look at the many applications of micro milling.
It is difficult to correct existing grades and longitudinal smoothness when surface repairs are conducted. Micro milling helps by generating a smoother surface, minimizing potential reflections, and reducing the amount of material used.
Just as micro milling can be used to treat surfaces, it can also be used to remove existing surface treatments. This makes it a versatile and straightforward solution for addressing road surface damage.
Micro milling is a common and effective solution for removing existing pavement markings due to its ability to remove only the necessary amounts of asphalt, unlike standard milling. A standard mill is often too rough, generating excess debris and looking less pleasant.
Because of the shallower ridges and valleys of micro milling, asphalt has much less of a chance of spalling. This means micro-milled pavements can last for a long time with less road debris when being driven on.
One benefit of micro-milled surfaces is that they can be immediately opened up for driving, if needed, even though the whole installation process may not be complete. This means that micro-milled surfaces can last for long periods, even without surface treatment.
Micro milling is also an excellent solution for restoring friction on road surfaces. This can also increase skid resistance, making it an immediate cost-effective alternative to new surface treatment.
Micro milling also ensures more immediate protection against vehicles hydroplaning, making it a viable medium to long-term road solution.
Major League Milling offers high-quality, long-lasting pavement and road surfaces through our micro milling services. With micro milling, our construction professionals also perform treatments, removals, and restorations.
Contact us now to get started on timely and cost-saving asphalt construction with our specialized micro milling services.
