Bridgeport (machine tool brand)

Bridgeport is a well-known brand of milling machines and related machine tools, particularly noted for its knee-type vertical milling machine design. This type of mill became an industry standard and is often referred to simply as a "Bridgeport" even when manufactured by other companies.

The Bridgeport milling machine was originally manufactured by Bridgeport Machines, Inc. located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA. It gained widespread popularity in the mid-20th century due to its versatility, accuracy, and relatively compact size, making it suitable for a wide range of machining operations in toolrooms, machine shops, and manufacturing facilities.

Key features of the Bridgeport mill include a vertically oriented spindle, a knee-type worktable that can be moved vertically along the column, and a swiveling milling head allowing for angled machining. This design provides flexibility in performing various operations such as drilling, milling, boring, and tapping.

Over time, the Bridgeport brand has been owned by various companies. While manufacturing has shifted locations and the brand has expanded into other types of machine tools, the original knee-type mill remains strongly associated with the name. The Bridgeport design has been widely copied and adapted by other manufacturers, contributing to its lasting legacy in the machine tool industry.