Machining Center Guide
A machining center is a highly developed machine tool that performs a number of precision CNC machining tasks. The machining centers were originally derived from machine tools for milling in the middle of the 20th century. The development of this particular type of machine tool is essential in the industry. They are widely used in various industries and have made extensive efforts to date since the advent of such machine tools.
Regarding the milling process of the CNC machining center, it is the machining process that uses a spinning tool to remove stock from a workpiece. The process is carried out by advancing the tool into one or more workpieces. Such a method can be done in different directions. In addition to turning, milling also covers a wide variety of operations, ranging from machining single tiny parts to heavy and large milling tasks. Similar to turning, milling is one of the most commonly used machining methods which provide precise tolerances.
5-axis Machining Center
There are three main methods of constructing a five-axis machining center. Most machining angles can be achieved by the swinging head. A 5-axis machining center, as well as the 4 + 1 and 3 + 2 types of machining centers, is considered convenient, but the 5-axis machining center has more practical advantages. A 5-axis machining center is designed with the x, y, and z-axes along with another two rotational axes. The 5-axis machining centers are able to carry out complex surface designs on workpieces.
Double-column Machining Center
The double-column CNC machining center belongs to highly developed machine tools that can handle a variety of heavy-duty CNC machining tasks due to its strong column design. A double-column machining center is also known as the bridge-type machining center or gantry-type machining center. The machining tool is positioned on the bridge-style gantry device to perform the machining tasks. This type of machining center is ideal for handling workpieces with a wide flat surface.
Fixed-column Machining Center
The fixed-column CNC machining center is a precision machine tool. It is a subtype of the double-column machining centers. Usually, the columns are mounted onto a rail set along the lengthwise sides of the machining center which allows the gantry device to travel across the worktable while the worktable stays stationary. A fixed-column machining center has the mobility of the columns confined and the worktable movable instead. This way of configuration is needed when the gantry bridge is too heavy to move.
High-speed Machining Center
The high-speed machining center is a machining center designed for multitasks. The high-speed characteristic refers to the turning speed of the machining spindle and sometimes the overall feed rate of the machine. Typically speaking, the spindle speed is at around 12,000 rpm. In the case of European models, the spindle speed may even exceed 12,000 rpm. The high-speed machining centers are implemented primarily in the aerospace industry or in the making of molds and dies. They are suitable for processing stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, etc.
Horizontal Machining Center
A horizontal machining center is one of the machine models that have undergone high research and development. Because of its multi-tasking and convenient design, it can handle multiple processing tasks in one stop. This type of machine has the machining spindle positioned parallel to the floor level. It cuts a workpiece from its side. One of its key advantages is the quick evacuation of chips during a machining operation. Since the chips are removed faster, it allows the machine with a higher feed rate.
Moving Column Machining Center
The moving column machining center is a highly developed machine. It is based on a double-column structure and can handle a variety of heavy-duty machining tasks due to its strong column design. The machining center evolved from the milling machine. After transformation, the development of this particular type of machine tool is progressing smoothly in the industry.
Vertical Machining Center
The vertical machining center is a modern milling machine. It has the machining spindle positioned over the worktable of the machine. The machining spindle faces downwardly to the workpiece and moves vertically to perform machining operations. It cuts the workpiece from the top. With the multiple-axis machining capability, a vertical machining center can also cut a workpiece from side to side so to speak. It is widely used in all sectors of the industry except aerospace and has made extensive industrial efforts for commercial purposes.
Conclusion
All these types of machining centers are designed for specific machining purposes. The configuration and characteristics of the machine determine the final application. Regardless of the type of the machine, one of the features these modern-designed machining centers all share is automation. The computer numerical control (CNC) system is heavily incorporated with these machines in order to achieve the ultimate performance. Automation in the machining industry significantly enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and most importantly the precision of works. The CNC machining centers work much faster with way fewer errors compared to the conventional machine tools, which is why they have become a crucial role in the modern machining and engineering industry.
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