Characteristics of Vertical Machining Center

Introduction to the Characteristics of Vertical Machining Center

Structural characteristics

Vertical spindle: The characteristic feature is that the spindle is perpendicular to the worktable. This layout allows the tool to cut vertically, facilitating the machining of geometric shapes such as planes, cavities, and holes. For example, when milling a plane, the tool is fed along the vertical direction (Z-axis), which can efficiently remove material and smooth the surface of the workpiece. And the vertical spindle has a shorter tool overhang during machining, which can better maintain machining accuracy and surface quality when machining parts with high rigidity requirements compared to horizontal machining centers.

Workbench: The workbench is generally rectangular and made of cast iron, with good stability and rigidity. There is a T-shaped groove on the table for fixing workpieces or fixtures. Some workbenches have a rotating function, which can achieve multi-faceted machining of workpieces, greatly improving the flexibility of machining. For example, when processing complex parts with multiple sides, by rotating the worktable, the parts can be processed at different angles, avoiding frequent changes in clamping positions and effectively improving processing efficiency.

Knife magazine system: equipped with a knife magazine, with a capacity ranging from a few to hundreds of knives. The common types of knife magazines are disc type and chain type. The disc type tool magazine has a compact structure, fast tool changing speed, and is suitable for situations where the tool magazine capacity is small; The chain type tool magazine has a large capacity and can store more types of tools, which can meet the needs of complex part processing. For example, when machining a part that integrates milling, drilling, and tapping, different tools in the tool library can be automatically replaced according to the program, achieving continuous operation of multiple machining processes.

Processing characteristics

Precision control: High precision machining is achieved through high-precision transmission components such as ball screws and linear guides, as well as advanced CNC systems. Its positioning accuracy can reach ± 0.005- ± 0.01mm or even higher, and the repeated positioning accuracy can be controlled within a very small range, which can meet the requirements of precision part processing. For example, when processing the cavity of precision molds, complex surfaces can be accurately machined according to design requirements to ensure the quality of the mold.

Processing efficiency: It can automatically and continuously complete multiple processing procedures, reducing manual tool changing and machine tool adjustment time. Meanwhile, the higher spindle speed and feed rate also accelerate the machining process. Some high-performance vertical machining centers have spindle speeds that can reach tens of thousands of revolutions per minute, greatly shortening the machining cycle. For example, in batch processing of small mechanical parts, it is possible to complete milling, drilling, and other processes for a large number of parts in a short period of time.

Processing diversity: It can process parts of various shapes, including flat surfaces, curved surfaces, hole systems, etc. Both simple plate-like parts and complex mold and box parts can be processed. And by replacing cutting tools and fixtures, its processing capability can be further expanded. For example, when processing aerospace components, special cutting tools and high-precision fixtures can be used to complete the processing of complex structural parts.

Programming and operational characteristics

Numerical control programming: relying on numerical control programming to control the machining process. Technicians use CNC programming software to write programs based on part drawings, which include information such as tool motion trajectory, cutting parameters (such as cutting speed, feed rate, cutting depth), etc. These program codes are transmitted to the CNC system of the machining center through data cables, thereby controlling the machining actions of the machine tool.

Convenience of operation: The operation interface is usually intuitive, and operators can set machine parameters, call programs, monitor machining status, and other operations through the operation panel of the CNC system. And many modern vertical machining centers are also equipped with auxiliary equipment such as automatic tool presetters, further simplifying the operation process, improving the convenience of operation and machining efficiency. For example, during the machining process, operators can view the position of the tool, cutting parameters, and other information in real time through the operation panel, making it convenient to adjust the machining status in a timely manner.