The vertical machining center has been developing for more than 150 years. For years of development, the vertical machining center has become a multi-functional machine with high precision, high efficiency and so on. A vertical machining center is a machine tool which is ideal for complex metal processing. Therefore, it’s very popular among processing industry. Let’s know more about the vertical machining center!
VMC Machine Applications & Uses
Vertical machining, which is also known as milling, uses rotary cutters to remove metal from a workpiece. With a vertically oriented spindle, the tools sticks straight down from the tool holder and generally cut cross the top of a workpiece. CNC vertical machining center can be applied in machinery manufacturing industries with high precision and mass production requirements, such as aerospace, automobile, instrumentation, light and textile, electronic and electrical, mold making, military products, handicrafts, etc. Vertical Machining Center is suitable for processing workpieces with complex shape, high accuracy & precision and multiple procedures.
1. Box type parts
CNC vertical machining center has high efficiency, rigidity, accuracy and automatic tool changing device. If the process flow is well formulated and using proper fixtures and tools, many problems of box type parts machining can be solved.
2. Complex curved parts
3. Special or irregular shaped parts
4. Board, sleeve and plate parts
These kinds of workpieces often include keyway and radial hole. Vertical machining center could produce board, sleeve and plate parts, such as shaft sleeve, plate with many holes, like motor covers…, etc.
5. New parts in trial production
Advantages of VMC (Vertical Machining Center)
1. Operator-Friendly – Time Saving
2. Space Saving
Comparing with other types of machining center, such as horizontal machining center, vertical machining center occupies only about 1/3 floor space. Because VMC could save lots of space, CNC vertical machining center is ideal for small companies.
3. Higher Productivity
4. Less Expensive than HMC
Compare to horizontal machining center, vertical machining center is much cheaper. The initial investment is lower than horizontal and you can save costs in your production as well.
Vertical Machining Center Features for Improving Productivity
1. Metal-Cutting Capability
2. Tooling Support and Capacity
3. Control Software
4. Automation Integration
Automation integration makes different versions of automation hardware and software work together. It combines several subsystems to work together as one large system. The automation Integration reduces the need of manpower, and also increases the productivity.
5. Fixturing and 4th-Axis Potential
6. Operator-Friendly (Ergonomics)
7. Productivity Improvement
Pros and Cons - Vertical Machines vs. Horizontal Machines
1. CNC vertical machining center
Advantages
- Cost-effective
- Easy to operate and maintain
- Doesn’t Require Extensive Facility
Disadvantages
- Hard to handle high weight projects
- Lower production output than HMC
- Lower strength motor than HMC
2. CNC horizontal machining center
Advantages
- Perfect for complex projects
- Faster processing
- High Rigidity
Disadvantages
- Expensive
- Bigger and heavier
- hard to monitor during processing
| Vertical Machining Center | Horizontal Machining Center | |
|---|---|---|
| price | Cheaper | More expensive |
| space | Smaller | Larger |
| process parts |
Small parts and accessories Simple |
High-weight projects Complex |
| Structure | Vertical | Horizontal |
| remove chips | Harder than HMC | Easier |
| debug | Convenient | Inconvenient |
| Visible for operators | Easy | Harder than VMC |
Before Buying the Vertical Machining Center, you should think...
There are different types of VMCs with different sizes, equipment, and applications.
1. Material
2. Accuracies expected
3. Production rates required
Achieve ideal production rate which means VMC need to produce parts in a short time, maintain high quality and minimum use of resources.
4. Fixed Costs - Tooling Costs
Regular inspection and replacement of parts is necessary to keep the machine in the best performance and producing high quality products. If the company never inspects machine tool, that would lead to have more defective product, which would cause potential costs for the company.
Summary
Being the most common piece of CNC equipment, it’s easy for CNC vertical machining center to program any complex tools. The system can come fully equipped with an assortment of tools and tool changers, magazines, and carousels. VMC is best for short runs and small sizes.
Are you looking for CNC vertical machining center？Maxmill, as a highly reputed manufacturer in vertical machining centers, can help you finding your ideal VMC. Contact us and let us know your requirements to get best solution!
