
There are two types of gantry milling machine, CNC computer type and non-NC computer type (traditional manual type). It is a milling machine with a portal frame and a horizontal long bed. Gantry milling machines are suitable for machining flat and inclined surfaces of large workpieces in batch and mass production. CNC gantry milling machines can also process space curved surfaces and some special parts.
In recent years, the usage habits and processing conditions of gantry milling machines are different, so gantry milling heads have also successively introduced milling heads in different directions for use in machine tools (vertical/horizontal milling heads), and also widely load angle heads/horizontal milling heads. So that the processing range of the gantry milling machine is wider to meet the more difficult processing requirements.
Mention traditional gantry milling head, how to choose the correct one to install on a gantry machine?
There are two options:
- Machine body, according to the connection plate on the gantry milling machine, confirm which type of milling head the connection hole matches.
- Application, according to the user's processing conditions.
(Such as: processing material, processing efficiency, cutting amount...etc.)
Traditional gantry milling heads can generally be distinguished from the size of the motor, gear speed, processing travel and the connection hole position behind the milling head:
-Size of motor: 10HP/12.5HP/15HP/20HP/other
-Gear speed: 2 stages/6 stages/9 stages/other
- Processing travel: 320mm~700mm/other
Besides, it can also as a match basis through the connection holes on the back of the milling head (if the user needs to modify or replace the milling head).
In necessary, you need to customize a special gantry milling head to match the special body.
(Such as: super large gantry milling machine, gantry milling machine with special processing conditions.)
The CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
milling machine is a typical machine tool in the machinery sector. It is a
common kind of CNC that can execute repeated drilling and turning activities
that were previously performed by humans.
Ø Classification of CNC milling machines
The total number on a CNC machine
determines its classification. For horizontal movement, axes are designated x
and y, while for vertical movement, axes are labeled z. You will be able to
call these as milling heads. Milling Head Z, Table Z, Table Y, and Table X are
the four axes of this machine. The number of axes it possesses is often
represented in a variety of ways. Out of these, milling heads are the most
important, as they play a major role than other axes.
There is a five-axis machine, for example. The additional 5th axis comes in the form of a vertical pivot for the mill head, which ensures outstanding machining flexibility by allowing the end mill to follow the table at an angle. It's commonly programmed using a set of standard instructions known as G-codes, which are used to express particular CNC jobs in alpha-numeric form.
Ø Important features to note in CNC milling
machines
This machine comes in a variety of sizes,
depending on the purpose and area of use, and the material that need to be cut.
Aside from that, the capacity of the motor has an impact on the speed with which the materials are sliced. Plastic or wood are often the simplest materials to cut, but steel requires a more powerful milling machine and more time. You should focus on the specifics before you buy a milling machine. Then you will never regret about the machine that you purchase to get work done.
The stiffness of milling may be used to assess its performance. For instance, the stiffer a mill is the more accurately it drills or cuts. In comparison to manual mills, CNC mills often feature superior and harder engines for increased stiffness.
Ø What are the benefits that you can get out
of a milling machine
In comparison to manual operation, we can
increase the speed of cut using a CNC milling machine. When the rigor of the
findings rose, it also lowered rejection. As a result, in the long term, it'll
save a lot of money and time since there will be less waste.
Another advantage of using a cut via CNC milling machine with such a computerized numerical control machine is the precision. It is critical in a manufacturing line that all pieces be made identically. Nothing, however, is perfect. Because a mill may cut with precise accuracy as near as.0001 of an inch, the operator of a CNC milling machine is at fault.
Many milling machines also feature beds that can move at various angles for easier cutting activities, variable angled cuts, and more complex drilling operations. It is one of the advantages of a CNC mill over a manual mill. By spraying and blasting hot metal and even tooling using specially designed coolant, it is possible to retain the quality raw material using controlled cooling systems.
Final words
Now you have a good understanding of the different features that milling machines are capable of offering. As you go ahead and buy a milling machine, you need to focus on these features. Then you can determine what the best feature that you should be spending your money on is. Upon the discovery of that perfect milling machine, you can simply stick to it and get your work done.
If you're searching for a CNC Milling Head, the chances are that you
will need a lot of help deciding which one is best for your needs. When you are
on a mission to buy the best CNC milling machine, not just any device will
do.
You have a lot of things to consider and lots of things to think
about. If you don't do ample research ahead of time, you may make a purchase
that is not worthwhile. Don't let yourself make an impulsive buying decision.
You may already know the basics about CNC Milling, but you are still
looking for a specific guide or comparison chart that breaks down all the specs
and whatnot into a more straightforward, digestible form. If this is the case,
you have come to the right place!
Top 9 Tips for Buying Best CNC
Milling Head
The CNC milling head is the essential part of a
CNC mill. It is the heart of a CNC milling machine, which can make the machines
work or not work. Therefore, it is indispensable to choose a good one.
1.Choose the Right Spindle
The spindle is an essential part of the CNC milling head, which
determines the performance and accuracy of your CNC milling machine. Choosing
the wrong spindle will affect your workpiece's accuracy and quality and your
machine's performance and life span.
Therefore, choosing a high-quality spindle with high rigidity, high
precision, and long service life for your CNC milling machine is extremely
important.
2.Make Sure Your Machine Is Plug-and-Play
Another thing to consider when buying a CNC milling head is whether
it's plug-and-play or not. If it isn't, then this means that there will be some
setup required for everything to work correctly together before you can use it.
When this happens, there might be issues with alignment and
calibration (among other things), which could cause problems down the road if
they aren't fixed right away.
3.Choose the Right Tooling
The second step is to choose the proper tooling for your
application. The most common type of tooling is called "tool
holders," which are mounted directly to the spindle and allow you to
change out different bits.
Other options include collets (which grip round objects like drill
bits), end mills (which cut on one side only), or slot drills (which can cut
slots as well as round holes). Slot drills are beneficial if your part requires
multiple holes that align perfectly with one another.
4.Fix Your Requirements
Before searching for the best CNC milling head, you need to know
what you want from it. The first thing to consider is your budget. You should never
buy a product that is beyond your budget.
You also need to consider what kind of work you will be doing with
this machine tool. Any CNC milling head will do if you are a hobbyist who just
wants to make small projects or have fun.
However, if you are an experienced engineer who needs to make
complex parts for big projects, you should buy a high-end product with
additional features.
5.Find Out About the Manufacturer
The next thing you need to do before buying any product is to find
out about its manufacturer to know whether they produce high-quality products
or not.
You should look at their history and determine how many satisfied
customers they have served in the past year or two.
Suppose they have been producing high-quality products for many
years. In that case, this means that they take customer satisfaction seriously
and will provide good service and after-sales service if required by their
customers in the future.
6.Consider Your Budget
Budget is another crucial factor that needs to be considered before
buying any product. You don't need to accept the most expensive product, but
you must purchase something within your budget range.
If the cost of a product is too high, then there are chances that it
might not satisfy all your requirements. If a product falls under your budget
range and has all the features you want in a CNC machine, then this could be
one of the best options for you!
7.Make Sure That the Spindle Fits Your Machine
Perfectly
Before buying any CNC milling head, make sure that the spindle size
fits your machine perfectly. The most common mistake is to choose the wrong
spindle, which will cause damage.
If you have a giant machine, then make sure that you get one that
can handle the more extensive tooling and heavier cutting materials. On the
other hand, if you have a smaller machine, get one that can take smaller tools
and lighter materials.
8.Pay Attention to the Tool Length
Make sure that you pay attention to the tool length when choosing a
CNC milling head to fit your workpiece correctly without causing any damage
while working on it.
You may also need to pay attention to what kind of tooling works
best with whatever material you might be using to get maximum efficiency out of
your new CNC milling head purchase!
9.Look For the Brand
Choosing the right brand can be tricky as many brands claim to offer
high-quality CNC milling heads, but in reality, they don't.
The best way to choose a good brand is by looking at the reviews and
ratings of other customers who have already purchased their products.
Summing Up!
CNC Milling Machine is one of the most devoted machines in the
engineering environment. It can help you perform best on your project within a
short period.
If you are looking for the top 9 tips for buying the best CNC milling heads, read this article because
we have provided you with some excellent ways to make the perfect purchase
without hassles.
The best way to ensure that the product you buy will
suit your needs is to ask as many questions as possible about it. If the shop
selling it does not have good answers, you are well within your rights to
choose another provider.
Getting 5-Axis milling machining services
CNC machining solutions are quite
significant, and you may select from a variety of them based on the project and
demands that you have for your items. A manufacturing business may provide you
with 5-axis services, for example. The machining type in question contains
three linear axes and two rotary axes along with an angle head, which might be
in the form of a rotary table or rotary axes just on crank shaft and headstock.
5-axis milling is a sophisticated solution, particularly for complex components
that demand great accuracy. The precision is substantially greater since all
characteristics are done in one setup.
◆What are the benefits of 5-Axis milling
machine services
The 5-axis technique makes it relatively
easy to create complicated forms in a single step, significantly decreasing
machining time, mistakes, and tool costs for the work at hand. As a
consequence, you'll get quicker, more accurate, and more inexpensive outcomes
for your production job.
Because the head may be lowered and the
cutter directed to the surface, this form of machining allows for the use of
smaller cutting tools. As a consequence, a greater cutting speed is reached, as
well as a significant reduction in tool vibration, all of which contribute to
attaining the best outcomes, regardless of the work at hand.
CNC machining is capable of handling
exceedingly complicated pieces made from solids that would normally need casting.
High-temperature alloys such as tool stainless steel, brass, titanium, Alloy,
tungsten, copper, sterling silver, carbon steel, and bronze may all be milled
with the five axis milling. It can also handle polycarbonate, acetal, PP, ABS,
and nylon, among other materials.
When it concerns to drilling holes,
machining saves time. When drilling a sequence of holes with compound angles,
it takes a long time, but with the machine, it's simple to automatically
position the head along the appropriate axis for each hole. As a result, hole
drilling has been simplified and may be accomplished more quickly utilizing
5-axis machining or machining.
◆Things to consider before you go ahead with
5-Axis CNC machine services
When looking for machining services, look
for a company that has been in business for a long time. Keep in mind that
machining service expertise may have a significant impact on the quality of
work and turnaround time. For the finest experience, choose a dependable and
trustworthy manufacturer.
The factory's five-axis CNC milling
equipment are also extremely crucial to consider. The greater the machine's
quality, the better the consistency with which your product outcomes are
delivered. The equipment should be in good working order so that you can get the
results you want in a short amount of time.
Affordability of the service should also be
examined. The costs should correspond to the final product quality. Keep in
mind that the service price is determined on the raw materials utilized. Before
deciding on the finest you can afford, consider what materials the manufacturer
can handle and your demands.
◆Starting your own business to offer CNC
machine services
Since there is a high demand for 5-Axis CNC
machining, you may think about starting your own business around it as well.
This is where you should think about getting the best quality milling machine
available out there. Then you can offer an impressive service to your customers
and get them to buy what you offer. Make sure that you pay special attention to
specific features such as the angle head, as they can contribute a lot towards
the overall functionality that you can get out of the machine.
Many manufacturing organizations have
struggled with the thought of purchasing new machinery or attempting to make
the best selection for their business. If you wonder whether to buy a new CNC
milling machine or a used one, you are at the right place. We will share some
useful facts to clear out all the doubts you have in mind.
l Cost
The cost is the most obvious consideration
when deciding between new and secondhand. The cost of a used automobile vs. a
new car is the first thing that comes to mind. Many decision-makers, on the
other hand, do not consider anything other than the initial cost. A new mill,
for example, may cost $90,000, but a lightly used mill with equal design and
specs would cost just $70,000.
It may seem to be a simple option but
examine the contrasts. To begin, a new mill will typically come with a one-year
guarantee and a two-year warranty on the control. Most secondhand machines are
available with no guarantee, and a warranty on a machine this cheap might be
worth up to $3000. You will need to make sure that all major components of the
machine, including milling heads are in proper working condition at the time of
buying a one. Then you can save money in the long run.
l Installation and delivery
Installation and training are two other
hidden costs of old machinery. All installation methods are included and
delivered by manufacturer qualified experts and engineers with most new machines.
In addition, most new machines come with rigorous product training to guarantee
correct usage, maintenance, and any activities the equipment is capable of.
Depending on the quality of training and the size of the machine, these costs
might reach $4000.
l There’s nothing to inspect in new machines
A consumer should also have the used
equipment examined when they arrive. This is something that the factory experts
would conduct during the new machine's installation. On a fresh machine,
however, nothing is supposed to go wrong. I've seen used equipment in a variety
of situations. Some of my clients have purchased secondhand equipment that have
been installed as if they were brand new. On the other side, I've seen
equipment that required maintenance for thousands of dollars.
Shipping damage is among the worst things
that can happen to a new or secondhand computer. Many electronics and delicate
components are packed inside machines. A lengthy bumpy truck travel through a
variety of conditions may have a significant impact on a machining center. The
only consolation is that a new computer warranty would cover all of these
issues. In most cases, freight insurance will not cover these potential machine
damages.
l Age of the milling machine
Finally, you should think about the age of
the milling machine while making your selection. Do not ignore technological
advancements over time, even though they're not immediately apparent. Some
brands made significant advancements in its basic encoders, which make a significant
impact in contouring and 3D work. Many energy-saving techniques are put into
new machines that were not considered by older equipment.
Final words
If acquired wisely, old machines offer a
lot of advantages. There are many fantastic firms out there, for example, that
sell secondhand equipment after a full evaluation and, if required, repairs.
Some even include a guarantee for a little cost, which you should consider
purchasing.
Smaller start-up enterprises with some
mechanical know-how may also benefit from used machinery since they carry a
lesser financial risk. Though it is a good idea to leave the repair of milling
heads and other parts to factory-trained professionals, certain simple
modifications and fixes may be done at home for a fraction of the price. This
perk may make a major impact in the beginning for small businesses.
Milling machines come in many different types with a variety of functions based on certain standard specifications. Some of the most commonly used machines are the following: column, turret, C-frame, horizontal, bed type, planer-style, and tracer controlled.
Milling machines facilitate in removing metal pieces through a rotating cutter. The rotation of the cutter takes place at high speed, which helps it cut through metal efficiently. Furthermore, these cutters have cutting edges that play a vital role in cutting materials.
Manufacturers often name the different machines according to the kind of control, types of milling head, number of axis present, orientation of the spindle, size of the tool, its purpose, and source of power. While there are several varieties of milling machines available today, they essentially serve the same functions but use different terminologies. Below is the common list of seven types of milling machines.
♦Column Milling Machine
This is the most common milling machine, which has 5 basic components that are the work table, saddle, head, knee, and over arm. Considered as the simplest machine type, its cutting device is vertically suspended to allow drilling of metals. This is typically used when creating car parts because it is small and handy.
♦Turret Milling Machine
The turret is also known as the Bridgeport-type and can be repositioned anytime you want making this machine very functional. Its versatility makes it more practical since a variety of products can be made in addition to car parts.
♦C-frame Milling Machine
Because it is sturdier than a turret, this type is popular in industrial settings. It comes with a hydraulic motor, which makes it very powerful.
♦Horizontal type Milling Machine
This machine runs parallel to the ground. The table from which the object to be worked on is placed moves sideways while the cutting device goes up and down.
♦Bed type Milling Machine
The worktable cannot be raised ad lowered, but can be moved longitudinally and laterally along the guide rail of the bed base, and the milling head or column can be moved vertically.
♦Planer-style Milling Machine
This machine type is basically the same as the bed mill. However, the planner-style includes cutters and heads that allow for a wider range of milling actions.
♦Tracer controlled Milling Machine
This type of machine has the ability to reproduce parts based on a master model. Most of the industrial sectors, especially the automotive industry, choose this type of machine because it makes production and specialization of machine parts easier. With the vast classifications of milling machines, you need to choose the one you need according to how you intend to use it. However if you find it's difficult to decide, do not hesitate to seek the help of a specialist who can help you select the one that will give you maximum benefits.
Now you know the main types of milling machines that you will find in almost every industrial sector for cutting materials and shaping them. One of the most important components of milling machine is milling head. If you are looking for a reliable milling head manufacturer for all your mechanical needs, YIH KUAN can definitely help.
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