What is a machining center

What is a machining center

Machining center (CNC, the full name is Computerized Numerical Control): is a highly automated multifunctional CNC machine tool with a tool magazine and automatic tool changing device.

Since the machining center is equipped with a tool magazine system, after the workpiece is clamped, according to the corresponding CNC instructions, the CNC system can control the machine tool to automatically select and replace tools according to different processes, automatically set the tool, automatically change the spindle speed and feed rate, etc., and can continuously complete multiple processes such as drilling, boring, milling, reaming, and tapping. This reduces the workpiece clamping time, the time of auxiliary processes such as measurement and machine tool adjustment, and has a good economic effect on parts with complex shapes, high precision requirements, and frequent variety changes.

Machining centers are often divided into vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers, gantry machining centers, and five-axis machining centers according to the state of the spindle in space.

Vertical machining center: The structure is mostly fixed column type, and the workbench is rectangular, which is suitable for processing discs, sleeves, and plate parts. Vertical machining centers usually have three linear motion coordinates, XYZ axes, and a fourth axis A axis can be installed on the workbench.

Horizontal machining center: Usually a mobile column is used, and the spindle box is between the two columns and moves up and down along the guide rail. Horizontal machining centers usually have three linear motion coordinates. Facing the machine tool, the left and right movement is the X-axis, the front and back movement is the Z-axis, and the up and down movement is the Y-axis. The horizontal machining center can also install a fourth axis A-axis on the workbench.

Gantry machining center: Most of its spindles are set vertically, with an ATC system and replaceable spindle head accessories. The system software has many functions and can be used for multiple purposes. It is suitable for processing large parts.

Five-axis machining center: A five-axis machining center is a five-face machining center. It has the functions of a vertical machining center and a horizontal machining center. After the workpiece is clamped once, it can complete the processing of all sides and top surfaces except the mounting surface. Common five-axis machining centers have spindles that can rotate 90°, which can work like a vertical machining center or a horizontal machining center. There is also a type in which the spindle does not change direction, and the workbench rotates 90° with the workpiece to complete the processing of the five surfaces.