VMCs (Vertical Machining Centers) are highly functional machines that can perform a variety of mechanical tasks. From milling and drilling to threading, tapping and boring, a VMC machine can do it all.
Their structural design allows for superior visibility, giving operators a better chance to identify problems and adjust accordingly. These features make vertical machining centers an ideal choice for complex metal fabrication projects.
Precision
VMCs have the capacity to create a wide variety of complex shapes that other milling equipment often fails to accommodate. Whether its an unusually shaped base or piston rod, vertical machining centers can produce parts with tight tolerances that leave little room for human error.
They can also handle curved surfaces better than other milling machines, thanks to the design of their table and spindle. There are two main types of VMCs: turret mills and bed mills. Turret mills use a tool changer, which allows the machine to automatically select the right tool for any given task from a magazine or carousel. Some VMCs also feature recalculating coolant systems that help to reduce splatters and keep the workpiece and cutter tools properly lubricated. This enables the machine to perform consistently while also maintaining high precision. This is a crucial element in any shop that wants to operate to its full potential and deliver reliable results to customers.
Versatility
One of the biggest benefits of VMCs is that they are highly versatile machines. They are able to create a wide variety of parts and components, from complex curved parts to simple grooves and slots. They can also be equipped with rotary tables to enable multi-axis machining for more complex workpieces.
The open configuration and visibility of a VMC makes it easy to see the workpiece, giving operators greater control over the cutting process. This allows for quick identification of problems or potential issues that may need to be addressed. This versatility is even more important in a job shop where the workpieces are made from different materials, which require varying levels of power, torque and speed. A vertical machining centers that is unable to meet these demands will not be productive and can potentially cause significant production delays. Makino has developed features that address these limitations and improve the overall performance of vertical machining centers. These include reducing cycle times, improving metal removal rates and eliminating parasitic non-cutting time.
Efficiency
VMCs can produce quality parts with high precision and short lead times. However, maximizing their performance requires an understanding of best-practice machining techniques, optimizing tool changers, and leveraging practical work-holding methods.
Grinding: Grinding creates fine surface finishes by using an abrasive wheel to remove material in small amounts. It is often used on parts that require smooth surfaces or tight tolerances. Reaming: Reaming fine-tunes the size of drilled holes, providing better accuracy than drilling alone. It is also effective for preparing surfaces to be machined, improving surface quality. With less operator intervention, HMCs can reduce spindle downtime and increase overall uptime. This makes them ideal for large-scale parts that need to be produced quickly. With factory installed pallet changer options, one HMC can perform the work of multiple VMCs, reducing floor space needed for equipment and lowering operating costs. This also allows a shop to run lights-out during off-hours, improving productivity. The flexibility of these machines also enables shops to offer value-added services, expand business and enter new markets.
