What is the difference between CNC milling machines for metal?

Universal CNC milling machines for metal are suitable for solving extensive production tasks. CNC-technologies are constantly developing, and the structure of cutting control is being improved to implement complex movements of the cutter. The demand for high-speed machining centers is constantly increasing. Fully automated control allows you not to interfere with the production process for a long time, which reduces downtime and improves efficiency.

Why do we need to modernize production?

CNC milling machines for metal are produced in Western countries, Korea, Japan, Russia. A wide range of technological products allows you to choose the ideal solution for business.

The purposes of modernization of the old equipment are:

• Increase the competitiveness of the enterprise by improving the quality of products.
• Modern electronics reduces the processing time of parts, increases the accuracy of dimensions. The technological program is converted in an automatic cycle directly on the machine, immediately after loading the image of the installed format into the application.
• Updated CNC milling machines for metal can work in 5D modes, creating unique contours that can not be reproduced on previously presented models.
• The rigidity of the machine's structure is increased, and, consequently, harder alloys are processed at high speed.

Criterias of choice

It is desirable that CNC milling machines for metal have suitable conditions for the conditions. Because overstating requirements leads to an increase in the cost of installations. Therefore, it is better to choose the optimal characteristics, for the needs of production. However, you need to consider the possibility of upgrading the machine in the future.

CNC milling machine for metal has basic parameters that maximally affect the resulting cost of the product:

• Dimensions of the table for holding the workpiece and its material: aluminum, wood.
• Power spindle unit.
• Number of axes.
• Type of cooling working area.
• Method for providing information about the work process: on the monitor, using a PC.
• Type of bearings, guides, lubrication systems, clamping jaws.

What should I look for when I inspect the parts?

CNC milling machine for metal must meet the requirements of high rigidity of parts. Often, portal systems try to make out of dial-up designs. But such design solutions do not guarantee sufficient reliability of the node. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the load-bearing parts are made cast, for them, cast iron is chosen.

Aluminum load-bearing parts can only be selected if the CNC milling machine is wood-based. For metal from a similar material, portable models are manufactured to achieve weight reduction of the installation. But such a decision imposes a restriction on the type of material being processed.

Electrical assemblies are equally important for the processing of precision metal products. Stepper motors are common , but servo motors are more acceptable. However, the last details of the machine are more expensive. In the design of the first motors there are a number of drawbacks. One such is the "skip step" during the movement of the axis, which will affect the quality of the produced part.

Extra options

The milling machine (CNC) for metal is controlled by a controller, which differs in performance in different models, the interface with the PC. Often this is little thought about when choosing small-sized versions. But for the processing center this node is the main one. A huge number of additional axes are required to be controlled in real time, which takes up most of the system resources.

Often, the machines share tasks for several controllers: one is occupied with the processing process, and additional ones monitor the position of the sensors, communicate with peripheral modules, and reproduce the current process on the monitor screen. The latest versions of machines are equipped with full-fledged computers, which does not require the connection of an external PC.

Compact models

Portable machines are used for the production of spare parts, mock-ups, single-time unique parts. They are applicable in the furniture industry, car repair shops, for domestic needs.

Such models can be used for the following purposes:

• Cutting of sheet material - portal systems;
• Production of printed circuit boards;
• Manufacturing of billboards, mock-ups;
• Small-piece production of parts with custom-made drawings.

Compact models of milling and engraving machines are quickly disassembled, placed in the trunk of a light car and instantly assembled in a new location. The power of the electrical part is designed for an ordinary 220 V network at a frequency of 50 Hz through a standard outlet, which allows you to connect in the garage, on the street with an extension cord and even at home.