CNC milling machine — principle of operation, construction, video
The development of technology became the reason for that, that computers and other advanced technical means are increasingly used in people's everyday lives, and also in industry. Example, CNC milling machines are increasingly common at modern industrial enterprises, which is not controlled by the hands of the operator, and with the help of special computer programs and appropriate electronic devices.
Milling machine with numerical software control
Thanks to such a control system, the operation of the machine is much easier, and the human factor is excluded from the process of manufacturing parts, which can have a negative impact on their quality and processing accuracy.
The principle of operation of milling machines
Milling equipment allows you to perform various technological operations: cutting, drilling, calculation of distances between holes, which must be performed, as well as a number of others. As materials, which can be processed on such equipment, can perform:
- wood;
- black, as well as non-ferrous metals;
- ceramics;
- polymeric materials;
- natural and artificial stone.
The blanks are fixed on the work table, and their processing is performed at the expense of a rotating cutter, which cuts the material.
A CNC machine processes a metal workpiece
Milling machines, equipped with CNC, are produced in various designs.
Console type:
- models, that have wide versatility;
- horizontal type;
- vertical type.
Console-less designs:
- vertical;
- horizontal.
The most popular and, in accordance, console-type CNC milling machines are common. The processed workpiece is attached to the console, and it is this working body that makes movements in relation to the cutting tool. The spindle of such a machine does not move, it is rigidly fixed in one position.
Processing on milling machines of the console-less type is carried out at the expense of that, that can be moved into them like a desktop, which moves in two directions, so is the spindle, able to change its position in the vertical plane, as well as in all other directions.
The main components of a CNC milling machine
The machine of the CNC milling group performs operations automatically, information about which is pre-recorded on one of the media. Programs, who manage his work, can be of several types.
- Positional, which involve fixing the coordinates of the end points, according to which the workpiece is processed. Such programs are used to control the machines of the drilling and boring group.
- Contour, that control the workpiece processing trajectory. They are used to control machines of circular grinding groups.
- Combined, which combine the capabilities of contour and positional programs. Machines are controlled by such programs, which refer to the multipurpose category.
- Multi-contour. With their help, you can control all the functional capabilities of the machine, they are the most complex type of software. With the help of such programs, management of large-format equipment is ensured.
Milling machines, equipped with CNC, have a number of significant advantages:
- allow to increase processing productivity in 2-3 times;
- make it possible to produce parts with high accuracy;
- minimize the amount of manual labor, which allows to reduce the number of service personnel;
- reduce time, necessary for the preparation of blanks;
- minimize the time of processing parts.
types of equipment
Machine tools of the milling group, equipped with CNC, depending on, what material is processed on them, are divided into the following categories:
- for metal work;
- for processing wood blanks;
- milling and engraving group.
A large category of equipment of this group consists of machine tools, on which parts are processed, made of different metals:
- desktop milling machines, equipped with CNC;
- processing centers, which are distinguished by high functionality;
- machines of the universal type;
- turning and milling category;
- drilling and milling group.
Milling machines, controlled using special programs, can also be used to equip a home workshop, as they are easy to use and make it possible to make metal parts, made with high accuracy of their geometric parameters.
CNC milling machine at work
At the enterprises, who produce furniture, as well as milling machines are used in construction companies, equipped with CNC, which are used to process wood blanks. Wood products are processed on such machines, as well as polymer blanks, aluminum alloys, plywood and chipboard.
CNC machine, on which it is possible to perform engraving operations, used for processing products, made of metal, natural and artificial stone, concrete and a number of other materials. Decorative stone columns are made with its help, statuettes, other products, which perform an exclusively decorative function. Such machines for metal and a number of other materials are most often used for the production of various advertising structures.
According to the principle of operation and its productivity, milling machines, equipped with CNC, can be of the following categories:
- which differ in small dimensions and low productivity - mini machines;
- desktop type;
- vertical milling type;
- wide format.
Machines, which are used to equip a home workshop, cannot be called professional, they are mainly used for a useful hobby. Such milling machines, equipped with CNC, differ in low cost, therefore, workshops of various educational institutions are often equipped with them: schools, technical schools, Universities, etc.
Table-top equipment has a number of significant advantages:
- low cost;
- exceptional mobility;
- ease of operation and constructive execution.
Such machines, despite its compactness, able to perform various technological operations on metal and other materials: milling, drilling, boring.
For processing blanks, that have large dimensions, vertical milling machines are used. They use drills as working tools, cylindrical cutters, final, shaped and end type. With such equipment, which are mainly equipped with large production enterprises, can be processed as horizontal, and vertical surfaces.
Wide-format milling machines, equipped with CNC, fully live up to their name: their design has a special working head, which can turn in any direction. Due to their versatility, such machines are most often used to equip workshops with non-standard equipment and tool areas.
Large-format CNC milling machine
inspection of machines
Before solving the question, which milling machine to choose for equipping a home workshop or a manufacturing enterprise, it is important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the equipment, which is offered on the modern market. Today, milling machines are the most in demand, produced in the following countries:
- Germany;
- Italy;
- Austria;
- China;
- North Korea;
- Malaysia;
- USA;
- Taiwan;
- Czech Republic;
- Turkey.
Five-coordinate milling machine
The most famous companies, which manufacture and sell CNC milling machines, is:
- GCC Jaguar;
- Redwood;
- RuStan;
- JCC;
- Hyundai Wia;
- We;
- Zenith.
One of the fastest machines, which are also distinguished by a wide variety of settings and additional functions, there are GCC Jaguar brand models.
The JCC company is distinguished by a wide range of machines for processing metal and other materials. CNC machines for the following purpose are presented in the catalog of this manufacturer:
- universal type, designed for engraving and milling works;
- for processing wood and metal products;
- electroerosion type sewing machines;
- equipment of the milling and turning group.
Advanced software products, with the help of which the machines of this trade mark are controlled, allow to use their full potential.
CNC vertical milling machine MA655
Milling machines, equipped with CNC, of the RuStan trademark is, mainly, the equipment is of a universal type, with the help of which you can perform a wide list of technological operations. The models of this brand are distinguished by that, that when purchasing them, you can take advantage of various discount programs, as well as the possibility of warranty and post-warranty service.
CNC milling machines are truly unique, produced under the trademark Redwood. They are able to process details in 2d and 3d formats. Implementation of 3D technology involves, that according to the given program, a three-dimensional part is obtained from the workpiece, which fully corresponds to the specified geometric parameters.
The main principle of work of specialists, engaged in the production of milling equipment of the Kami brand, is the production of high-quality products. With the help of machines of this trade mark, not only metal can be processed, but also stone details, wood, plastic and even glass.
The Hyundai Wia company specializes in the production of CNC machines, which produce products for the aerospace and automotive industries. Programs, which are used for their management, assume minimal human intervention and greatly simplify the use of such equipment.
Milling machine from the German manufacturer Zenitech
The catalog of the well-known manufacturer Zenitech is dominated by professional CNC milling equipment, designed for processing metal and wood parts.
CNC milling equipment of the Invest Adam brand is widely represented on the modern market. The main advantages of the models, which differ in their compactness and versatility, is:
- high processing accuracy;
- efficiency and productivity;
- control programs can be played repeatedly;
- the design is characterized by high reliability;
- connection with a computer, which controls the operation of the equipment, is carried out through a regular USB port.
A CNC milling machine can be used to equip a home workshop and a large manufacturing enterprise, produced by the German company BZT. Machines of this brand are distinguished by their high stability, reliability of fixation of workpieces, accuracy and speed of processing. That is also convenient, that the machines of this trade mark can work on almost any software.
The following parameters affect the cost of a CNC milling machine:
- the complexity of the equipment design and its type;
- type of production, for which the equipment is intended;
- country of manufacture and brand;
- machine functionality.
CNC desktop machines have the simplest design, which are much cheaper than more functional equipment. To save money on the purchase of a milling machine, choose equipment from domestic manufacturers. In the middle, the cost of desktop CNC milling equipment is approx 4000 US dollars. Such a price may vary depending on a number of factors: dimensions of the machine and work table, engine power, the weight of the equipment and its functionality.
The cost of CNC vertical milling group equipment varies from 7000 to 25000 US dollars. The price of a particular model of equipment depends on its power, the number of spindle revolutions and processing accuracy.
Domestic machine GF2171
Wide-format milling machines, equipped with CNC, are the most expensive in their category, as they allow performing a wide range of technological operations. The high cost of such equipment pays off, that it can be operated in a fairly intensive mode. List of operations, which can be performed using the equipment of this category, impresses:
- cutting blanks;
- milling of various types of surfaces;
- polishing operations;
- drilling;
- boring operations.
How to choose the right milling machine
Choose a milling machine, equipped with CNC, do not follow the advertising video, and according to the functionality of such equipment and its technical characteristics. In these situations, it is necessary to be guided by the following criteria:
- type of machine, which is necessary to perform certain tasks;
- advantages and disadvantages of certain models;
- dimensions of the desktop;
- the presence of a T-shaped groove in the design, which contributes to a more convenient fixation of the workpiece;
- High-voltage, necessary for the operation of a CNC machine;
- functionality;
- category: desktop, mini or professional;
- warranty obligations, provided by the manufacturer.
Well and, Of course, according to the selected equipment, you can also view videos from the manufacturer, which will give an opportunity to understand, what characteristics it has. You should not choose a CNC machine, able to perform those functions, which you will never need.
