Universal CNC milling machines for metal are suitable for solving extensive production problems. CNC technology is constantly evolving, and the control structure of the cut is improved to implement complex cutter movements. Demand for high-speed machining centers is constantly increasing. Fully automated control allows you to not interfere in the production process for a long time, which reduces equipment downtime and increases work efficiency.
Why do we need modernization of 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 perfect solution for your business.
The objectives of modernization of old equipment are:
- Improving the competitive ability of the enterprise by improving the quality of products.
- Modern electronics shorten part processing times and increase dimensional accuracy. The technological program is converted in an automatic cycle directly on the machine, immediately after loading the image of the established format into the application.
- Updated CNC metal milling machines can work in 5D modes, creating unique contours that cannot be reproduced on previously presented models.
- The rigidity of the machine structure is increased, and, therefore, harder alloys are processed with high speed.
Criterias of choice
It is desirable that CNC milling machines for metal have parameters suitable for the conditions. Indeed, overstatement of requirements leads to an increase in the cost of installations. Therefore, it is better to choose the optimal characteristics, according to the needs of production. However, the possibility of upgrading the machine in the future must be taken into account.
The CNC metal milling machine has the basic parameters that maximize the resulting product cost:
- Table dimensions for holding the workpiece and its material: aluminum, wood.
- Power spindle unit.
- Number of axles.
- Type of cooling of the working area.
- The way to provide information about the workflow: on the monitor, using a PC.
- Type of bearings, guides, lubrication system, clamping jaws.
What to look for when inspecting components?
CNC metal milling machine must meet the requirements of high rigidity of parts. Often, portal systems try to make from typesetting designs. But such constructive solutions do not guarantee sufficient reliability of the node. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the bearing parts are made cast, cast iron is selected for them.
Aluminum parts can only be selected if the CNC milling machine is wood. Portable models are made of metal from a similar material in order to achieve a reduction in the weight of the installation. But such a decision imposes a restriction on the type of material being processed.
Electrical components are equally important for the processing of precision metal products. Stepper motors are common , but servo motors are more acceptable. However, the latest machine parts are more expensive. The design of the first motors has a number of disadvantages. One of these is the “skipping step" during the movement of the axis, which will affect the quality of the manufactured part.
Extra options
The milling machine (CNC) for metal is controlled by a controller, which in different models differs in performance, the interface of communication with a PC. Often they think little about this when choosing small-sized versions. But for the machining center, this node is the main one. A huge number of additional axes must be controlled in real time, which takes up most of the system resources.
Often in machines, tasks are divided into several controllers: one is busy with the processing process, and additional ones monitor the position of sensors, communicate with peripheral modules, and reproduce the current process on the monitor screen. The latest versions of the machines are equipped with full-fledged computers, which does not require an external PC.
Compact models
Portable machines are used for the production of spare parts, breadboard models, single 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;
- production of billboards, layouts;
- small-piece production of custom-made parts.
Compact models of milling and engraving machines are quickly disassembled, placed in the trunk of a light car and instantly assemble in a new place. The power supply of the electric part is designed for a regular 220 V network with a frequency of 50 Hz through a standard outlet, which allows you to connect in a garage, outdoors with an extension cord, and even at home.