In order to drill holes in parts with precise axis placement, a drilling machine is not necessarily required. Drilling, as well as some milling operations, can be done using only one boring machine.
What kind of machine is this and what is it for?
Boring machines belong to the group of drilling metal-cutting machines and are intended for processing large case parts that cannot be processed in any other way. In addition to drilling and milling end surfaces, which were mentioned earlier, on these devices you can perform:
- boring;
- countersinking;
- centering holes;
- thread cutting;
- turning and trimming the ends.
In addition, the boring machine can be useful for accurate measurement and marking of the linear dimensions of the workpiece. For example, you can quickly measure the center-to-center distances of the axes of several holes without resorting to the use of special instruments and devices.
Types of boring machines
There are two main types of machines :
- Horizontal boring machine, which is used for roughing and finishing of large workpieces. It has a horizontal spindle arrangement. Its main movement is the translational-rotational movement of the spindle relative to its axis. Auxiliary movements: vertical movement of the headstock of the spindle, movement of the table in two coordinates, movement of the rear pillar and lunette. As on any other, on a horizontal machine it is possible to adjust the required speed and feed.
- Jig boring machine, which is used in cases where it is necessary to achieve maximum accuracy of the hole or group of holes. For successful drilling, coordinate machines are equipped with all the necessary tools. For example, each such device has a rotary table for processing holes in the polar coordinate system or when tilted.
Popular machine models are: 2A78, 2A450, 2435P, 2620 and 2622A. In addition, some models are additionally equipped with racks with numerical program control (CNC) and digital display devices (DROs), which simplify and speed up the work.
Numeric and letter designation
According to the standard classification, the boring machine belongs to the drilling group, which is indicated by the first digit “2” in the model name. The numbers "4" and "7" indicate that the device refers to coordinate-boring and horizontal-boring metal-cutting machines, respectively.
The letters between the numbers indicate the upgrade relative to the base model. For example, the basic model of the 2A450 machine is 2450.
The letters after the numbers indicate accuracy. For example, the 2622A is a boring machine of particularly high precision, and the 2435P is high.
Two numbers at the end of the name indicate the maximum diameter of the treatment.
Specifications
To choose a boring machine for processing a particular type of part, you need to pay attention to the main technical characteristics. These include:
- The largest diameter of the bored hole and the turned end. For example, a 2620 horizontal boring machine has 320 and 530 mm. Accordingly, it is impossible to machine a hole or end face larger than these sizes.
- The dimensions of the working surface of the table, which should be selected depending on the dimensions of the workpiece.
- Engine power. This characteristic affects the further selection of power, speed and feed for machining the part.
- The maximum weight of the workpiece. For example, a model boring machine model 2E440A has a weight limit of 320 kg.
- Dimensions of the machine. In a production environment, no one would pay attention to this characteristic. But if you choose a machine for working at home, then you need to take into account the maximum length, width and height, since too large a device will not fit, for example, in a garage.