vertical and horizontal machining center

There are two types of machining centers: vertical and horizontal. The main difference between the two is the Z-axis structure. The Z axis of the horizontal machining center moves horizontally downward, while the Z axis of the vertical machining center moves vertically downward.

In addition, there are certain differences in their workbenches, operations, processing conditions, and prices. Let's learn together - how to correctly choose the vertical and horizontal machining center machine tools.

Horizontal machining center v.s. vertical machining center, know their differences:

Machining centers can be divided into vertical machining centers and horizontal machining centers according to the state of the spindle in space. There are certain differences between these two machining centers:

1.Structural difference

The main difference between the horizontal machining center and the vertical machining center is the difference in the Z-axis structure. The Z-axis of the horizontal machining center moves horizontally downward to complete the processing, while the Z-axis of the vertical machining center moves vertically downward to complete the processing.

2.Workbench

The worktable of the horizontal machining center is only designed to move in the X or Y direction. The worktable is generally a rotary worktable with a lattice screw hole table, and it is relatively easy to choose an exchangeable double worktable. The table of the vertical machining center is usually a T-slot table with a cross slide structure. There are two sets of motion mechanisms responsible for the movement in the vertical direction. The X-direction feed table covers the guide rail responsible for the Y-direction feed.

3.Operation

The vertical machining center is easy to clamp, easy to operate, easy to observe the processing situation, and easy to debug the program. The workpieces processed by the horizontal machining center are generally relatively large, with a high degree of integration, difficult to clamp, not easy to monitor the processing process, and relatively difficult to operate and debug.

4.Processing status

When the vertical machining center processes the cavity or the concave surface, the chips are not easy to discharge, and in severe cases, the tool will be damaged, the machined surface will be damaged, and the smooth processing will be affected. Special attention should be paid to the installation of the tool and the clamping of the workpiece. The horizontal machining center is easy to remove chips and the machining conditions are relatively ideal.

5.Price

The horizontal machining center is more complex than the vertical machining center in terms of processing technology and structure. There are relatively few manufacturers capable of producing horizontal machining centers. The price of horizontal machining centers with the same processing range is twice as high as that of vertical machining centers.

How to choose the vertical and horizontal machining center correctly?

Vertical machining centers and horizontal machining centers are two different machining centers, and the choice is mainly based on the processing needs:

1.Vertical machining center

The vertical machining center occupies a small area, has a simple structure, and has a relatively low price. It is convenient for clamping work, easy to debug the program, and has a wide range of applications, but it cannot process parts that are too high. Parts and other workpieces with relatively small volume of workpieces.

2.Horizontal machining center

The processing condition of the horizontal machining center is relatively ideal. It can complete the processing of the remaining four surfaces except the installation surface and the top surface after one clamping. It is more suitable for processing box parts. After adding an angle head, it can realize pentahedron processing.

Therefore, when choosing a machining center, the choice of vertical or horizontal mainly depends on the object to be processed.