CNC machining center: distinctive features, purpose, advantages over simple installations

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

CNC machining center refers to automated multi-axis installations. It has several independent control channels. The memory stores information about each stage of processing the workpiece, the position of the caliper and the cutting tool. A stand-alone PC is installed on the control panel, allowing a complete fault diagnosis. Dedicated apps make it easy to download process codes for new parts.

What does the management system include?

CNC machining center has several functional areas:

• Working area where the workpiece is directly cut.
• Tool storage store with automated loading process.
• Turntable for cutting long workpieces.
• Mechanisms for loading and unloading blanks, products.

Technological capabilities of the installations allow for quick changeover to another standard size, material of parts. The latest developments are released for 5D processing. Cutting modes are selected by changing the speed of rotation of the spindle unit and the feed of axes with cutters.

CNC machining center is advisable to use in industries where frequent changes in the type of technology are required. For metal cutting, several installations of the same type are built. So, the manufacture of head blocks for automobile engines, threading on pipes of various diameters is carried out. Also, similar goals are pursued when milling wooden and plastic blanks.

Mechanical design

The CNC machining center is based on a frame that can withstand vibration and high loads. Movable parts are mounted on a base with a rigid stop. The following mechanisms are used to clamp the workpiece:

• Spindle with grippers. Rotates with the part, or a cutting tool is attached to it.
• Pneumatic or mechanical clamps on the table. This is how dimensional blanks are fixed: sheets of plywood, plastic.

The tool spindle is made for specific purposes with a floating part, where the cutters perform oblique movements in relation to the surface to be machined.

Installation Requirements

CNC milling machining center is selected according to production tasks. The maximum dimensions of parts are taken into account, which affects the length of the propeller pair of coordinate axes. Manufacturers lay in the development of the possibility of updating the current version of the machines. The buyer plans future investments for the purchase of a new plant or upgradealready purchased version.

The inertia of the steered axes is an important parameter for increasing productivity. When optimizing the requirements for the speed of manufacturing parts, an important parameter is laid - the reliability of rotating assemblies. Automated impulse lubrication of guides is a necessary element in the design of the machine. The disadvantages of the above parameters lead to a decrease in the accuracy in the dimensions of the edges, threads and grooves.

What can automated plants do?

CNC turning centers are used for machining rotating parts. Types of operations:

• cylindrical movements;
• conical;
• shaping;
• hole drilling;
• trimming.

In the turning group, the tool moves along the coordinate system, the part is clamped into the spindle assembly. Processing materials affect the stiffness parameter of the structure. Machining centers cut on the following parts:

• plastic;
• metal;
• wooden;
• composite;
• organic glass;
• stone structures.

Additional equipment includes the installation of cutting zone cooling, chip removal. Specialized clamps are recommended for single-piece production of large parts.