Milling is the process by which material is removed from a stationary workpiece using a rotary cutting tool. This machining process is used to cut a wide variety of materials such as metal, wood, and even plastics. Each type of CNC milling machine comes with its own unique features and applications. Vertical Milling machines, for example, are distinguished from other types of milling machines by the positioning of the spindle axis, which is vertical and moves in an up and down motion.
Vertical Milling machines contain cylindrical cutters and use automated processes that result in more accurate cuts made to precise custom specifications. Read on as we discuss the types of Vertical milling machines and their benefits over horizontal milling machines in greater detail.
Types of Vertical Milling Machines
Vertical machines are of two types-turret milling machines and bed milling machines.
Turret Milling Machines
A turret milling machine comes with a vertical spindle that remains fixed while the bed portion of the machine moves horizontally and vertically. Turret milling machines are more effective for use on small parts.
Bed Milling Machines
On the other hand, the Bed Milling machine only allows for horizontal movement and is more effective for use on bigger workpieces.
Advantages of Vertical Milling Machines
Low Cost
One of the most commonly touted benefits of using vertical milling machines is that they are much less pricy compared to horizontal milling machines. The machines, in general, are also more easily available. The smaller investment results in a lower cost of operation and maintenance, which is then further passed on to consumers in lower machining costs.
Highly Efficient
Vertical milling machines provide a high level of cutting efficiency as the machine bed is a whole.
Precision
The way the CNC vertical milling machines are designed and operated allows for more precise cuts and fewer incidences of human error. The computer-controlled cutting process ensures the highest levels of accuracy compared to manual machines. The long and thin tools used in vertical milling machines also contribute to the nature and accuracy of cuts.
Easy to Use
Vertical milling machines use CNC controls that make the machines extremely easy to use without special fixtures.
Attention to Detail
Vertical milling machines increase users’ visibility due to their orientation, making them especially useful in slower projects that require particular attention to detail.
Higher Accuracy
Vertical milling machines provide for higher accuracy compared to their horizontal counterparts. They are also especially useful for performing plunge cuts and drilling on the workpiece.
Diversity
Vertical milling machines provide for more project flexibility and diversity, allowing users to work with a wide variety of shapes and size configurations. This ability also gives Vertical milling machines a significant advantage over horizontal milling machines. The advanced CNC milling technology has allowed vertical milling machines to perform more advanced functions than traditional metal cutting.
Use and Applications of Vertical Milling Machines
Vertical CNC machined parts have many different applications and are used in many diverse industries. In particular, vertical milling machines are used in industries where there is a requirement for a high rate of precision, accuracy, and large-scale projects. Some of their applications are detailed below:
Military: Military industry is subject to a variety of strict standards relating to the design and build of parts. As a result, machined components produced by Vertical milling machines are particularly desirable. The high degree of precision offered by these machines ensures the parts always meet industry specifications.
Curved Parts: It is difficult to produce curved parts like cams and propellers with a high degree of precision using usual machining methods. However, with the multi-axis Vertical CNC milling machines, these can be produced easily and quickly.
Electronics: Vertical CNC machines find great use in the electronics industry to produce parts of computer motherboards and intricate hardware such as panels, hardware, and numbers.
Irregularly Shaped Parts: Vertical Milling machines are useful for producing irregular parts in shapes such as brackets or bases. As these components have complex designs, it is difficult to produce them with other manufacturing methods. Vertical Milling machines with automatic machining capabilities are useful to produce these highly complex designs with ease.
Food and Beverage Industry: The design of vertical milling machines is useful in the F and B industry, for example, for producing cans and tabs and even containers.
Aerospace: The aerospace industry also favors parts produced by Vertical CNC machining as the five-axis capabilities allow these machines to cut materials like Inconel commonly used aerospace products. Vertically milled machined products are used engine and steering equipment and even onboard accessories.
Final Takeaway
Vertical CNC milling machines offer users a high degree of customization and allow them to manufacture solutions with precise requirements. The result is machined components that are innovative, functional, and extremely cost-effective.
Article by : Vincent Hua
Vincent Hua is the Marketing Manager at TSINFA. He is passionate about helping people understand high-end and complex manufacturing processes. Besides writing and contributing his insights, Vincent is very keen on technological innovation that helps build highly precise and stable CNC Machinery.
