What is the difference between the CNC machining center and the CNC?

A typical CNC machining center with CNC is a multi-axis equipment of complex design, in which the control is carried out by means of two controllers: responsible for the coordinates of the axes and the main PLC directly executing the program.

Features of multi-axis systems

Machining center for metal with CNC is capable of simultaneous machining of parts from different sides. The production speed is reduced by half, profitability is increased, and accordingly labor costs are reduced at the same product cost for the consumer. Complex machines can carry out both turning and milling.

Machining center for metal with CNC is selected according to the technical task, which is dozens of employees. Here we take into account the possibility of the machine to perform the loading, unloading of the workpiece in automatic mode, the type of processing, cooling. Also taken into account is the type of workpiece material and rigidity of the machine design.

The CNC machining center with CNC can have interfaces for sending reports to the upper level, the ability to create programs in a single enterprise environment, and also takes into account the way the workpiece is held. So, for long parts, an antispindle is installed, and wide products are clamped into special cams.

Do not forget about feeding parts to the machine. It can be a coordinate robot or feeder for special rods. Often chosen for multi-purpose turning and milling operations are versions of equipment with fastening tables, on which are installed universal fastening bases.

Classification

Universal CNC machining centers for metal are divided by the level of complexity, by the presence of an antispindle unit. A drive center or additional axis can also be added to make hard-to-reach notches, grooves, holes. Multi-axis systems are equipped with complete software for designing parts and creating machine codes.

Turning and milling work is carried out at high intensity, and any, even a small oversight of the operator can cause a long idle equipment. The drivers are required to undergo training before performing the simplest cutting cycles. All the computational operations are performed by the machine itself, but there are blockages that the maintenance personnel have the right to take during the reconfiguration.

Tool

CNC machine tools for metal are often equipped with tool shops. Each cell is calibrated before the program is executed using cutting technology. Computing centers are able to insert the required tool into the spindle unit independently. The shift order is set by the adjuster. Stores can contain 20, 40 or more positions for each type of part processing.

The store for the tool is supplied with its own controller, which facilitates the way out of emergencies. For turning, the equipment is equipped with turrets with several positions for the cutters. Change of the latter occurs by rotating the disc of the head.

Difference from conventional machines

The CNC machine operates in multi-channel mode: several tools, the shop itself, pallets of unloading and loading move simultaneously. Such an organization allows you to make the whole process continuous. One center is able to replace up to 5 conventional CNC machines due to its productivity.

The substitution of several machines for one powerful machine can be beneficial in terms of space savings in the office space, reducing the number of employees. After all, a complex machine can be serviced by one employee. The driving tool on turret heads comes in rotation from one engine due to the precise mechanics. This simplifies the design of the machine and helps to perform a huge number of operations in one zone.

Types of work on machine complexes

A whole chain of operations is replaced by a set of commands from one processing center. On the simplest machine tools it is sometimes impossible to perform certain types of work with high accuracy. Such works include milling of parts from worm gears. It will also be difficult to crank the crankshaft.

Equally difficult to handle are gear parts. Due to several interceptions, the complete processing of the part from all sides is carried out. The counter spindles are used for recessing parts more than 30 mm, which helps to avoid the beating of the tool and the appearance of waves on cylindrical surfaces.

Application

One processing center is able to replace all equipment installed in the process chain. The versatility of its use makes it possible to achieve increased productivity in furniture plants, in sheet bending shops, in the defense industry and in the auto industry. Often, machining centers are required in case production, when frequent changeovers are necessary for small series of parts.

The whole design of the machine is placed on one welded frame, which has a huge weight. The balancing is carried out due to several jacks. The accuracy is adjusted during the installation phase. At the stage of putting the machine into production, the state of each axis is evaluated. The straightness deviation does not exceed 0.02 microns, which makes it possible to produce parts even for the aviation industry. At all stages of operation, the position of the tool is always monitored by position sensors.