Turning and milling machine - what gives us its versatility? Other CNC Metal Machining Centers

Wood and metal blanks are still in demand in various industries. The use of turning and milling operations allows you to obtain optimal results for the formation of parts while ensuring high accuracy and minimum costs. However, the quality of processing and the financial feasibility of using such methods of manufacturing materials largely depend on the equipment used. They are presented on the market quite widely - in different configurations, structural and functional versions.

General information about milling and turning machines

Machines of this type are combined equipment designed to perform a wide range of operations. For both groups technological processes separate drives are provided. Typically, turning and milling machines are used where it is necessary to alternately perform different processing actions. As for the design, it is formed by two parts. The milling department is located vertically, and the horizontal turning segment acts as a kind of base, including the bed, spindle and tailstock.

The specific design determines the possibility of performing different types of operations: from shaping to boring holes. Also, some models provide for the addition of third-party functional equipment, which increases the efficiency of processing processes. For example, they are often supplemented with bed extensions, which make it possible to work with larger workpieces.

Machine tools for metal

In the traditional version, such units perform the operations of drilling, cutting and sharpening metal blanks. On condition correct use capacity of the unit, the material can be given almost any shape. Manufacturers of industrial equipment produce with different levels of performance. Typically, low-power machines are distinguished for workshops and small production lines, as well as high-performance machines for demanding and large-scale processing operations.

Low-power models include machines with a power potential of up to 400 watts. Such equipment is characterized by a relatively modest mass and can be installed on a workbench or table. Units with a power of more than 1000 W are most often used for milling and drilling. In such performance turning-milling machine for metal can be found in the equipment large factories, including from the heavy industry segment.

Woodworking machines

Machines from this category, of course, have lower power indicators, but in terms of operating flexibility they outperform units working with metal. However, most often such equipment is used for typical serial cutting or milling operations with the creation of grooves. Also in the furniture industry, the operation of curvilinear curly cutting is common. To date, turning and milling machines for wood processing are offered for both professional and semi-professional tasks. The differences between these segments are mainly reduced to the dimensions of the units and design features.

Main characteristics

Although the quality of work is largely determined by how the design and mechanics of the machine are focused on servicing specific workpieces, in the first place in technical parameters experts put power. For machines of this type for wood, the average range is 300-700 watts, and models focused on metal processing have 400-1000 watts. In addition, it is important to take into account the distance between the centers of the machine, which will determine the length of a suitable workpiece. Modern turning and milling machines are capable of working with workpiece lengths of about 75 cm. But again, there are types of equipment that allow you to expand such characteristics. The size of the processing diameter is also important, which can be up to 22 cm. A more in-depth analysis of technical indicators should be determined based on the tasks for which the machine is selected. Depending on the operations, the future owner can also evaluate the sharpening depth, cutter parameters, tooling limits, etc.

CNC Turning and Milling Machine - what is special?

In fact, these are automatic machines that have the ability to perform processing without operator control. In the most advanced models of this type, the user initially sets the processing program with certain parameters and leaves the unit to perform the tasks. The software type of control allows you to make more precise settings for the rotation speed, processing characteristics and other indicators. It is important to note that the CNC turn-mill can automatically change the processing parameters depending on external conditions. From special sensors, the control controller can receive information, for example, about temperature. And if an excess of permissible heating indicators is recorded, then the unit will either stop on its own or reduce the pace of work.

Conclusion

A variety of designs in which modern machines are presented allows them to be installed in any suitable places: from the workbench to the factory production line. You should look for the right models in the lines of manufacturers Jet, Oneway, Sturm, as well as domestic manufacturer Anchor. The specialists of these companies offer the most functional, safe and flexible milling and turning machines. The price of semi-professional models for wood processing is on average 15-25 thousand rubles. And vice versa, the professional segment of equipment designed for metal blanks has offers of about 70-100 thousand. However, a lot also depends on the operating parameters of a particular model, and on its configuration with functional support.

Specific in structure, but universal in application, are desktop turning and milling machines, in which two machines with separate drives are combined at once. It is an indispensable solution for occasional situations where both turning and milling operations need to be carried out in the workshop.

Structurally, this machine consists of paired parts - a horizontal turning (with its own bed, spindle and tailstock) and a vertical milling (in which the spindle is located in the central part of the bed).

The operations that the desktop turning-milling machine performs are through-turning along the workpiece cylinder or shaping with a curly cutter, facing, chamfering, coning and picking fillets, boring holes. Cutting is possible with the help of the tailstock internal thread tap and external thread die.

The milling part provides the possibility of cutting straight and curved grooves on the outer surfaces, as well as drilling holes. The installation of grinding wheels together with the movement of the table in the horizontal plane along both coordinates makes it possible to grind the outer surfaces of the installed part.

Important technical specifications

• Distance between centers (up to 750 mm) - determines the maximum length of the installed workpiece.
• Maximum turning diameter over bed (up to 220 mm) - limiting diameter cylindrical bar for turning.
• Max Depth turning in 1 pass (up to 0.2-0.3 mm) - the maximum allowance, which the lathe-milling machine removes in one pass of the cutter during turning, characterizes the performance of the machine.
• Maximum diameter of end and end mill (13 and 30 mm) - the limiting dimensions of the installed in milling spindle tools.

If you are interested in universal turning-milling machines, then when ordering on our website, they will be delivered to any city in the Russian Federation in a few days.

The list of names of lathes for metal includes the largest number of positions among metalworking equipment. The processing of workpieces in the process of cutting or turning is their main function.

With the help of lathes, you can perform the following operations:

• turning and boring surfaces (cylindrical, shaped and conical);
• thread cutting;
• drilling;
• end processing, etc.

Milling machines are designed for processing wooden surfaces and metal cutting. With their help, various shaped and flat surfaces, bevel and gear wheels, rotation bodies, etc. are processed. The main element of this type of machine tool is a milling cutter. Operating principle milling machine lies in the fact that the milling cutter installed in the spindle during processing performs rotation, and the workpiece fixed on the desktop performs the feed movement. Movement can be either in a straight line or along an inclined line.

Types of control system for milling machines

• manual;
• automated;
• CNC control.

In the equipment parks of metalworking companies, there are also multi-purpose machines - turning and milling machining centers. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that they simultaneously perform the functions of turning and milling machines.

When choosing turning and milling equipment with CNC, it is necessary to take into account the type of material that is to be processed on this equipment. CNC turning and milling machines have high performance in processing products from non-ferrous metals and their alloys, steel, plastics, etc.

A turning and milling machine is an indispensable item in production, and in everyday life such equipment will not remain idle. His main feature is that this device combines all the functions of turning and milling units. But in order to choose the right model, you should familiarize yourself with the features in more detail, which is what we will do in our article.

1

It is worth noting that the first wood lathes were popular more than six centuries ago, and that equipment had a foot drive. Of course, over such a long period, the design of the unit has changed significantly, modern mechanisms able to cope not only with wood, but also process hard metals, alloys and even stone, and the functions have expanded significantly. Today they are used in the manufacture of various parts in the furniture and engineering industries.

Wood lathe

With the help of such equipment, internal and external threads are cut, material is cut and profiles are processed. Now let's talk about all the advantages inherent in such machines. They combine high performance and relatively compact dimensions. At the same time, the units are very easy to operate, especially for CNC machines. By giving preference to the latter, you will be able to determine as accurately as possible the time required to process a part or an entire batch. To control a number of such units, just one operator is enough. Another plus that should be mentioned is versatility. On the same machine, you can process completely different materials.

But the disadvantages include the cost, moreover, than more features, the higher the price of the equipment. In addition, high-quality branded CNC units need service. If any node has failed in the machine, then it will not be possible to repair the malfunction on your own, you need to contact only professionals.

2

A universal machine is nothing more than a hand-operated equipment. The following modes are characteristic of it - drilling, milling and classic turning. Depending on the model, the drilling and milling head can also move along the axis of the part. This equipment is multifunctional, at the same time it is characterized by low cost. It is perfect for domestic purposes or small private workshops. If you need to make spiral or simple flutes, balusters and legs for furniture, then you will need a turn-mill machine with a copier.

But in more serious production in the mass production of parts, CNC units have proven themselves to be excellent. The main advantage of such machines is full automation. They can work for a long period without human intervention under the control of only a numerical system. The equipment is equipped with a special remote control, with the help of which the process is controlled. And in order to avoid scattering waste over the entire working plane, the bed is made at an angle. Its angle varies from 30 to 60°. In addition, the processing zone is equipped with a chip conveyor, and the mechanical parts of the guides are protected by a special casing.

CNC machine

Tools are attached to the spindle automatically or manually. Also, depending on the model, there are multi- and single-tool machines. The process of controlling such a unit takes place in two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional space. The power of the equipment is also different.

CNC and C-axis centers deserve special attention. In this case, not only the rotation speed of the processed element is controlled, but also its angular position. Moreover, the accuracy of control of the angle of rotation is less than 0.001°. This innovation makes it possible to process not only standard parts, but even worm gears, gears and other complex shapes.

Another feature of such equipment is the presence of an anti-spindle. This element is located in the place reserved for the tailstock. The purpose of the counter spindle is to intercept the part by right side and process the opposite part without operator intervention. So such a unit can be used for mass production. By opting for equipment with a counter spindle and a pair of driven tool changers, you can significantly increase the processing speed. Plus, it will be possible to work with even more complex elements. The combined machine is indispensable for circular milling or embossing.

3

This equipment consists of a frame and cutting tool. There may also be a console on which horizontal rails are located, although consoleless models are also found. The working tool is fixed in a special milling head, and due to the taper of the latter, it becomes possible to install turning nozzles in it. The motor of the unit deserves special attention, because it is he who determines the power of the equipment.

If we are talking o, then there is additionally a remote control, through which the workflow is controlled. A similar device has a turning-milling machine with a copier. The small combined unit is intended mainly for home use. Its main advantages are its compact size. However, height and width are not the only things to pay attention to when choosing such a unit. The supply voltage is of great importance, and it is best when the equipment is powered by three-phase network. For home use, a machine with a power of about one kilowatt is enough. But the production will need more powerful machines.

Turning and milling machine with copier

Of course, many focus primarily on cost, but if you have already decided to make such an acquisition, then you should pay attention to reliability and functionality, otherwise the savings will go sideways. It is desirable that a gradient scale be applied to all handles and levers, this will greatly increase the accuracy of processing. Ask what material all components and mechanisms are made of, who the manufacturer is. Do not trust dubious companies!

The presence of additional devices at times increases the functionality of the product. Make sure that the selected equipment has the ability to cut threads with different pitches. Another combined machine must be equipped with a special lever to switch the direction of the cutter. This will give you the opportunity to do the operation yourself. It is also desirable that the movement of the caliper in all planes be automatic. When choosing a unit, especially if the mill is small, do not forget to take an interest in the maximum dimensions of the workpiece, because this parameter largely determines the area of ​​\u200b\u200buse of the equipment.

Important characteristics should also include the number of speeds and the speed of the spindle. Pay attention to parameters such as the range of metric and inch threads, longitudinal feeds, the maximum diameter of the end and face mill.

4

The products of the world famous European manufacturer TRENS deserve special attention. The universal machine of this brand is equipped with a very strong inclined bed. Such machines have proven themselves in medium and large-scale production. This acquisition is especially relevant if it is necessary to process parts of a non-standard shape.

The SBL 300 excels in basic milling applications. With the help of such a machine, you can easily cut threads, process and refine complex elements. Another advantage is the high strength spindle. Thanks to this property, you can operate the equipment for a long period without stopping. Also worth noting is the processing speed, and a special locking system and C-axis provide instant switching of modes and excellent torque.

Model SBL 300 for basic milling procedures

The SBL 500A is a more complex machine than the previous model and can process items weighing more than a ton. The device is equipped electric drive Siemens or Fagor. And numerical control makes it easy to adjust all settings. Also noteworthy is the hydraulic mechanism for fixing parts. This equipment allows you to perform not only a number of standard operations, but also off-axis drilling.

However, if you want to become the owner of the most modern device from this manufacturer, then you should pay attention to the SBL 700 model. On this unit, without special work even curved workpieces can be processed, and a stepped profile is also not a problem. Manufacturers have tried, and the new equipment can work with large parts weighing up to 2.5 tons. Of course, the CNC will control the work. In addition, you can connect the machine to a simple PC and set the processing parameters.

Takisawa TMM 250 series equipment is equipped with a pair of turning spindles and turrets. This combined machine is also equipped with a large capacity tool magazine (30 positions, but if desired, can be increased to 90). Working on such a unit, there is no need to reinstall parts, due to which excellent processing accuracy is achieved. And by reducing non-productive time spent on part transfer, superior speed is ensured. The device is equipped with two 15-position turrets and a 3.7/5.5 kW drive. The rotational speed reaches 6000 rpm.

5

In this section, we will move on to the practical part and consider general rules use. It doesn't matter if you use metal or wood, in any case Special attention should be given to safety. Only experienced specialists are allowed to work, make sure that children do not enter the workshop. Be sure to keep workplace clean and before turning on the equipment, make sure that there are no foreign objects on it.

Workplace for turning and milling works

Before connecting the combination mill to the mains, check that the switch is in the "OFF" position. The unit must be unplugged if planned Maintenance or adjustment. Never leave the switched on device unattended. Be sure to visually inspect the machine for mechanical damage and check that all elements are fixed securely enough. In the event of even minor faults in your opinion, the equipment is not allowed to operate. You can work on it only after the elimination of all breakdowns.

Pay special attention to the choice working area. The workshop should be dry, as moisture will adversely affect the performance of the unit. Make sure your work area is well lit. Use the combination machine only for its intended use. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing while working, which should not be excessively loose. Availability jewelry, tie, gloves, etc. may lead to injury.

Gather long hair, preferably hidden under a headdress. Choose shoes with low, non-slip soles. Protective goggles will protect your eyes from possible damage. The workshop must be installed good hood, this is especially true during grinding and cutting on high speeds. These operations are usually accompanied by a strong education harmful dust which contributes to respiratory diseases. You can with exhaust system use a respirator.

Main indicators modern production is profitability and competitiveness. The release of quality products depends on how the workshop or work site is provided with wide-range equipment, a variety of machinery and tools.

For today, highly specialized machines are no longer relevant. They have low performance, in addition, they are inconvenient, since you have to drag the workpiece from place to place. A technological solution is the acquisition and installation of one machine, which has the ability to perform many different functions. Such units can replace several outdated models and save time and costs.

Modern equipment that allows you to make turning and milling, is actively used in the industrial sphere of production today. Moreover, these types of machines are produced for use in living conditions. Such units are compact in size and not as powerful as industrial designs, but still capable of producing milling and turning work at a very high level.

Classification of turning and milling equipment occurs by dividing it into devices with numeric program management and without CNC, that is, automatic, semi-automatic and manual. This article will focus on CNC machines.

CNC turning and milling machines

Below are the advantages of CNC turn-mill centers compared to the same manual control equipment. Modern units are different:

Kinds

This equipment is conditionally classified into the following types. Exist:

• regular centers,
• with counter spindle
• With drive center
• With C-axis.

Such devices are equipped with features typical for turning and milling machines, while complemented by design and technological subtleties.

Features of the centers

On many standard turret lathes, it is possible to carry out processing not only turning, but also milling, as well as drilling holes in metal products. However, in such devices, the revolvers are not very mobile, which makes it difficult and limits their potential in the production process.

In the turn-mill installation of our days there is no such problem, because it has a milling head for a Capto or HSK cone. These cones allow the installation of a turning tool in a milling head. Thanks to this, the machine can sharpen and perform many different operations, for example, countersinking, threading, drilling holes, chamfering and grooving, machining and trimming ends, reaming and others.

So we realized that in modern equipment one spindle contributes to two functions, namely, installing a static tool and securing rotating working attachments. In this case, the change of cutters and other tools takes place automatically. To do this, the CNC machine is equipped with a special tool called a changer.

At enterprises engaged in the manufacture of complex products and structures, these machines are operated. They process the raw material through all the milling and turning procedures in succession. Modern CNC machines for metal can easily cope with these tasks.

It can be added that for such centers one-piece tool or fixtures are used. with carbide indexable inserts. The soldered type is used extremely rarely.

Devices with C-axis and sub-spindle

One of the first machines of a full-fledged center was a device with a C-axis. Drills and milling cutters work in it, located with their own drive, which gives rotation to the tool. Of course, such devices are equipped with a changer of working devices.

Units with C-axis control the speed of rotation of the workpiece. In addition, control (index) the angular position of the product. Angle indexing accuracy is less than 0.001 degree.

The installation of multifunctional mechanisms that are needed to change fixtures allows you to perform several operations on CNC and C-axis units that cannot be performed on conventional turning devices:

• Milling of worm gears,
• gear processing,
• Manufacturing of crankshafts.

More functional and reliable during operation is intended to be a machine for metal with a counter spindle. He replaces the tailstock. Such a machine allows you to hold the product by the right edge and process its right side without the help of the device operator.

In essence, the sub spindle makes the CNC mill-turn machine a highly functional production line. If you equip such a unit two tool changers, then he will begin to process metal several times faster without losing perfect quality products.

Below we will consider the types of CNC turning and milling equipment that are in demand.

The most popular CNC machines

Machining centers TRENS

The European manufacturer TRENS has developed universal installations, which are characterized by an inclined bed and certain design, which guarantees the implementation of high-precision work due to the special strength and rigidity of the device. Equipment of this trademark has found application in large and medium-sized production if processing of complex parts of different profiles is needed.

Of the most popular models of TRENS machines, the following stand out:

• SBL 500A. It is needed for milling and turning parts weighing up to 1050 kg. The unit is equipped with a Fagor or Siemens electric drive, counter spindle, easy to set up, but powerful CNC system. The machine has a headstock hydraulic drive and a hydraulic mechanism for fixing parts during processing. There are additional options for performing special operations that are performed in a single workpiece setup, such as off-axis drilling.
• SBL 300. This machine is simpler than the previous model. It can perform threading, perform basic milling procedures, process and finish complex products, such as flanges, shafts. high level rigidity is different spindle device. It can be operated without interruption for quite a long time, and for top speed performing work operations. The C-axis of the machine is responsible for excellent torque and instantaneous switching of operating modes thanks to a special disk-type locking system.
• SBL 700. This is the most modern processing machine of the TRENS brand to date. It processes workpieces with a curved, stepped, straight profile weighing up to 2500 kg. This unit is equipped with a CNC device from Siemens, which perfectly controls the operation of fixtures, and is also described by simple 3D programming, it makes it possible to connect the machine to a PC.

Turning and milling center 1728C

This model of the machine for metal is very popular in Russia. The device is universal and allows you to carry out wide range of processing operations. It can: drill normally, under given angle, chiselling, boring, milling, sharpening, etc. On this CNC machine, it is possible to process products in a complex manner in the chuck and centers. The operation of the unit is characterized by unique precision due to design features machine. He possesses:

• Increased vibration resistance and rigidity of the main components.
• High precision bearings.
• It contains thermosymmetrical elements, due to which the effect of temperature deformations is leveled.
• Active supervisory bodies that monitor the operation of the tool.
• High quality CNC system.

This model carries out work with blanks that have a size of up to 40 centimeters in diameter and up to 3 meters long. Equipped with an A8 spindle, a 40 cm chuck and a 9.7 cm bore.

Thanks to the synthesis of the work performed, this CNC machine can significantly reduce costs.

Other CNC metal processing centers

Taiwanese TAKISAWA machines are in demand in our country. Russian enterprises purchase them with pleasure, as they differ affordable price and unique versatility. On the market for this equipment today are LS, EX,LA, NEX series, which have found application in aviation and machine-building plants, they are also used in the transport sector of production.

Models 4500TT, 4500S and 4500ST are in high demand. Since the purchase of these machines guarantees the implementation of milling and turning operations with maximum accuracy. After all, the units are equipped with two spindle turning units and a milling unit. They are also equipped with a magazine with 90 positions for working devices and a turret.

Spanish centers of GMTK are also popular, especially the HR series with model range machines 800, 1000, 1200, 1500. They allow processing workpieces with a complex configuration and high accuracy. Such devices are equipped with a unique system that can stabilize the temperature. There are also hydrostatic type guides, which have optimized performance. Equipped with head and tool changer.

Typically, Spanish turn-mill machines are bought by enterprises specializing in the production of truly complex parts. These metalworking centers have become ideal for such production conditions.

The following CNC metal processing machines are also work effectively:

• Victor machines are owned by a Taiwanese company that has been supplying highly reliable models for over 70 years. Russian market. Their models have a reliable and technological design, quality components, beds made of special cast iron.
• MULTICUT machines are CNC multi-operation centers equipped with tailstock or right hand spindle. They allow you to perform milling in 5 coordinates. They are also capable of boring, cutting, sharpening, grinding, milling cams and many other operations.
• South Korean DMCs are high performance, luxury machining centers.

Conclusion

To fly into space and drill gas wells, you need special devices and mechanisms. Spaceships not produced in in large numbers. Therefore, in order to assemble a particular product, many monotonous parts are not required. And there is a need for several original and complex. To carry out such tasks, a CNC turning and milling machine is used. These parts have long been in demand, which is growing every year.

Businesses today no longer need to purchase many pieces of equipment. It is enough to purchase one turning-milling machine with a large set of functions, which will provide increased profitability any factory.