In the field of modern mechanical processing, drilling machines and CNC milling machines are two common and important machine tool equipment, which have significant differences in functions, structures, and application scenarios. In order to provide you with a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of these two types of machine tools, the CNC milling machine manufacturer will provide you with a detailed explanation below.
1. Rigid contrast
The rigidity characteristics of drilling machines
The drilling machine is mainly designed to withstand large vertical forces, with relatively small lateral forces. This is because the main processing method of the drilling machine is drilling, and the drill bit mainly drills along the vertical direction during operation, and the force applied to the workpiece is mainly concentrated in the axial direction. Therefore, the structure of the drilling machine has been strengthened in the vertical direction to ensure stability, reduce vibration and deviation during the drilling process.
However, due to the weak ability of drilling machines to withstand lateral forces, this also limits their application in some complex machining scenarios. When it is necessary to perform side machining on the workpiece or when there is significant lateral interference during the drilling process, the drilling machine may not be able to ensure machining accuracy and stability.
Rigidity requirements for CNC milling machines
Unlike drilling machines, CNC milling machines require good rigidity because the forces generated during the milling process are more complex. Milling force not only includes large vertical forces, but also needs to withstand large lateral forces. During the milling process, the contact area between the milling cutter and the workpiece is large, and the tool rotates while cutting along the horizontal direction, resulting in milling forces acting in multiple directions.
In order to cope with such complex stress situations, the structural design of CNC milling machines is usually more robust and stable. The key components of the machine tool, such as the bed, columns, and guide rails, are made of high-strength materials and optimized structures to improve the overall rigidity and vibration resistance performance. Good rigidity enables CNC milling machines to maintain high-precision machining while withstanding large cutting forces, making them suitable for processing various complex shapes and high-precision parts.
2.Structural differences
Structural characteristics of drilling machines
The structure of the drilling machine is relatively simple, and in most cases, as long as vertical feed is achieved, it can meet the processing requirements. A drilling machine usually consists of a bed body, a column, a spindle box, a workbench, and a feed mechanism.
The bed is the basic component of a drilling machine, used to support and install other components. The column is fixed on the bed to provide support for the main axle box. The spindle box is equipped with a spindle and a variable speed mechanism, which is used to drive the rotation of the drill bit. The workbench is used to place workpieces and can be easily adjusted and positioned. The feed mechanism is responsible for controlling the axial feed motion of the drill bit to achieve depth control of drilling.
Due to the relatively simple processing method of drilling machines, their structure is relatively simple and their cost is relatively low. But this simple structure also limits the functionality and processing range of the drilling machine.
The structural composition of CNC milling machines
The structure of CNC milling machines is much more complex. It not only needs to achieve vertical feed, but more importantly, it also needs to have horizontal longitudinal and transverse feed functions. CNC milling machines are usually composed of parts such as the bed, column, worktable, saddle, spindle box, CNC system, feed drive system, etc.
The bed and column provide a stable support structure for the machine tool. The workbench can move horizontally to achieve lateral feed. The saddle is installed on the column and can drive the spindle box to move vertically, achieving longitudinal feed. The spindle box is equipped with high-performance spindles and precise variable speed transmission devices to meet the requirements of different processing techniques.
The CNC system is the core control part of the CNC milling machine, which is responsible for receiving programming instructions and converting them into motion control signals for each axis of the machine tool, achieving precise machining actions. The feed drive system converts the instructions of the CNC system into actual movements of the worktable and saddle through components such as motors and screws, ensuring machining accuracy and surface quality.
3.Processing function
The processing capacity of the drilling machine
A drilling machine is mainly a device that uses a drill bit to drill and process workpieces. Under normal circumstances, the rotation of the drill bit is the main motion, while the axial movement of the drilling machine is the feed motion. Drilling machines can perform through hole, blind hole and other machining operations on workpieces, and can meet different aperture and accuracy requirements by replacing drill bits with different diameters and types.
In addition, the drilling machine can also perform some simple drilling and tapping operations. However, due to its structural and functional limitations, drilling machines are unable to perform complex shape machining on the surface of workpieces, such as flat surfaces, grooves, gears, etc.
The machining range of CNC milling machines
CNC milling machines have a wider range of processing capabilities. It can use milling cutters to process the flat surface of workpieces, as well as complex shapes such as grooves and gears. In addition, CNC milling machines can also process workpieces with complex profiles, such as curved surfaces and irregular surfaces, by using special cutting tools and programming methods.
Compared with drilling machines, CNC milling machines have higher machining efficiency, faster speed, and can achieve higher machining accuracy and surface quality. This has made CNC milling machines widely used in fields such as mold manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive components.
4.Tools and fixtures
Tools and fixtures for drilling machines
The main tool used in the drilling machine is the drill bit, and the shape and size of the drill bit are selected according to the processing requirements. In the drilling process, simple fixtures such as pliers, V-blocks, etc. are usually used to position and clamp the workpiece. Due to the fact that the force processed by the drilling machine is mainly concentrated in the axial direction, the design of the fixture is relatively simple, mainly ensuring that the workpiece will not move or rotate during the drilling process.
Tools and fixtures for CNC milling machines
There are various types of cutting tools used in CNC milling machines, including ball end mills, end mills, face mills, etc. in addition to common milling cutters. Different types of cutting tools are suitable for different processing techniques and shape requirements. In CNC milling, the design requirements for fixtures are higher, and factors such as the distribution of cutting force, the positioning accuracy of the workpiece, and the magnitude of clamping force need to be considered to ensure that the workpiece does not experience displacement and deformation during the machining process.
In order to improve machining efficiency and accuracy, CNC milling machines usually use specialized fixtures and fixtures, such as combination fixtures, hydraulic fixtures, etc. At the same time, CNC milling machines can also achieve rapid switching of different cutting tools by using automatic tool changing devices, further improving the flexibility and efficiency of processing.
5. Programming and Operations
Programming and operation of drilling machines
The programming of a drilling machine is relatively simple, usually only requiring the setting of parameters such as drilling depth, speed, and feed rate. Operators can complete the machining process by manually operating the handle or button of the machine tool, and can also use a simple CNC system for programming and control.
Due to the relatively simple processing technology of drilling machines, the operation is relatively easy, and the technical requirements for operators are relatively low. But this also limits the application of drilling machines in complex part processing.
Programming and operation of CNC milling machines
The programming of CNC milling machines is much more complex, requiring the use of professional programming software such as MasterCAM, UG, etc., to generate machining programs based on the drawings and machining requirements of the parts. During the programming process, many factors such as tool path, cutting parameters, and process sequence need to be considered to ensure machining accuracy and efficiency.
In terms of operation, CNC milling machines are usually equipped with touch screens or operation panels. Operators need to be familiar with the operation interface and functions of the CNC system, be able to accurately input instructions and parameters, and monitor the status during the machining process. Due to the complex processing technology of CNC milling machines, there is a high demand for the technical level and professional knowledge of operators, which requires specialized training and practice to proficiently master.
6、 Application field
Application scenarios of drilling machines
Due to its simple structure, low cost, and convenient operation, drilling machines are widely used in some small mechanical processing workshops, maintenance workshops, and individual processing households. It is mainly used for processing parts with simple structures and low precision requirements, such as hole type parts, connecting parts, etc.
In some mass production enterprises, drilling machines can also be used for processing simple processes, such as drilling holes on sheet metal. However, for high-precision and complex shaped parts processing, drilling machines cannot meet the requirements.
Scope of application of CNC milling machines
CNC milling machines have been widely used in fields such as mold manufacturing, aerospace, automotive components, electronic equipment, etc. due to their advantages of high machining accuracy, high efficiency, and powerful functions. It can be used to process various complex shaped molds, precision parts, box parts, etc., and can meet the needs of modern manufacturing for high-precision and high-efficiency processing.
Especially in some high-end manufacturing industries, CNC milling machines have become indispensable key equipment, playing an important role in improving product quality, shortening production cycles, and reducing costs.
7、 Comparison of machining examples
In order to more intuitively demonstrate the differences in machining effects between drilling machines and CNC milling machines, two specific machining examples will be compared below.
Example 1: Machining a simple orifice plate part
Drilling machine processing: First, fix the workpiece on the workbench, select a suitable drill bit, adjust the drilling depth and feed rate, and then start the drilling machine for drilling processing. Due to the fact that drilling machines can only perform vertical drilling, the requirements for hole position accuracy and surface quality are not high, and the processing efficiency is relatively low.
CNC milling machine processing: When using a CNC milling machine for processing, the first step is to model the parts in 3D and generate a machining program according to the machining process requirements. Then install the workpiece on a dedicated fixture, input the machining program through the CNC system, and start the machine tool for machining. CNC milling machines can achieve simultaneous machining of multiple holes through programming, and can ensure the positional accuracy and surface quality of the holes, greatly improving machining efficiency.
Example 2: Processing a complex mold part
Drilling machine processing: For such complex shaped mold parts, drilling machines are almost unable to complete processing tasks. Even if processed through some special methods, it is difficult to ensure machining accuracy and surface quality.
CNC milling machine processing: By utilizing the powerful functions of CNC milling machines, it is possible to first perform rough machining on mold parts, remove most of the excess, and then perform semi precision and precision machining, ultimately obtaining high-precision and high-quality mold parts. During the machining process, different types of tools can be used and cutting parameters can be optimized to improve machining efficiency and surface quality.
By comparing the above two examples, it can be seen that drilling machines are suitable for some simple hole processing, while CNC milling machines are capable of processing various complex shapes and high-precision parts.
8、 Summary
In summary, there are significant differences between drilling machines and CNC milling machines in terms of rigidity, structure, processing functions, tool fixtures, programming operations, and application fields. The drilling machine has a simple structure and low cost, and is suitable for simple drilling and hole enlargement processing; CNC milling machines have the characteristics of high precision, high efficiency, and multifunctionality, which can meet the needs of modern manufacturing for complex part processing.
In actual production, drilling machines or CNC milling machines should be selected reasonably based on specific processing tasks and requirements to achieve the best processing effect and economic benefits. At the same time, with the continuous progress of technology and the development of manufacturing industry, drilling machines and CNC milling machines are also constantly improving and perfecting, providing stronger technical support for the development of the mechanical processing industry.