“How to Correctly Select a Numerical Control Machining Center”
In today’s manufacturing industry, numerical control machining centers play a crucial role. However, in the machining center industry, good and bad are mixed together, and choosing a machining center suitable for oneself is not an easy task. A good machining center can maximize benefits. Therefore, when purchasing, one needs to be extremely cautious and fully understand various factors. Below, according to customer needs, the following points to pay attention to when selecting a machining center are sorted out in detail.
I. Determine processing materials and sizes
Influence of processing materials
Different processing materials have different requirements for machining centers. For example, materials with higher hardness require stronger cutting forces and more sturdy cutting tools, which requires machining centers to have higher power and rigidity. For some special materials such as aluminum alloys and other light metals, special cutting tools and processing techniques may be needed to avoid problems such as tool sticking.
When choosing a machining center, fully consider the characteristics of the materials you are processing to ensure that the machining center can meet processing needs. You can consult the machining center manufacturer to understand their experience and suggestions for processing different materials.
Limitations of processing sizes
Determining the processing size is an important step in choosing a machining center. Different machining centers have different limitations on the size of processed workpieces, including maximum processing length, width, height, etc. When choosing a machining center, ensure that its processing size can meet your production needs.
In addition, you also need to consider the requirements of the machining center for workpiece clamping. Different machining centers may have different ways and limitations when clamping workpieces, such as the size of the worktable and the type of fixture. Ensure that the machining center can smoothly clamp your workpieces to ensure processing accuracy and efficiency.
When determining the processing size, according to your product design and production plan, estimate possible future processing needs and choose a machining center with a certain margin to avoid size limitation problems in the production process.
Influence of processing materials
Different processing materials have different requirements for machining centers. For example, materials with higher hardness require stronger cutting forces and more sturdy cutting tools, which requires machining centers to have higher power and rigidity. For some special materials such as aluminum alloys and other light metals, special cutting tools and processing techniques may be needed to avoid problems such as tool sticking.
When choosing a machining center, fully consider the characteristics of the materials you are processing to ensure that the machining center can meet processing needs. You can consult the machining center manufacturer to understand their experience and suggestions for processing different materials.
Limitations of processing sizes
Determining the processing size is an important step in choosing a machining center. Different machining centers have different limitations on the size of processed workpieces, including maximum processing length, width, height, etc. When choosing a machining center, ensure that its processing size can meet your production needs.
In addition, you also need to consider the requirements of the machining center for workpiece clamping. Different machining centers may have different ways and limitations when clamping workpieces, such as the size of the worktable and the type of fixture. Ensure that the machining center can smoothly clamp your workpieces to ensure processing accuracy and efficiency.
When determining the processing size, according to your product design and production plan, estimate possible future processing needs and choose a machining center with a certain margin to avoid size limitation problems in the production process.
II. Pay attention to processing accuracy
Importance of batch processing accuracy
In batch processing, processing accuracy is crucial. Different machining centers may have different accuracies in batch processing, which depends on factors such as the mechanical structure, control system, and cutting tools of the machining center.
If higher processing accuracy is required, a machining center with higher accuracy needs to be selected. You can evaluate the accuracy level of the machining center by checking its technical parameters and understanding the guaranteed range of its processing accuracy.
At the same time, you can also request processing samples from the machining center manufacturer or visit their production site to understand the actual processing accuracy.
Factors affecting processing accuracy
The accuracy of a machining center is affected by multiple factors, including the accuracy of the mechanical structure, the accuracy of the control system, and the wear of cutting tools.
The accuracy of the mechanical structure includes the accuracy of components such as the guide rails, lead screws, and spindles of the machine tool. The accuracy of these components directly affects the positioning accuracy and repeat positioning accuracy of the machining center. When choosing a machining center, pay attention to the quality and accuracy grade of these components.
The accuracy of the control system is also an important factor affecting processing accuracy. An advanced control system can achieve higher accuracy control and reduce errors. When choosing a machining center, understand the brand and performance of its control system and select a system with high-precision control capabilities.
The wear of cutting tools will also affect processing accuracy. During the processing process, the cutting tool will gradually wear, resulting in changes in processing size. Therefore, cutting tools need to be replaced regularly and tool compensation needs to be performed to ensure processing accuracy.
Importance of batch processing accuracy
In batch processing, processing accuracy is crucial. Different machining centers may have different accuracies in batch processing, which depends on factors such as the mechanical structure, control system, and cutting tools of the machining center.
If higher processing accuracy is required, a machining center with higher accuracy needs to be selected. You can evaluate the accuracy level of the machining center by checking its technical parameters and understanding the guaranteed range of its processing accuracy.
At the same time, you can also request processing samples from the machining center manufacturer or visit their production site to understand the actual processing accuracy.
Factors affecting processing accuracy
The accuracy of a machining center is affected by multiple factors, including the accuracy of the mechanical structure, the accuracy of the control system, and the wear of cutting tools.
The accuracy of the mechanical structure includes the accuracy of components such as the guide rails, lead screws, and spindles of the machine tool. The accuracy of these components directly affects the positioning accuracy and repeat positioning accuracy of the machining center. When choosing a machining center, pay attention to the quality and accuracy grade of these components.
The accuracy of the control system is also an important factor affecting processing accuracy. An advanced control system can achieve higher accuracy control and reduce errors. When choosing a machining center, understand the brand and performance of its control system and select a system with high-precision control capabilities.
The wear of cutting tools will also affect processing accuracy. During the processing process, the cutting tool will gradually wear, resulting in changes in processing size. Therefore, cutting tools need to be replaced regularly and tool compensation needs to be performed to ensure processing accuracy.
III. Consider the number of tool magazines and tool types
Selection of the number of tool magazines
The number of tool magazines is an important parameter of a machining center. Different machining centers may have different numbers of tool magazines, ranging from a few to dozens or even hundreds.
When choosing the number of tool magazines, consider the complexity of the processed parts and the requirements of the processing technology. If the processing of parts has more processes and requires the use of multiple cutting tools, then a machining center with a larger number of tool magazines needs to be selected to reduce tool change times and improve processing efficiency.
At the same time, you also need to consider the type of tool magazine and the tool change method. Common tool magazine types include disc tool magazines and chain tool magazines. Different tool magazine types have different characteristics and application scopes. Tool change methods also include automatic tool change and manual tool change. Automatic tool change can improve processing efficiency, but the price is relatively high.
Matching of tool types
There are many types of cutting tools that can be used in machining centers, including milling cutters, drills, boring cutters, etc. Different cutting tools are suitable for different processing technologies and processing materials.
When choosing a machining center, understand the types and specifications of cutting tools it can use to ensure that it can meet your processing needs. At the same time, you also need to consider the quality and brand of cutting tools and select cutting tools with reliable quality and stable performance.
In addition, according to the characteristics of processed products, you can choose some special cutting tools, such as forming cutters and custom-made cutters, to improve processing efficiency and processing quality.
Selection of the number of tool magazines
The number of tool magazines is an important parameter of a machining center. Different machining centers may have different numbers of tool magazines, ranging from a few to dozens or even hundreds.
When choosing the number of tool magazines, consider the complexity of the processed parts and the requirements of the processing technology. If the processing of parts has more processes and requires the use of multiple cutting tools, then a machining center with a larger number of tool magazines needs to be selected to reduce tool change times and improve processing efficiency.
At the same time, you also need to consider the type of tool magazine and the tool change method. Common tool magazine types include disc tool magazines and chain tool magazines. Different tool magazine types have different characteristics and application scopes. Tool change methods also include automatic tool change and manual tool change. Automatic tool change can improve processing efficiency, but the price is relatively high.
Matching of tool types
There are many types of cutting tools that can be used in machining centers, including milling cutters, drills, boring cutters, etc. Different cutting tools are suitable for different processing technologies and processing materials.
When choosing a machining center, understand the types and specifications of cutting tools it can use to ensure that it can meet your processing needs. At the same time, you also need to consider the quality and brand of cutting tools and select cutting tools with reliable quality and stable performance.
In addition, according to the characteristics of processed products, you can choose some special cutting tools, such as forming cutters and custom-made cutters, to improve processing efficiency and processing quality.
IV. Analyze processing technology and budget time
Planning of processing technology
Before choosing a machining center, a detailed planning of the processing technology is needed. Analyze the drawings of processed workpieces and determine the operation route of the processing technology, including cutting parameters, tool paths, processing sequences, etc.
The planning of processing technology directly affects processing efficiency and processing quality. Reasonable processing technology can reduce processing time, reduce tool wear, and improve processing accuracy.
Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software can be used to plan and simulate processing technology to ensure the rationality and feasibility of the processing technology.
Importance of time budgeting
In the production process, time is efficiency. Therefore, when choosing a machining center, a budget for processing time is needed.
The budget for processing time includes cutting time, tool change time, and auxiliary time. Cutting time depends on processing technology and cutting parameters. Tool change time depends on the number of tool magazines and tool change methods. Auxiliary time includes workpiece clamping, measurement, and other times.
By budgeting processing time, the production efficiency of the machining center can be evaluated, and a machining center that can meet your production needs can be selected. At the same time, the processing technology can also be optimized according to the time budget to improve production efficiency.
Planning of processing technology
Before choosing a machining center, a detailed planning of the processing technology is needed. Analyze the drawings of processed workpieces and determine the operation route of the processing technology, including cutting parameters, tool paths, processing sequences, etc.
The planning of processing technology directly affects processing efficiency and processing quality. Reasonable processing technology can reduce processing time, reduce tool wear, and improve processing accuracy.
Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software can be used to plan and simulate processing technology to ensure the rationality and feasibility of the processing technology.
Importance of time budgeting
In the production process, time is efficiency. Therefore, when choosing a machining center, a budget for processing time is needed.
The budget for processing time includes cutting time, tool change time, and auxiliary time. Cutting time depends on processing technology and cutting parameters. Tool change time depends on the number of tool magazines and tool change methods. Auxiliary time includes workpiece clamping, measurement, and other times.
By budgeting processing time, the production efficiency of the machining center can be evaluated, and a machining center that can meet your production needs can be selected. At the same time, the processing technology can also be optimized according to the time budget to improve production efficiency.
V. Select functions and systems according to needs
Determination of functional requirements
Different machining centers have different functions, such as automatic tool change, tool compensation, online measurement, etc. When choosing a machining center, the required functions need to be determined according to your production needs.
If frequent tool changes are required in the production process, then the automatic tool change function is essential. If higher processing accuracy is required, tool compensation and online measurement functions can improve processing accuracy.
At the same time, according to your special needs, you can choose some special functions, such as five-axis linkage processing, high-speed cutting, etc. These functions can improve the processing ability and adaptability of the machining center, but the price is relatively high.
Selection and ease of operation of the system
The control system of a machining center is one of its core components. Different control systems have different characteristics and functions, such as operation interfaces, programming methods, accuracy control, etc.
When choosing a control system, consider its ease of operation and programming convenience. A good control system should have an intuitive operation interface and a simple and easy-to-understand programming method, so that operators can quickly get started.
At the same time, you also need to consider the stability and reliability of the control system. Choosing a control system of a well-known brand can ensure the stable operation of the machining center and reduce the probability of failures.
In addition, you can also consider the upgrade and expandability of the control system. With the continuous development of technology, the control system also needs to be continuously upgraded and improved. Choosing a control system with good upgrade and expandability can ensure that the machining center can adapt to new processing needs in future use.
Determination of functional requirements
Different machining centers have different functions, such as automatic tool change, tool compensation, online measurement, etc. When choosing a machining center, the required functions need to be determined according to your production needs.
If frequent tool changes are required in the production process, then the automatic tool change function is essential. If higher processing accuracy is required, tool compensation and online measurement functions can improve processing accuracy.
At the same time, according to your special needs, you can choose some special functions, such as five-axis linkage processing, high-speed cutting, etc. These functions can improve the processing ability and adaptability of the machining center, but the price is relatively high.
Selection and ease of operation of the system
The control system of a machining center is one of its core components. Different control systems have different characteristics and functions, such as operation interfaces, programming methods, accuracy control, etc.
When choosing a control system, consider its ease of operation and programming convenience. A good control system should have an intuitive operation interface and a simple and easy-to-understand programming method, so that operators can quickly get started.
At the same time, you also need to consider the stability and reliability of the control system. Choosing a control system of a well-known brand can ensure the stable operation of the machining center and reduce the probability of failures.
In addition, you can also consider the upgrade and expandability of the control system. With the continuous development of technology, the control system also needs to be continuously upgraded and improved. Choosing a control system with good upgrade and expandability can ensure that the machining center can adapt to new processing needs in future use.
In conclusion, choosing a numerical control machining center suitable for oneself requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. During the selection process, fully understand your own processing needs, have sufficient communication and exchanges with machining center manufacturers, understand the characteristics and advantages of different machining centers, and choose a machining center that can meet your production needs and has high cost performance. Only in this way can we improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, and maximize benefits in the fierce market competition.