Travelling column milling machines for industrial production
How a travelling column milling machine works
A travelling column milling machine is a special milling machine that is used for the precise machining of large and heavy workpieces. In contrast to conventional milling machines, the milling head on a travelling column milling machine is not permanently mounted, but moves along the workpiece on a guide. As a rule, the tool supply including tool changer is also mounted on the travelling column, which ensures a quick tool change at any point in the work area. All in all, this enables a high degree of flexibility and accuracy when machining complex components. This machine tool for metalworking is sometimes also called a travelling column machining centre.
A key advantage of the travelling column milling machine is the option to artificially divide the workspace in the X-axis into two separate workspaces using a flexibly mountable partition wall. This allows the spindle to move between the two workspaces, making it possible to carry out preparatory set-up activities in the other workspace while machining is taking place in one workspace, thus reducing non-productive time.
It is also not uncommon for a rotary table to be integrated into the machine table so that components can be machined from several sides. In combination with a multi-axis spindle head, there are various axis distributions in the sense of 5-axis machining. Machinists then speak of a machine having a different number of NC-axes in the tool (and therefore in the spindle head) or in the workpiece (and therefore in the machine table). The heavier the workpieces, the more axes are integrated in the spindle head for dynamic reasons.
Structure and function
A travelling column milling machine consists of a stable machine bed on which the column - the so-called travelling column - moves horizontally along the X-axis. The milling head is attached to the travelling column and can also move vertically along the Z-axis. Depending on the type of spindle head, the spindle head can also carry additional axes (up to three) in the sense of 5-axis complete machining (swivelling head). Furthermore, depending on the machine type, the worktable can either be fixed or mobile to enable machining in the Y-axis.
Machining process
The machining process begins with the exact positioning of the workpiece on the machine table. Once the control system has been programmed, the milling head is moved along the required axes. The milling tools remove material to create precise contours, holes or pockets. Modern CNC travelling column milling machines enable complex machining with high repeat accuracy.
Thanks to the moving travelling column, even very long or bulky components can be machined without having to be moved. This reduces set-up times and improves process reliability.
Application in industrial metalworking
Travelling column milling machines are used in numerous industries that rely on precise and efficient machining technology. They are particularly common in mechanical engineering, toolmaking, aerospace, the automotive industry, shipbuilding, heavy engineering, energy and power plant technology, railway technology, agricultural machinery and medical technology.
Typical workpieces that are produced with a travelling column milling machine are
- Machine beds for machine tools
- Housings for turbines and generators
- Engine blocks and cylinder heads for the automotive industry
- Aircraft carrier structures made of aluminium or titanium
- Cast parts for large gearboxes
- Ship shaft bearings and propeller components
- Moulding tools for the plastics industry
- Track system components for high-speed trains
- Steel moulding tools for casting and forging processes
- Frame constructions for agricultural machinery
Tools for a travelling column milling machine
Travelling column milling machines work with a variety of powerful milling tools. The most important of these include
- End mills for general milling work
- Face milling cutters for processing large surfaces
- Disc cutters for deep grooves and separating cuts
- Moulding cutters for the manufacturer of complex contours
- Drills for precise drilling
- Taps for internal thread machining
- Thread milling cutters for flexible thread production
- T-slot milling cutters for T-slots and profiling
- Radius milling cutters for creating rounded edges
- Reamers for the fine machining of bores
Accessories and equipment for a travelling column milling machine
High-quality tool interfaces such as SK, HSK or BT tool holders ensure precise fastening of the milling tools. Clamping devices, including vices, magnetic clamping plates or zero-point clamping systems, reliably secure the workpiece.
Coolants and lubricants reduce tool wear and enable better surface quality. An Extraction device or filter system effectively removes chips and emulsion mist.
Measuring devices such as digital probes or workpiece measuring systems are essential for process monitoring. Automatic tool changers increase efficiency, while chip conveyors ensure a clean working environment.
A travelling column milling machine also requires a reliable Control system, powerful cooling and hydraulic systems and a stable power supply.
Leading manufacturers of travelling column milling machines
In our manufacturers directory, you will find companies that produce travelling column milling machines for metalworking.
The following terms are frequently searched for: travelling column milling machine AXA, travelling column milling machine Bimatec Soraluce, travelling column milling machine DMG Mori, travelling column milling machine EMCO, travelling column milling machine Hedelius, travelling column milling machine Iberimex, travelling column milling machine Iberimex, travelling column milling machine Bimatec Soraluce.travelling column milling machine Iberimex, travelling column milling machine Innotrol-Ibarmia, travelling column milling machine Juaristi, travelling column milling machine Matec, travelling column milling machine MTE, travelling column milling machine Correa, travelling columnPAMA travelling column milling machine, PARPAS travelling column milling machine, Rema Control travelling column milling machine, Schiess travelling column milling machine, SHW travelling column milling machine, SIGMA travelling column milling machine, Spinner travelling column milling machine, Spinner travelling column milling machine.travelling column milling machine Spinner, travelling column milling machine StarragTornos, travelling column milling machine teamtec, travelling column milling machine UNION, travelling column milling machine UNITECH, travelling column milling machine VOLZ
Selecting the right travelling column milling machine
If you want to buy a travelling column milling machine, there are several important features and specifications to consider.
- The traverse y-axis (X-, Y-, Z-axis) determines which workpiece sizes can be processed.
- High positioning accuracy and repeatability are essential for precise production results.
- Engine power of the spindle influences the processing speed and the variety of materials.
- The number of axes in the spindle influences the spatial infeed of the tool, regardless of whether it is in simultaneous or stopped operation.
- A high Speed enables fine surfaces, while a strong torque is important for cutting hard metals.
- Modern machines have CNC controls with intuitive operation and powerful software solutions.
- Other factors include the type of tool interface (e.g. HSK or SK), an automatic tool changer for efficient processes and a stable machine bed for vibration-free work.
- Additional features such as coolant systems, chip conveyors and measuring probes improve productivity.
- If you are looking for a durable and precise machine, you should look for a high-quality design, reputable manufacturers and reliable service.
Find the travelling column milling machine that suits your production requirements now at maschinenauswahl.de.