Horizontal machining centre for industrial production
How a horizontal machining centre works
A horizontal machining centre is a state-of-the-art, CNC-controlled machine tool for machining workpieces in the manufacturing industry. In contrast to a vertical machining center, the spindle is arranged horizontally, which offers certain advantages for machining larger workpieces and high productivity.
The horizontal machining centre has several axes that ensure precise movements of the tool and the workpiece. Commonly used are 4-axis or 5-axis horizontal machining centres. The table on which the workpiece is mounted can usually rotate around its own axis. This enables multi-sided machining without reclamping. The workpiece is fixed with holders while the tool is clamped in the spindle.
Structure of a horizontal machining centre
Machine bed
The machine bed forms the foundation of the horizontal machining centre and is usually made of heavy cast iron or steel to ensure the necessary stability and damping of vibrations. It supports the other components and ensures precise machining even under high loads.
Spindle
The spindle is arranged horizontally and serves as a holder for tools such as milling cutters, drills and taps. The horizontal arrangement has the advantage that chips fall off better and the machining process is not hindered.
Table with rotating function
A horizontal machining centre is usually equipped with a rotating machine table that allows workpieces to be machined on several sides without the need for reclamping. This increases efficiency and precision, as multi-sided machining can be carried out in a single operation.
Axes
A horizontal machining centre typically has four or five axes that control the movements of the tool and the workpiece. These axes enable precise movements and complex machining operations such as milling, drilling and tapping.
Tool changer
A tool changer is integrated for automated production, enabling tools to be changed quickly without manual intervention. This shortens the machining time and increases efficiency. In addition, the design of horizontal machining centres makes them perfect for automation with palletising systems. These automation solutions range from a changing station (double pallet) to entire pallet stations. The set-up of subsequent components takes place outside the machine and therefore parallel to production time. Such automation solutions are controlled either with separate software or with the help of tools that are integrated into the CNC control of the machine tool.
Cooling and lubrication system
To prevent overheating and wear, a horizontal machining centre has a cooling and lubrication system that supplies the tools with cooling lubricants during the machining process.
Machining process in the horizontal machining centre
Preparation
Firstly, the workpiece is positioned on the machine table and secured with clamping devices. Precise alignment of the workpiece is crucial in order to achieve the desired dimensional accuracy.
Machining
The machine usually works fully automatically, based on a previously programmed CNC code. The tool turns in the spindle and moves towards the workpiece in a controlled manner. The horizontal design ensures that chips and removal residues fall off by gravity and the view of the workpiece is less obstructed.
Changing the tool
Thanks to automatic tool changers, various machining steps such as milling, drilling or tapping can be carried out in a single operation without manual intervention.
Advantages of a horizontal machining centre compared to milling machines
Compared to conventional milling machines, horizontal machining centres are particularly suitable for machining complex cubic components in series production. They offer greater stability and enable shorter throughput times thanks to automatic tool changers and multi-sided machining. Vertical milling machines, on the other hand, tend to be used for smaller workpieces and one-off production, as they are more flexible and easier to operate.
Applications in industrial production
Horizontal machining centres are widely used in the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, aerospace and energy technology in particular. Typical workpieces that are manufactured with a horizontal machining centre:
- Engine blocks
- Gearbox housings
- crankshafts
- Valve bodies
- Turbine blades
- Axles and shafts
- Pump housings
- Cylinder heads
- Machine components
- Aircraft structural components
Tools for a horizontal machining centre
These tools for a horizontal machining centre are usually kept ready in an automatic tool changer. The most important tools include
- Milling cutters: For removing material, especially for complex shapes and contours.
- Drills: For creating holes in workpieces, both for simple and precise drilling.
- Taps: For cutting internal threads in drilled holes.
- Reamers: For precise fine machining of holes to achieve high dimensional accuracy.
- Turning chisel: Used to machine cylindrical or conical shapes on a rotating workpiece.
Accessories and operating resources for a horizontal machining centre
You will need the following accessories to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of your machine tool.
- Coolant: These provide the necessary cooling and lubrication of the tools during machining to prevent overheating and extend tool life.
- Clamping devices: These fix the workpieces securely to the machine table and ensure precise positioning.
- Tool holders: These are used to hold milling cutters, drills and other tools and ensure a stable hold during machining.
- Automatic tool changer: Enables quick and efficient changing between different tools without manual intervention.
- Chip conveyor: This accessory helps to automatically remove the metal chips produced in order to keep the machine clean and avoid disrupting the machining process.
- In addition, regular maintenance with lubricants for guides and spindles etc. is recommended.
Leading manufacturers of horizontal machining centres
In our manufacturers directory you will find companies that produce horizontal machining centres for metalworking.
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Selecting the right horizontal machining centre
If you want to buy a horizontal machining centre, there are several important features and specifications to consider.
- Number of axes: A 4-axis or 5-axis machining centre enables complex machining operations and offers greater flexibility.
- Traverse paths: The maximum traverse paths of the axes determine which workpiece sizes can be machined.
- Spindle power: The power of the spindle is crucial for machining hard materials and influences the machining speed and precision.
- Tool changing capacity: An automatic tool changer with sufficient capacity ensures efficient work processes without manual intervention.
- Cooling and lubrication system: A powerful cooling and lubrication system is important to increase tool life and prevent overheating.
- Chip conveyor: A good chip disposal system ensures uninterrupted operation.
- Automation: A pallet changer enables economical and low-downtime production, depending on the number of system pallets, even partially autonomous and unmanned production.
Find the horizontal machining centre that suits your production requirements now at maschinenauswahl.de.