Machining center is a type of CNC machine tool. The one without a tool magazine is a CNC milling machine, and the one with a tool magazine is a CNC machining center. Machine tools include turning, milling, planing, grinding, boring, drilling, electrical discharge machining, shearing, bending, laser cutting, and so on, which are all mechanical processing methods. Mechanical processing refers to processing metal blank parts into the required shape, including dimensional accuracy and geometric accuracy. Equipment that can perform the above functions are called machine tools, and CNC machine tools are based on ordinary machine tools. After installing a CNC system on the machine tool, the operation of the machine tool will be controlled by a computer. Of course, the development from ordinary machine tools to CNC machine tools is not just about adding systems. For example, the development from milling machines to machining centers has changed the structure of machine tools, mainly by adding a tool magazine, thereby greatly improving processing accuracy.
Introduction to Machine Tools
Generally speaking, when we talk about CNC equipment, we mainly refer to CNC machine tools and machining centers. In general, a machining center is a type of CNC machine tool. The machining center is a highly integrated electromechanical product. After the workpiece is clamped, the CNC system can control the machine tool to automatically select and change tools, automatically measure tool length, automatically change spindle speed and feed rate according to different processes, thus being able to continuously complete drilling, boring, milling, tapping, and threading, among other processes. Therefore, it greatly reduces the time for workpiece clamping, measurement, machine tool adjustment, and other auxiliary processes, and has a good economic effect on parts with complex shapes, high precision requirements, and frequent variety changes.
Machining Center
According to the number of axes, machining centers can be divided into three-axis, four-axis, and five-axis machining centers.
Three-axis machining center
Three-axis machining center is one of the most popular and widely used machining processes. In three-axis machining, the workpiece is held stationary while the cutting tool moves along the x, y, and z axes for cutting. This is a relatively simple form of CNC machining, suitable for manufacturing products with simple structures. However, it is not suitable for machining complex geometric shapes or products with intricate components. Due to the limitation of cutting only on three axes, the machining speed may also be slower than four-axis or five-axis CNC, as the workpiece may need to be manually repositioned to achieve the desired shape.
Five-axis machining center
Five-axis machining center adds a fourth axis on the basis of three-axis CNC milling, which is the a-axis rotating around the x-axis. Most five-axis CNC machine tools also allow the workpiece to rotate, which is called the b-axis, so that machining can be done at different angles without moving the workpiece. Five-axis machining centers are suitable for processing parts with complex curves and surfaces, and can achieve higher processing efficiency and accuracy.
Five-axis machining centers
Five-axis machining centers add a fifth axis on the basis of four-axis machining centers, which is the C-axis rotating around the Y-axis. Five-axis machining centers have greater flexibility and versatility, allowing cutting and processing in five axes. They can achieve more complex and precise machining tasks, handle workpieces with complex geometric shapes, and are more suitable for high-precision machining in aerospace, automotive, mold manufacturing, and other fields.
The machining center can efficiently complete complex processing tasks by controlling tool paths and processing parameters through the numerical control system. It is widely used in the manufacturing industry and can process various materials, including metals, plastics, composite materials, etc. With automatic tool changing and automatic workpiece clamping, the machining center can improve production efficiency, processing accuracy, and consistency, while reducing human errors in operation.
Conclusion
In general, machining center is a high-efficiency CNC machine tool with functions of automatic tool changing and multi-process machining. It plays an important role in the manufacturing industry, capable of achieving high-precision processing of complex workpieces, improving production efficiency and product quality.
