Machining Centers and Milling Machines
The term “machining center” describes almost any CNC milling and drilling machine that includes an automatic toolchanger and a table that clamps the workpiece in place. On a machining center, the tool rotates, but the work does not. Vertical machining centers (VMCs) generally favor precision while horizontal machining centers (HMCs) generally favor production — but these are loose generalizations, and plenty of machining centers break out of them. Five-axis machining centers are also common, which can pivot the tool and/or the part in order to mill and drill at various orientations. In some cases, these machines only position parts in five axes (commonly referred to as 4+1 or 3+2 machining). In others, full five-axis machining is used to create contoured features. Machining centers are also used as a secondary operation machine to complete parts that were partially machined on a lathe.
Latest Machining Centers & Milling Machines Articles
VIEW ALLKeeping Watch on Small Parts
From watch parts to exotic medical applications, this shop takes on the world of micromachining.
Read MoreUnderstanding Micro-Milling Machine Technology
Micro-milling can be a companion process to turning-based production machining. This article looks at some of the technologies that go into a micro-milling machine and why they are important to successful operation.
Read MoreThis Shop is Taking an Automated Aerospace Approach
A flexible manufacturing system helps an Indiana job shop run a mix of aerospace work for long stretches of time and function more like a contract shop.
Read MoreVideo Tech Brief: Five-Axis Machining’s Value for the Medical Industry
Watch to see how a medical bone plate is created on a five-axis machining center.
WatchFive-Axis Machining for Small Prismatic Parts
New to the U.S. market, this compact machine could enable precision turning shops to win complex, more prismatic work in medical and other industries.
Read MoreRomi D 1250 Vertical Machining Built for Rigidity and Precision
The D 1250 VMC is built on a Romi-made monoblock cast iron bed that absorbs vibration and enables consistent production of highly precise parts.
Read MoreLatest Products
SW HMC Functions as Independent Manufacturing Cell
PMTS 2023: SW North America’s BA 322i is a horizontal machining center created to function as an independent manufacturing cell that can store enough workpieces for an entire shift.
Read More5-Axis Machining Center for Milling Diverse Materials
PMTS 2023: The Grob 6350 Generation 2 Universal Machining Center has the ability to rough and finish on the same machine to produce a complete part in one setup for increased productivity.
Read MoreFive-Axis Machining Center Performs Cutting Operations in a Single Setup
PMTS 2023: Haas’ UMC-350HD is a compact five-axis universal machining center Capable of performing 3+2 and five-axis machining simultaneously.
Read MoreCompact VMC Built for Diverse, Simultaneous Applications
The compact model is well suited for shops that want an integrated 5-axis solution for virtually any part that has previously required multiple operations or setups.
Read MoreKaast 5-Axis CNC VMC Offers Rigidity, Cutting Performance
The VMC includes a 30-tool magazine for flexible milling and drilling applications as a standard feature.
Read MoreVertical Honing System for Increased Process Control
IMTS 2022: Sunnen’s SV-3000 series vertical honing system incorporates synchronized servo stroke and spindle motors that enable constant crosshatch finishes the length of the bore.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
Five-Axis Fixturing Fun
This shop creates intricate fixtures — some of which it has given interesting names — for very complex jobs and high-volume work on five-axis machining equipment.
Read MorePrecision Machining Technology Review July 2022: IMTS Machining Centers Preview
Production Machining’s IMTS Machining Centers preview showcase includes Expand Machinery, Hardinge, Mikron Corp., DN Solutions, Kyocera Precision Tools and Mitsui Seiki.
Read MoreWhere Automated Five-Axis Machining Isn’t a Challenge
A Minnesota shop recently added a five-axis machine with integrated pallet changer to perform days-long stretches of precision, repeatable small-parts machining on its own.
WatchVideo: Machine Shop Creates Robot Machining Cell Before There was Work for It
This machine shop’s self-integrated robot was purchased without a project in mind. However, when a particular part order came in, the robot paired with the proper machine tool was an optimal fit for the job, offering consistency and an increase in throughput.
WatchPMTS 2021 Product Preview: Multipurpose Machining Centers
Learn about some of the new multipurpose machining centers that will be on display at PMTS 2021.
Read MoreCompact Second-Op CNC Mill Gets Makeover
New control and programming capabilities make this small VMC well suited for second-op work or use as a standalone production milling machine.
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