Welcome to the second part of the definitive guide on which milling machine to buy according to the needs of your business.
Specifically, we will talk CNC milling machines, which are those milling machines automated by a numerical control (CNC), where the machining process is carried out by interpreting an alphanumeric code or programme. They are the most recommended for businesses, as they have a much more precise and high quality finish than the rest. If, for example, you are looking for an option for your DIY hobby, we are sorry to say that this is not your guide.
For sectors such as interior design, construction, automotive, aeronautics and many others, we are going to show you everything you need to know before buying a CNC milling machine, focusing on the number of axes of the machine. This will help us to know which milling machine to buy.
There are several types of CNC milling machines that can be classified, for example, by the number of axes:
CNC milling machines with 3 axes (X, Y, Z) are the the most common currently the most common and also the most economical. An example of this type of equipment is our fresadora TEC-CAM MOTION.
Également appelées "flat table", these milling machines are the most suitable for working on planes and carrying out any type of machining or cutting on a wide variety of materials: wood, aluminium, composites, plastics, resins and foams..
These machines are used in a wide range of sectors, from sign making and graphic arts, through scenography and architecture, to other more technologically advanced sectors such as engineering.
In order to know which milling machine to buy, it is important to understand that 4-axis CNC milling machines, as the name suggests, have a fourth axis, which is normally a rotary lathe or C axis. It can also be a rotary indexing table, a vertical axis with more tools that can complete the machining process, etc.
If we focus on the rotary lathe, it is suitable for machining surfaces that have a cylindrical pattern, as well as being able to work all sides of an object.
Finally, 5-axis milling machines are les défonceuses les plus complètes. They can carry out very complex jobs that would otherwise require different processes with different machines, as well as obtaining highly technical parts. En resum, proporciona infinites possibilitats quant a grandàries i formes de peces.
We add 2 different axes, the A axis and the C axis. This allows the workpiece to be tilted for milling on all faces except one, minimising the different grips and allowing the milling cutter to access many nooks and crannies of the workpiece.
On the one hand, we can control the rotation of the part on two of its axes. One of them is perpendicular to the spindle and the other is parallel (as in the case of four-axis machines, which is achieved by means of a rotating lathe or dividing mechanism).
Furthermore, it allows the workpiece to rotate around a horizontal axis and the tool to tilt around an axis perpendicular to the previous one. In this case, we place the raw material to be machined. The Z-axis travel can be raised up to 750 mm (in our case), we can machine large-scale surfaces and especially process curved 3D surfaces.
This milling machine is suitable for the most demanding processes requiring maximum precision. As an outstanding feature, the table of these CNC milling machines can be mobile, in order to maximise the machining process of the parts.
In the following video, you can watch the assembly of a 5-axis CNC milling machine to fully understand how it works, as well as to help you decide which milling machine to buy:
In addition to the axes of the milling machine, there are a number of factors that you need to take into account in order to make the right purchase. Here is the list:
Our last piece of advice is that before making any decision, you should contact the manufacturer and ask them about anything that makes you hesitate, and you can even explain your needs and let them recommend it to you!
