A machining center is an advanced machine tool that enables the machining of parts, usually metal, by material removal. In general we refer to milling or machining in a general way. This guide focuses on CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining centers and milling machines.
COMAU 4 axis machining center
The choice of your machining center will depend on several criteria: the shape and complexity of the part to be made, the material to be machined and of course the size of the machine.
Depending on the complexity of the shape of the part to be machined, you can choose:
Lastly, the size of the machine will depend on the space you have in your workshop or factory.
Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG 5 axis machining center
The number of axes you need for a machining center depends on the geometry of the part to be machined. Machine tools are most often equipped with 5 axes, but there are also 3-axis and 4-axis machines as well as ones with up to 7 axes. In this section, we will deal with 5-axis machines because they are the most common in the industry. We will go over:
In a 5-axis machine, the cutting tool moves in the three linear axes X, Y and Z and rotates in the two rotary axes A and B simultaneously. This is called 5-axis simultaneous machining. The advantage of 5-axis simultaneous machining is the ability to machine complex parts in a single operation. The part is machined on 5 sides while the cutting tool is moving on the 5 axes. This configuration is especially advantageous for the machining of complex parts, but it is costly.
Another 5-axis configuration that is possible and less expensive is the 3 + 2. In this configuration, the machine performs a 3-axis milling operation. The two rotation axes are used to orient and lock the cutting tool in a fixed, inclined position. This configuration is suitable for parts that are not very complex to machine, for roughing operations or for producing molds.
Mazak horizontal machining center
The spindle orientation of a machining center is either vertical or horizontal. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages.
Different materials can be used in machining. The choice of material will determine the power required as well as the spindle rotation of your machine. There are a few points to consider for each material.
| Material | Power Required |
Rotational Speed (RPM) Required | Necessary Characteristics |
| Aluminum | High | High | High speed spindle drive motor |
| Cast iron | High torque | Low speed | High torque spindle motor
Drive system Rigidity Vibration damping |
| Graphite / Composites | Low torque | High | High speed spindle drive motor
Thermal stability Dust retention system |
| Plastic | Low torque | High | High speed spindle drive motor |
| Titanium | High torque | Low speed | High torque spindle motor
Drive system Rigidity Vibration damping |
| Steel | High torque | Low speed | High torque spindle motor
Drive system Rigidity Vibration damping Geometry of the tool path |
| Glass / Ceramic / Stone | High torque | Very low (to avoid microcracks) |
Sintered diamond tool |
| Wood | Medium torque | High | Chip evacuation system |
There are some other selection criteria when choosing a machining center:
Determining the strokes required for machining allows you to anticipate the manufacturing and dimensions of the parts. You will need to take into account the 3 linear axes X, Y and Z, expressed in millimeters.
Haas Automation Machining Center
Machine tools play an important role in industrial production. With the advent of Industry 4.0 and the factory of the future, which is smarter, more efficient and cleaner, we are being forced to rethink our manufacturing processes.
New trends are emerging on the market. These include connected machining centers, green machining centers and hybrid machining centers.
Connected machining centers
With the rise of the Internet of Things and connected objects, machine tools are no exception. Machining centers are increasingly sophisticated and equipped with sensors (speed sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) that regularly transmit data. The data collected in this way can be used, for example, to predict possible machine breakdowns and carry out preventive maintenance.
Another important characteristic of connected machines is the possibility to control them remotely from a tablet or a cell phone and be alerted 24/7 in case of a problem so you can launch an intervention immediately. As a result, connected machining centers offer higher productivity and reduced downtime.
Green machining centers
In order to make manufacturing processes more environmentally friendly, several manufacturers have developed new machining centers with lower energy consumption and environmental impact.
The manufacturer BENZ, for example, has integrated energy recovery technology into its machines to operate its sensors. The speed of the tool, the vibrations and the heat generated by the machine are all elements that allow energy to be recovered and thus avoid the use of batteries, which are inevitably less environmentally friendly and often have to be replaced.
Hybrid machining centers
These machining centers combine turning and milling or milling and 3D printing in one machine. DMG MORI is a pioneer in this field with its Lasertec 65 3D which combines milling and additive manufacturing.
Hybrid machine tools can be more efficient by reducing production cycles. They also offer the possibility of creating parts with designs that would be impossible otherwise. Lastly, because of their combined functions they allow you to save space by having one machine instead of two.
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