Vertical Machining Centres
First class VMC machines for milling, turning & drilling
Quality vertical machining centres for fast and accurate production
A vertical machining centre (VMC) is often the most important item in any metal shop. This powerful machine has a vertically orientated spindle that cuts a mounted metal workpiece from above. This type of system is usually cheaper than a horizontal machining centre, which makes it particularly attractive to smaller manufacturers looking to cut costs.
During recent years, there have been several upgrades and improvements to the technologies used in the manufacturing of vertical machining centres. More advanced CNC technologies and high-speed spindles are just two of the latest innovations that have been developed to improve the speed and accuracy of the process.
Metalworking cutting tool
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Workpieces for various applications can be enhanced and altered with the help of ancillary equipment such as angle heads, quick-change workholding devices, rotary indexers and spindle speeders. The ability to customise a vertical machining centre in this way allows small and large-scale manufacturers to adapt their own VMC machine to their specific production requirements.
Why are CNC vertical machining centres being used more frequently?
A CNC vertical machining centre allows a business to save money on the cost of labour. In addition, manufacturing times can be slashed, and the element of human error is removed from the process altogether. Unlike a milling machine or a lathe, a vertical machining centre is operated via a central computer. The only human involvement required is for the loading and unloading of the workpieces and the creation of the processing programme.
HAAS Vertical machining centre in operation
The automated process carried out by VMC machines modifies a workpiece to very specific requirements. As the workpiece is processed vertically, it is cheaper and faster to use than alternatives such as a 5-axis milling machine. A CNC VMC also has fewer moving parts than the alternatives, which reduces maintenance and repair costs.
A combination of reliability, affordability and fast processing speeds persuades businesses of all sizes to choose vertical machining centres over the other options available. The purchase of a quality second-hand VMC machine can save a small business even more money. You can slash the cost of processing workpieces in your operation by purchasing a unit from our used vertical machining centres sale.
How do vertical machining centres work?
The workpiece is clamped inside a mobile panel which is capable of moving in every direction. The panel guides the workpiece towards a vertical spindle, which only moves in the Z (vertical) axis. Movement in the X and Y axes is taken care of by the panel holding the workpiece. The single spindle used in CNC vertical machining centres is robust and highly durable, which ensures wear and tear is kept to a minimum. This system makes the creation of relatively simple structures quick and accurate, but it is not as effective as a horizontal machining centre when it comes to the creation of more complex pieces.
How to operate a VMC machine
A central computer manages all of the necessary movements needed to create an accurate structure. However, the operator must enter the programme specifications with great care at the beginning of the process. A thorough knowledge of how to write and execute a CNC programme is vital, as quick and decisive intervention is needed when things don’t go to plan. A common cause of production issues and damage relates to the speed at which the spindle approaches the workpiece. Operators must also be fully trained in the changing of milling tools.
As there is a relatively high risk of injury associated with a VMC machine, operators need to be fully trained and certified in its use. Operators must also know how to maintain and clean a vertical machining centre in order to ensure optimum performance at all times.
What VMC machinery brands are available at Surplex?
Surplex is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of used VMC. Whether you are looking for a used CNC vertical machining centre or something made to your specific requirements, you can buy it here for a highly competitive price. If money is tight, take a close look at our vertical machining centres sale, where you will find brands such as DECKEL, MIKRON, AXA, HITACHI, KNUTH and MIKRON at reduced prices.
