Milling machines for metal: classification and characteristics

can be found in this article, what features has a milling machine for metal, which can used in the home workshop: technical specifications of equipment, tools and its classification application. The text briefly describes the possibility of vertical and horizontal structures, mills desktop and hand-held type, as well as drilling, milling, engraving and milling and CNC universal lathes.

Types of milling machines: photo and design features

For the treatment of metal workpieces used milling machines. A tool of this category is very popular and widely used in the field of metalworking. And you can buy a milling machine for metal, not only for industrial purposes, but also as the equipment for the home studio.

The sale represented a wide range of milling tools. Virtually all models of machines have the same device and operate under the same principle. Differences may affect only the functional aspect, which depends on the presence in the construction of additional systems and nodal components.

Consumers can buy a CNC milling machines for metal following types:

• vertical;
• horizontal;
• drilling and milling;
• table turning and milling machines for metal;
• universal;
• hand;
• milling and engraving.

These modifications are basic. Each type of equipment has its own characteristics and functionality.

Characteristics of vertical milling machines

Vertical design - a very common category tool. Attachments for metal cutting machine of this species is represented by the cylindrical cutting elements, shaped and terminal type. In addition, the equipment allows to perform the drilling operation.

Appointment Vertical CNC milling machines:

• forming grooves;
• processing the frame parts;
• manufacture of gears;
• processing angles, as well as horizontal and vertical metal surfaces.

Equipment vertical type because of its structure, has a very rigid structure. As a result, it becomes possible to perform processing of metal parts on a high quality level. Gear box is mounted on the spindle head.

There are two categories of vertical milling machines for metal:

1. Knee-type milling.
2. Beskonsolnaya.

Note! In those designs where there is no cantilever, displacement desktop carried out by guides arranged on the tool frame.

The machine, which is present in the console structure differs only in that its sleeve and the spindle can be moved with respect to the axis of the equipment. For the manufacture of complex shapes using 5-axis milling machines. Such designs provide very high processing quality and economy. They may have a built-in memory and the ability to connect to the Internet, as well as many other advanced options. Some versions have removable tables.

Features horizontal milling machines

Horizontal structures are different in that they stem has a horizontal character placement. The tool search is used for the treatment of metal parts of small size.

As an accessory for horizontal structures, the following types of cutters for metal:

• fittings;
• angle;
• end;

• end;
• cylindrical.

Standard equipment horizontally-CNC router does not perform the processing of workpieces on a screw surface. To carry out such an operation will require additional equipment.

Due to its structure, a horizontal tool allows you to set the table top in different positions. The table can be positioned perpendicular or parallel to the spindle axis. All the nodes and working design elements are mounted on the frame. Gearbox designed to adjust the rotational speed of the spindle, is located within this area.

The specificity of the drilling-milling machines for metal

Drilling and milling machines can handle both vertical and horizontal and inclined surfaces. With this tool, the grooves may be formed of any modifications on workpieces of large size. The machine of this type is completed by drilling, milling head. It allows to execute processing surfaces arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal axis, and the drilling operations obliquely.

A distinctive feature of the desktop drilling-milling machine for metal is advanced functionality. The working head can be operated in reverse mode. Due to its versatility, this unit can perform at the highest level are demanded by operations such as drilling and milling.

Note!Due to the multifunctionality of drilling and milling machine saves money when buying as a consumer in one design gets several useful and effective instruments. In addition, universal equipment saving work area in the studio.

Characteristics of universal milling machines for metal for home workshop

The possibility of multi-purpose machine tools will be useful for small private enterprises and shops that specialize in mechanical and repair work.

Universal milling machines for metal can perform the processing of different objects:

• vertical surface;
• stamps;

• the horizontal plane;
• surface of the helical type.

Given the large number of functions universal milling differ from standard tools certain structural features. Such critical components like gearbox, spindle assembly and the other working elements are arranged on the inner side of the frame. The design tool provided by the presence of horizontal and vertical guides. They are designed to move the desktop and console.

Besides, the working surface can be further adjusted. This element can be set at any convenient angle with respect to the spindle. With this operator it is possible to perform the processing of any metal parts. Are no exception workpiece having a very complex configuration.

Features of desktop milling machines for metal

Constructions bench type have compact dimensions. What makes this type of equipment for technical equipment of different objects:

1. Home workshops.

1. Shop small production.
2. Workshops in schools.

For operations such as formation of holes, thread creation and processing details best buy table milling machine for metal. It is convenient to use and due to the presence of various cutters enables a wide range of works. The result differs a sufficiently high accuracy because the construction is very rigid tool (provided the correct installation).

Desktop milling machines, metal CNC have a high level of performance that allows you to use this type of equipment manufacturing products in small production batch. Despite the significant rate of efficiency and a wide range of functionality the tool requires a small amount of electrical energy. Furthermore, the structure is compact in size, making it possible to easily install in a workshop with reduced free area.

The advantages of desktop designs over standard models:

• low weight and compact dimensions;
• Easy operating system;
• mobility;

• low noise levels;
• reasonable price.

Note! workpiece size can not exceed the width of the table.

Specificity turning and milling machines, metal CNC

The sale can be found turning equipment for the home workshop, which is able to provide a full cycle of works for the production of the necessary parts.

Turning and milling machines for metal separated by class of accuracy in the following categories:

• normal accuracy;
• high quality;
• high precision machining.

Using a drawing for manufacturing specific details must be specified tolerances at all linear dimensions, and the degree of cleanliness processing. Desktop versions of the tool virtually indistinguishable from the full-size machine.

The most common types of cutters for metal cutting machine of this type:

• disc;
• end;
• cylindrical;
• end;
• shaped.

Related article:

Homemade lathe for metal with their hands: the production and operation

Selection of engine power. Creating a machine based on the drill. safety advice, modifications.

select appropriate cutting head to perform certain operations. Turning-milling machines are not able to handle blanks which are bodies of revolution. If the work will be used shapes and flat surfaces, it is necessary to move the item in the desired direction with respect to the cutting tool. The very same cutter can perform only rotational movement.

Features of machine tools for metal CNC: engraving tool

Milling and engraving equipment has many advantages when compared with a standard metal working tool. Thanks to numerical control machining of parts is very precise and accurate. This advantage is particularly beneficial in cases where the metal part having a complex configuration, because the manual milling machine to achieve the same quality is extremely difficult.

Most often, such equipment is used in enterprises engaged in individual and small-scale release of products. Opportunities tool will be useful in industries such as jewelery, furniture production and the production of souvenirs. metalworking equipment market range allows you to choose the mill with the necessary characteristics for cutting sheet metal and labeling for products.

Why buy engraving machine CNC:

1. Easy service system.
2. Extensive functionality.
3. High quality metal processing.
4. Reliability and durability.
5. The high rate of efficiency.

Type-milling varieties are following:

• Automatic design head equipped with three spindles and pneumatic clamp;
• milling table with mechanically clamping the workpiece;
• Automatic pneumatic clamp structure blank.

Note! Milling on CNC machines have reduced to almost zero the number of defective items in the production.

Characteristics of mini-milling machine tools for metal cutting

Mini models, designed for home workshops, differ from stationary industrial designs such as technical characteristics. The power level of the tool usually does not exceed 400 watts. This is enough to perform high-quality machining of soft metals or for the creation of products in small batches. If the required processing workpieces made of steel or cast iron, tool power must exceed 600 watts.

Different size and countertops. The maximum table size, which are equipped with compact milling machines constitute 65h25 cm minimum size - 35h15 cm. Parameters are selected taking into account the details of which will be processed.

From the rotational spindle speed depends on the level of performance of the router, as well as its ability to work with certain materials. The harder the metal from which the preform is made, the smaller should be the rotational speed. higher parameters are used for soft alloys and aluminum.

Milling Machine Metal: manufacturing technology

Design vertical type - the most simple to manufacture. To assemble the required hand drill, a little time and effort. Required to work cheap and affordable parts. Besides homemade mill can be provided with additional features and make it more and lathe tool.

For the manufacture of home-made milling machines for metal with their hands need the following materials and tools:

• sill;
• metal tube with a square cross-section;
• welding machine;
• diamond jack for a car;
• metal corners;
• angle grinder;
• file;
• Metal pins for manufacturing axes;
• drill;
• or collet chuck;
• thick plywood sheet;
• Morse taper 2.

Manufacturing technology for metal cutting machine with his own hands

First of metal sill must be connected by welding and the column base frame. As a result, the design should turn in U-shape. The lower cross-member is to perform the function for the base of the machine. Guide rails, intended for the vertical movement of the console, are made from the corner. Previously it has to be sanded and attach to the column by means of bolted connections.

To console could move vertically, it will be used car jack diamond-shaped type. A distance in this case is 10 cm. To create a need to guide the metal pipe with a square section insert pins having a thread screwed. As a result, tabletop can be moved back and forth within the interval of 9 cm, and the side will be the amplitude of 13 cm.

Useful advice! Before assembling makeshift design does not hurt to get acquainted with the principle of operation and design of plant equipment, study the drawings carefully and prepare the items necessary for operation.

Table top made of plywood sheet. For fixing screws are used, the heads of which should be drown. After that on the table need to set the vise. They can be self-made: the design of the welded tube with a square profile and a metal angle, they must pass through a pin having a thread. As fasteners for fixing the grip on the table top can use screws.

Next to the bed is fixed drill. This is done so that the spindle as a result of looking down. Fixation is performed by a screw connection. This requires pre-weld bonding jumpers. Then the spindle is mounted Morse taper 2 and then installing it or collet chuck.

On the resulting makeshift machine can perform the processing of workpieces made from soft metals, e.g., aluminum or bronze. In this case, while the console is moved, while the mill is stationary. The construct can be made in another way to the workpiece was fixed, and the router is moved with the carriage. This will require a lift.

How to produce lift for improvised milling machine for metal

Due to the lever or knob elevator will move smoothly along the mill. Thus there is no direct contact with the master equipment. For this reason, it is desirable to accurately calculate in advance all the dimensions of the grooves are formed and quickly perform replace cutters.

elevator technology:

1. Because the PCB is cut plate piece and is fixed on the table top. It will be used as a support.
2. To the base plate is fixed two racks. Be sure to make sure that they are parallel to each other.
3. Stands will be used to move the carriage to which the router is installed. The movement will be ensured by the thrust mechanism.

Note! The design of the elevator should get a stable and rigid. If there is even the slightest play processing operation may be broken and receive the marriage detail.

The effectiveness of treating metal components not only affects the quality of the machine, but also coordinate table on which the workpiece is fixed. It is presented in the form of a flat plate, and may have 1 to 3 degrees of freedom. If you intend to processing of flat parts, it is sufficient that the table is moved in the horizontal direction. Work with bulk products and requires further vertical movement. The same applies to structures in which drill fixedly locked.

How to create a coordinate table with his hands: the selection of materials and components

The design coordinate table can be moved at the expense of electricity, mechanics or NC. As the material for making the foundations can take aluminum, steel or cast iron. The choice depends on the weight of the workpiece to be machined. The base of the aluminum frame is collected and recorded at the expense of the threaded connections. The result is a simple, lightweight design available in the price.

Produced from cast iron alloy structure. They are obtained very heavy, but make it possible to perform large production volumes. Cast construction is fixed on the foundation.

A frame made of metal is better using the welding machine. It is very important to reduce weld stress releasing material. Otherwise, the high rotational speed of the equipment will cause the appearance of cracks. The table can be a gantry (for flat products) or a cross (for bulk processing tripartite blanks).

In the manufacture of coordinate table, special attention should be paid to the proper selection of guides, as well as the method of attachment. To operate normally used cylindrical elements or rail type. They have the ability to slide the superstructure and have already installed bearing units.

By choosing the guides should also consider the type of drive. If in need high accuracy, it is better to give preference to plain bearings. To reduce friction fit bearings, but they will create a backlash.

In view of the technical features of the carriage are two types of guides can be distinguished:

1. With oversized flange - member is secured to the bottom of the table.
2. Bezflantsevye - fixed in the usual way through the screw holes.

ball screw (6-12 microns) can be used for self-made wallpaper, toothed rack (10 microns) or belt transmission (50-100 microns). Each of these systems has both advantages and disadvantages, so the choice depends on the type of work that will be performed on the machine. To extend the life of all moving parts, it is desirable in a timely manner to clean the key elements of the debris and dust and lubricate them.

In general, make your home router and the table is easy for him. The main thing with this - to take into account the working conditions and comply with safety requirements. All of the mechanisms that are present in the structure must match the parameters: life, congestion, while cooling and heating. If these numbers are the same, in the process the tool will give good results. This requirement is particularly important if the equipment for the home studio is made independently.