A horizontal machining centre is a machine tool that uses computer numerical control (CNC) and can carry out many operations automatically with minimal human intervention. These centres are known for their precision, speed and efficiency.
Features of the horizontal machining centre
As well as being controlled by computer numerical control, machining centres are known for their versatility, as they can perform many different operations. The work carried out on a machining centre uses rotating cutting tools.
In addition, machining centres are very fast machines that enable series production of parts in a short time and with minimal operator intervention. For example, on some machining centres spindle speed can reach 4,000 and 8,000 rpm, with power ratings of up to 75 kW. Some machining centres can support more than seven tonnes on their worktable.
Depending on the workshop’s production needs, you can choose a horizontal machining centre with very different sizes, functions and levels of automation. Many accessories can also be added to increase its functionality.
Advantages of a machining centre
One of the advantages of these machines is that they can be reconfigured easily and very quickly. Even mid-production, the operator can instruct the machine to change the machining parameters or add new instructions for the parts, without having to stop production completely.
These machining centres operate automatically, so they can carry out different operations at the same time without repositioning the parts or re-setting the tools needed for the work. Once the operator has programmed it to meet production needs, the machine knows what to do on its own.
Thanks to these features, not only is production time reduced – and with it, costs – but also labour. As a result, a single operator can work with several machines at once. All the operator has to do is enter the necessary parameters into the computer of the horizontal machining centre.
On a horizontal machining centre, four sides of a part can be machined (if the machine has four or five axes) without changing tools or repositioning the part; among other things, this allows much greater precision. In addition, thanks to the horizontal layout, swarf falls away, preventing it from building up on the machine and the cutting tools.
What can be done on a horizontal machining centre?
A horizontal machining centre has many applications across different industries. In manufacturing, for example, it is used to produce parts, dies, injection moulds and so on. In the automotive industry, this machine is used to make car parts and components.
But the use of this type of machine is not limited to these industries; it is also common in jewellery, engraving, footwear and artistic work, as well as in cabinetmaking.
Types of machining centre
In the metalworking industry there are two types of machining centre: vertical-spindle and horizontal-spindle. The horizontal machining centre is often used to make large parts that need to be machined in sections. In many cases, depending on the machine, the part can be tilted at different angles relative to the various axes of the machining centre, of which there can sometimes be five.
Horizontal machining centres fall into two categories: high-speed or ultra-precision. Different work can be done depending on the type of machine. For example, high-speed centres are common in factories with very short lead times, that is, parts that have to be made urgently.
Ultra-precision centres, on the other hand, are used for parts and electronics, as well as for engraving and artistic pieces, where precision matters more than speed.
Basic configuration
Horizontal machining centres have a spindle carrying a cutting tool, which moves laterally. As the name suggests, machining is carried out horizontally. The column carrying the spindle travels along the X axis, the saddle along the Y axis and the table along the Z axis. These axes make three-dimensional machining possible.
Some horizontal machining centres also have A and B axes. On four-axis machines, the B axis allows the table to rotate horizontally. Rotation increases if another axis, A, is added. These two additional axes can be found on four- and five-axis machining centres.