Types of Floor Type CNC Boring Milling Machines
The floor type CNC boring milling machine is a giant machine tool used to cut and drill metal and other materials. It can perform various functions like boring, milling, tapping, and threading. What's more, it can do all these operations on large workpieces. The floor CNC boring device comes in several standard models.
- Column Type: Boring machines of this type feature a vertical column coupled to a main base or floor mounting. They get their name because the primary mounting feature is column-shaped. The column houses linear slides. One or more sliding heads are mounted on the linear slides. The sliding heads contain the primary cutting tool for boring operations. Their movement along the column(usually upward and downward) allows them to bore through the workpiece at various locations and depths.
- Floor-Type CNC Boring Machine: This type of machine uses computer numerical control technology to increase precision and automate the boring process. Please note that a floor-type boring machine doesn't sit on a table like many other devices. Instead, it stands on the ground or floor of the workshop. It is also enormous and robust enough to occupy a lot of space on the workshop floor.
- Cross Rail: The cross rail CNC boring machine features a cross rail that moves horizontally on the main bed. A spindle head mounted on the cross rail moves vertically to bore holes in the workpiece. This machine is suitable for machining large and heavy workpieces with complex shapes and high precision requirements.
Specification and Maintenance of Floor-type CNC Boring Milling Machines
The floor CNC boring machine comes with various specifications. When buying it, one should first know what application they need. Here are some exciting specs one should consider.
- Table Size and Load: A large workpiece requires a big table. Consequently, it will have a huge table surface. The table's load capacity will also be large to support the weight of the heavy workpieces. For instance, a work table could measure 3200 x 2000 mm. It could hold a workpiece weighing up to 5000 kg.
- Machining Capacity: A floor boring machine's diameter and depth capacity indicate its capacity. The depth capacity often ranges from 90 to 800 mm. As for the diameter, it typically measures between 160 and 900 mm. These capacities show that the machine can bore workpiece holes to these depths. It can also drill holes of these diameters only.
- Spindle Motor Power: This power is the driving force behind all machining processes. It usually ranges from 7 to 30 kW. Higher motor power means the machine will process heavy workpieces. It will also bore harder materials at high speeds.
- CNC Control System: The control system of a floor-type CNC milling and boring machine is crucial for automation and programming. Buyers will want to know the type of control system before purchasing. Its specifications include the kind of controls, the size of the display, and the software used for operation and programming. Various manufacturers install different control systems on their machines.
The floor CNC boring machine requires regular maintenance for its optimum performance. Routine checks and repairs can help to prevent constant breaking down. They can also extend the service life of the machine. Here are a couple of maintenance routines an operator can do.
- Daily Checkups: A floor CNC boring machine operator should inspect the machine every day. The operator should take notice of any unusual sounds, vibrations, and movements. He or she should check for any loose fasteners or worn parts. If any component requires lubrication or adjustment, the operator should do so. Daily inspections can help the operator quickly identify any problem. It can also allow him or her to address the issue before it escalates to something major.
- Weekly Maintenance: Operators should clean the entire machine at least once a week. They should remove any dust, chips, and coolant residues. Cleaning prevents the accumulation of unnecessary debris that may affect the machine's performance. Also, operators should inspect the tool holders for wear. They should also check for any clogs in the cooling passages. After that, they should clean and replace worn tool holders.
- Monthly Lubrication: Lubricate the linear guides and ball screws at least once a month. Use high-quality grease that manufacturers recommend. This keeps them moving smoothly and helps to reduce any wear and tear.
- Quarterly Servicing: A professional technician should check the machine every three months or on quarterly servicing. The technician should check the alignment and level of the machine. Also, he or she should calibrate the boring spindle and axes. Additionally, the service provider should inspect the cooling and lubrication systems. More importantly, he or she should replace the oil filters and fluids.
Usage scenarios for floor type CNC boring and milling machines
Due to their precision, versatility, ease of use, and productivity, CNC floor boring and milling machines are used in various industries. The following are some of their typical application areas:
- Energy Industry: In the power generation sector, floor boring and milling machines are commonly used for valve plates, flanges, impellers, and housings. The valve plates control the flow of working fluids in the turbine and need to be precisely machined to ensure that the valves operate as required. The power generation sector also uses the machines to process housing and flanges for gear boxes and bearings.
- Heavy Machinery and Equipment: In the domain of heavy machinery and equipment, CNC boring and milling machines are used to process machine tool beds, boring bars, gearbox housings, support frames, and bearing seats, among other large-scale complex workpieces. These machines' precision floor machining capabilities guarantee the excellent performance and stability of the machine tools.
- Aerospace Industry Applications: In the area of aerospace, floor boring and milling machines are typically used to process the following components: aircraft frames, engine cases, landing gear components, and other critical parts of the aircraft, such as turbofan engine turbine discs and compressor cases. To ensure the reliability and safety of the aircraft, all of these components must be manufactured with a high level of complexity and precision.
- Military Industry: Military industry refers to the sectors of the economy that mainly serve national defense and armed forces. The machine's precision and reliability are essential for guaranteeing the quality of workpieces like gun mounts, missile boxes, and tank hulls that are commonly used in the military area.
- Marine Industry Applications: Floor boring and milling machines are mainly used in the marine industry to process hulls, bulkheads, and other marine components like propellers and engine bases. As the foundation of the ship, hulls, bulkheads, and other components must be precisely and consistently machined to ensure the seaworthiness and stability of the ship. Gearboxes and bases of marine engines are also machined using the boring and milling combination machine, thus enhancing the durability and reliability of marine engines.
How to choose a floor type CNC boring milling machine
When purchasing a CNC floor boring machine, buyers should focus on its features. The ability to change tools automatically is vital. This feature will allow the machine to perform various processes without manual intervention, hence boosting production efficiency.
Consider a floor CNC borer with a tool management system. Some machines can hold up to 60 tools or more. This gives the machine operator many options for complicated projects that require several tools. Also, check if the boring machine has an easy-to-use tool presetting feature. This system enables the operator to preset and calibrate tools before starting the machining process, hence minimizing downtime.
A floor CNC borer with automatic tool measurement and compensation will be more efficient. It allows the machine to measure the tools' dimensions and adjust the machining parameters, ensuring accuracy and reducing the risk of error.
Also, a machine with a quick tool change option will be productive. A quick-change tool holding system will allow the fast swapping of tools during the machining process. An easy-to-clean tool system will enable operators to remove chips and contaminants quickly, thus reducing downtime.
Consider a floor-boring machine with advanced work-holding systems. Machines with vacuum fixtures and automated workpiece clamping systems simplify the setup process and reduce the need for operators to hold workpieces manually.
A machine with an automated setup that includes pre-aligned workpieces will be helpful. Also, consider one integrated with automated part-loading and unloading systems.
Avoid machines with obsolete computer numerical control (CNC) systems. Buy a boring CNC machine that uses either a Windows- or Linux-based operating system for easy troubleshooting and operation. Also, consider a machine with a user-friendly interface that is easy for operators to program and control. A good training program for staff on how to use and troubleshoot the machine is essential.
Choose a floor drill milling machine with flexible production integration features. This means it should be able to integrate effortlessly with other automated production line components, including robotic arms and conveyor belts.
A CNC machine with a capable nesting software will also be helpful. Nesting software streamlines the setup process by optimizing the workpiece layout and minimizing material waste, hence reducing machining time and enhancing efficiency.
Floor type cnc boring milling machine Q&A
Q1. How Does a CNC Boring Machine Work?
A1. A CNC boring machine uses computer numerical control to create large holes with great precision in a workpiece. The design of the workpiece is created in CAD software before being translated into G-code. The G-code dictates how the machine will move to bore the holes, including the speed and sequence of movements. The CNC machine interprets the G-code and carries out the boring operation without human intervention.
Q2. What is the Difference Between CNC Boring and Conventional Boring?
A2. CNC boring machines add a level of precision and automation to the conventional boring of holes. Boring is the process of enlarging existing holes using a cutting tool. Conventional boring uses guides and manual skill to achieve the desired size and shape of the hole. CNC machines use programs to control the movement of the cutting tool.
Q3. What Materials Can a CNC Boring Machine Work With?
A3. CNC machines can work with various types of materials, including but not limited to wood, metal, plastic, and composite materials. The only limitation is the capacity and features of the CNC boring machine.
Q4. What Parts Make Up a CNC Boring Machine?
A4. A CNC boring machine has many parts. Some of the most important include the cutting tool, spindle, worktable, control system, and drives and motors. Each part has its own job and together they let the boring machine cut holes exactly as planned by the computer program.
