Vertical boring machine

Types of vertical boring machines

A vertical boring machine is a type of metal-cutting lathe that has been designed to work with massive and heavy workpieces generally placed in a vertical position. It usually bores holes and cuts other shapes within the interior of the workpiece. Different types of vertical boring machines exist for various applications, like the following.

• Vertical turret lathe boring machine

  The vertical turret lathe machine looks similar to an ordinary turret lathe. However, the workpiece is in a vertical position. This machine has many automatic functions. It can get complicated when the workpiece is huge, but it can handle them easily. Doing the setup and controls of this machine is simpler than other similar machines. The workpiece's diameter is usually larger than its height. It can get up to 1,500 mm in height. Some complex designs can reach even 3,600 mm.

• Vertical CNC boring machine

  The vertical CNC boring machine uses a computer to do the job quickly and precisely. This computer does the whole setup automatically to achieve a high concentration of accuracy whenever the same procedure is repeated. It uses digital controls to improve productivity and make it easier to manufacture. With the help of this technology, one can produce even more complicated workpieces at a lower cost.

• Deep hole drilling boring machine

  Operators can drill holes of various diameters using a vertical deep hole-drilling boring machine. It employs the rotary sonor method to achieve the desired results. Additionally, gun drilling or orbital drilling procedures can be used to create deep holes utilizing this machine. The deep hole boring machines use different types of drives, such as hydraulic drive, electric drive, and WEDM drive. But the hydraulic works the best and is mostly used because it gets the cutting tools the right amount of feed.

• Vertical Boring Mill Machine

  The vertical boring mill machine is the most common type. Large, heavy workpieces are usually machined with it. The workpiece is held in place and rotated toward a fixed cutting tool. The piece can get very big, from 600 mm to 6,000 mm or more, in diameter.

Specification and maintenance of vertical boring machine

The specifications of the vertical boring machine may vary depending upon the model and sizes of the machine.

• Worktable size:

  The worktable of a boring machine comes in various sizes, usually 500mm to 2000mm. Smaller to medium-sized vertical boring machines are generally used to bore bigger workpieces.

• Spindle bore:

  Custom spindle-bore diameters are offered upon request.

• Machine height:

  The machine's height does influence the machining capacity of the workpieces. It may vary from 1200mm to 4300mm.

• Overall dimension:

  It includes the overall length and breadth of the machine.

• Weight:

  Consider the net weight of the machine. The heavier machine weighs more than 15 tons.

• Power:

  The power requirement of the machine is in kilowatts. The boring machine motor power may differ from model to model. It ranges from 3kw, 4.5kw, 5.5kw, and so on, to heavy boring machines with power of 110kw and more.

• Speed:

  It refers to the spindle speed of the machine when boring or drilling the workpiece. The machine's spindle speed generally revolves around 45rpm to 2370rpm.

• Accessories:

  It includes measuring instruments (like gauges and calipers), cutting tools (like drill bits and thread taps), and work holding tools (like vises and clamps).

Maintenance

The buyer can enhance the boring machine's performance by following some maintenance tips:

• Lubrication: Regularly grease all types of vertical boring machines. Lubricate the moving and rotating parts of the machine. Also, grease the boring tool to avoid metal debris buildup and prolong tool life.
• Coolant level: If the machine uses a coolant, check its level and top it up if it goes low to prevent the tool and workpiece from overheating.
• Dust and debris: Clean the machine from dust and debris. Use compressed air to blow out the dust from hard-to-reach areas and above all, especially after a long boring operation.
• Electrical components: Check the electrical parts and connections of the boring machine. Look for wear and tear, loose connections, damaged cables, etc., and repair them immediately to avert potential hazards or accidents.

Industry scenarios using vertical boring machines

Vertical boring machines are popular in the machinery industry due to their wide range of applications. They are mainly used for boring larger, heavier workpieces that cannot be placed on a horizontal machine. External and internal cylinders, arcs, and irregular shapes can be produced on any flat surface with the use of fixtures and jigs.

The following industries mainly use vertical boring machines:

• Foundry: Using vertical CNC boring machines, patterns are machined to meet exact specifications. The large capacity of vertical boring machines makes them ideal for machining such patterns. Moreover, rotaries and sporadic jobs are economically machined with vertical lathes in the foundry industry.
• Aerospace: This industry uses vertical CNC boring machines extensively to process complex airplane parts, such as the cockpit and air-conditioning ducts. These are usually made up of large sheets of aluminum or titanium that the machine must cut at odd angles or with uneven curves. Only vertical boring machines with a high level of automation and precision can achieve this kind of complex cutting and engraving.
• Marine: Similar to the aerospace industry, large vertical CNC boring machines are often used to cut and engrave large blank parts in aluminum and titanium sheets. Such machines will have to be able to handle large-weight workpieces with a diameter and height of up to one meter, as well as complex machining requirements that involve tight tolerances. The only way to ensure the quality of marine equipment and parts is by using vertical CNC boring machines of the highest precision. Such components include deep-water oil and gas extraction equipment, maritime monitoring and surveillance devices, marine environmental protection apparatus, and marine navigation and positioning systems.
• Defense: Heavy-duty vertical boring machines with computer numerically controlled (CNC) technology are used in the defense industry. They are mostly used to machine special materials and core parts of weapons and ammunition. Such parts often require high-precision machining with a large internal diameter and length of cavities. The core parts machined with vertical boring machines are often coupled with an advanced CNC system. This allows for the easy machining of multiple cavities at complicated angles. The deep internal holes are also evenly and smoothly bored.
• Renewable energy: Vertical boring machines are used to manufacture casing and other equipment for the wind power industry. Boring machines of different specifications and sizes are available.
• Rail transit: Vertical boring machines are used to process large parts such as bogies, axle boxes, and bogie beams for the rail transit industry. Large AMT vertical CNC lathes with a boring spindle are typically used for precision boring and turning of complex-shaped, heavy-duty workpieces with high precision requirements. The accuracy is generally within ±0.02 mm.
• Automotive: Heavy vertical boring machines are widely used in the automotive industry to machine heavier workpieces such as cylinder bodies, engine cylinder heads, crankshafts, bearings, and gearbox components. Besides, specialized vertical CNC boring machines are also available for processing workpieces such as intake and exhaust manifolds, gearbox components, and turbocharger housings and assemblies.
• Tool and die making: Vertical boring machines make it easy to process tools and dies with complicated shapes and high precision. They are suitable for vertical and cavity machining dies, forming molds, cutting tools, and other precision tools.
• Medical: Vertical CNC boring machines can manufacture complex medical instruments and apparatus precisely. These include surgical and dental instruments, orthopedic implants, electronic medical devices, etc. They may also require vertical boring machines with multi-tasking function.

How to choose vertical boring machines

When selecting vertical boring machines for sale, various factors, such as the client base, the performance of the machine, and the wholesalers' budget need to be considered. Clients with an interest in purchasing vertical boring machines are looking for quality first. Understand their primary requirements, which includes the kind of material they work with, a precise level of machining, and whether they prefer manual or CNC vertical boring machines. Look for reliable suppliers such as Alibaba.com that offer only reputable brands of vertical boring machines with all the necessary certifications and high standards. High performance and accuracy should be the main priority when selecting a vertical boring machine for stock. However, also consider the level of versatility it offers. An ideal machine will do more than just bore and will be capable of carrying out a variety of tasks, including facing, grooving, and drilling to name a few.

Vertical boring machines come in different sizes and types. While large vertical boring machines are ideal for heavy industries, smaller models are better suited for workshops with limited space. Opt for vertical boring machines that are easy to operate, install, and maintain. Look for those that have all the necessary features to assist the operator. Supplying retailers will have to set a price that will ensure a profit when ordering warehouse stock. Generally, vertical CNC boring machine prices are higher because of their advanced technology and higher efficiency, so it is important to understand the market and know what potential customers are willing to spend.

Vertical boring machine FAQ

Q1: What materials can a vertical boring machine work with?

A1: VBM machines mainly work with metal materials, including alloy steel, cast iron, carbon steel, CNC machining parts, and other material with a high hardness. Some boring machines are also capable of working with non-metal materials, such as plastic and graphite.

Q2: What is the maximum size and weight of workpieces that a vertical boring machine can accommodate?

A2: The maximum size and weight of the workpiece that an VBM can accommodate depend on the machine's specifications. For instance, some vertical boring machines can handle workpieces with a maximum diameter of 60 inches (1524 mm) and a height of up to 24 inches (609.6 mm). The maximum weight can reach 4,500 pounds (2,041.16 kg).

Q3: How accurate is a vertical boring machine?

A3: An VBM offers different boring accuracy levels based on the model and operational configuration. Generally, the boring accuracy of a vertical boring machine can achieve +/- 0.005 inch (0.127 mm) or better.

Q4: Can a vertical boring machine be used for processes other than boring?

A4: Yes, besides boring, a vertical boring machine can also be used for various processes, including drilling, reaming, milling, tapping, and fitting. However, the capability of a vertical boring machine may vary according to the model and attachment.