How to Distinguish Between Vertical CNC Milling and Horizontal CNC Milling?

In CNC milling, most people are always confused between vertical and horizontal CNC milling machines, because they are very similar, and even the CNC machining methods are very similar. So how to distinguish them? How to choose? Let's explore together with VMT what is vertical CNC milling and horizontal CNC milling? What is the difference between them?

What is vertical CNC milling and horizontal CNC milling?

Horizontal CNC milling machining:

A milling process in which the main shaft of a horizontal milling machine is parallel to the worktable and aligned horizontally.

Features of horizontal milling machine:

1. The shaft sleeve can be manually fed with a limit device, and the milling head can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise to adjust by 45°;

2. Both the main drive and the feed adopt a gear transmission mechanism, with a wide range of speed adjustment;

3. The main shaft bearing adopts tapered roller bearing, which has strong carrying capacity, and adopts energy consumption braking, which has large braking torque, rapid stop and reliable braking;

4. The rectangular guide rail is used for good stability;

5. Material can be fed from three axes.

Vertical CNC milling machining:

A milling process in which the spindle of a vertical milling machine is vertically aligned with the work.

Features of vertical milling machine: 　

1. The milling head of the vertical milling machine can be adjusted by ±45° in the vertical plane clockwise and counterclockwise; the vertical milling machine has motorized feed in X, Y, and Z directions; the main shaft of the vertical milling machine adopts energy consumption braking, and the braking torque is large. , Stop quickly and reliably.

2. The main components such as the base, body, worktable, middle slide, lifting slide, headstock, etc. are all cast from high-strength materials, and have undergone artificial aging treatment to ensure the long-term stability of the machine tool.

3. The X/Y/Z direction of the CNC milling machining table has three types: manual feed, motorized feed and motorized fast feed. The feed speed can meet different CNC milling machining requirements; the fast feed can make CNC milling parts faster Arriving at the processing position, processing is convenient and fast, and processing time is reduced.
 

The difference between vertical CNC milling and horizontal CNC milling

The main difference between vertical CNC milling and horizontal CNC milling is the arrangement of the spindle. In addition to the different layout of the spindle. The vertical milling machine is relatively flexible, and the worktable can be raised and lowered. End mills, machine chucks, drills, etc. can be used, and keyways, milling planes, boring, etc. can be milled. The horizontal milling machine can also use all the above tools, but it is not as convenient as vertical milling. The main reason is that the hanger can be used to increase the strength of the tool, and it can mill grooves, mill planes, and cut off. Horizontal milling generally has an end milling head. Although the function and rigidity of the end milling head is not as strong as that of vertical milling, it is enough to cope with the end milling process.

How to choose vertical CNC milling and horizontal CNC milling?

The processing technology of the milling machines is roughly the same, there is no big difference, and can only be selected and used on their own characteristics. You can consider from the following points:

1. Design method of CNC milling parts

2. The use of cost

3. The number of faces to be milled

4. Cost of working time

5. The weight, size and shape of the parts that need to be milled by CNC milling
 

Summarize    

Both vertical CNC milling machining and horizontal CNC milling machining have advantages. Choose according to the scene you need, but the machine you decide to use will not restrict you to complete the type of CNC milling project. With the intervention of CNC milling machining centers, complex milling parts can now be machined quickly.