The machine tool is a piece of mechanical equipment that is used to perform machining and repetitive tasks. By "machining" is meant a set of techniques which make it possible to manufacture parts by removing chips. Machine tools will remove some of the material to get the rough shape and size you want. Faced with the multitude of choices, you must remember a certain set of terms and conditions. To that end, here are some parameters and some avenues that you should consider and take into account. These practical tips and advice will serve as tools and information in choosing a machine tool.

Define needs clearly while opting for inexpensive products

Before purchasing a machine tool, it is first necessary to define the needs. Likewise, they must be determined according to the objectives to be achieved. In this context, you must write a certain minimum specification. This notebook should  Help you recognize and properly formalize your needs while:
  • Identifying the conditions of production and processing
  • Mentioning the characteristique of the necessary machine tool
  • Outlining the objectives to be achieved in the medium term,
  • Aiming at the challenges to be taken up in the long term
  • Anticipating any challenges in your production and in the market,
  • Taking into consideration the contraints in the short term.
This last point is a crucial point in choosing a machine tool. Indeed, you have to arbitrate the quality-price ratio. Be aware that a cheaper product doesn't have to be of poor quality. In this case, in order to find the best option, you can resort to the use of online comparators.

The choice of the machining center a very delicate step

The machining center consists of a tool machine which is made up of at least three linear axes. It can also include a few additional rotary axes. The choice of the machining center is an important criterion in choosing a machine tool. This consideration helps you orient yourself towards the type of machine that best meets your needs. To this end, certain essential points must be taken into account, particularly with regard to the (or):
  • Évaluation des courses à faire pour l’usinage,
  • Disposition de chaque machine dans l’atelier,
  • Genre de matériels à fabriquer et/ou à usiner,
  • Performance de la machine,
  • Dimensionnement des machines, de ses composants et de ses équipements,
  • Etc.

Choose the type of machining center that is right for you

In a more practical way, you have to choose the machining center according to your needs. Thus, more generally, there are four types of machining center, namely:
  •  Horizontal machining centers
These machining centers are rather reserved for production and ejection of chips. The tool change time of this type of horizontal machining center is faster. They can have a palletizing mechanism and a fourth axis.
  •  Vertical machining centers
Vertical machining centers are primarily used to manufacture large tooling and parts. The setup time of their five-axis version is relatively faster. This allows for more productivity without the intervention of an operator.
  • Turning/ milling machining centers
The turning mill machining centers have a fewer milling capacities compared to that of turning hence their qualification « turning /milling ».
  • milling/turning machining centers
They are milling centers that can be mobilized in order to apply a turning. Unlike turning / milling machining centers, they have a lower turning capacity than milling.

The choice of the milling machine a decisive step

Milling machines are used to machine different kinds of parts. They are widely used to carry out unit productions or to take back parts. In general, milling machines can come in two types. These are manual milling machines and CNC milling machines. First of all, in choosing the milling machine, you need to consider the power of the machine. This choice should be based on the type of materials (iron, zinc, cast iron, steel, aluminum, etc.) you want to machine. Indeed, a more powerful milling machine remains more practical for machining steel. Also, don't forget to take into account the depth of cut of the cutter. This should also be relatively high if the materials to be treated are harder and stronger. Among the latter, it may be, for example, iron or steel. Second, the dimensions of the workpieces must be taken into account. At the same time, the range of motion of the milling machine should not be overlooked. More generally, milling machines can be classified into three main categories, namely:  The categories of horizontal milling machines: in these milling machines, the tools are arranged parallel to the table. Their spindle is placed horizontally.
  • The categories of vertical milling machines: the spindle of these milling machines is in a vertical position. This means that the tools in this category of milling machines are fixed to the table along a perpendicular axis.
  • Universal milling machine categories: the spindle of universal milling machine types is articulated.
The choice of the milling machine should therefore retain the category that best suits the needs.
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