Vertical Machining Centre & CNC Machine Suppliers

A vertical machining centre is a vertical cutting tool that cuts, carves, shapes, molds, drills and engraves lumps of metal into all kinds of basic and highly complex shapes.

They’re mostly used for mass production but are still relevant for small machine shops wanting to create detailed products out of metal. VMCs are also used extensively to make precision-engineered military parts.

Personal preferences will ultimately decide that, but vertical machining centres do offer some pretty clear advantages.

• Easier positioning of the workpiece. VMCs are pretty simple, user-friendly machines and they make it easy to clamp the metal on the right axis for shaping.
• Better field of vision. Basically that just means an operator can see what they’re doing better and make faster adjustments if required.
• Greater precision. That’s a biggie. VMCs are more accurate than horizontal machine centres (HMCs) and can be relied on to create more intricate shapes.
• Better cooling. Vertical placement and gravity can take equal credit here as, when sprayed from the top, coolant will trickle down rather conveniently over the whole workpiece.
• Less space. This is particularly important for smaller shops. VMCs go up, not out and take up less room than HMCs.

• 3-axis VMC: ideal for smaller machine tool shops and uncomplicated machining projects where a wide range of repositioning isn’t required.
• 4 or 5-axis VMC: ups the ante dimensionally as the base block of metal can be rotated and repositioned in all kinds of ways. The more detailed the work, the more a 4 or 5-axis VMC becomes the best option.

Whether for a small or large operation, the space advantages of a VMC make sense. But what are the main considerations from there?

• Are your milling requirements basic? If so, a 3-axis machine should suffice.
• Do they vary between basic and mildly complex? A 4-axis machine may suffice.
• Are most milling projects for pieces requiring a high level of detail and precision? A 5-axis VMC will do the trick.

The price variance with vertical machining centres is only $8,000 with the cheapest costing around $79,000, and the dearest $87,000.

• Incorrect or worn cutting tools can ruin the finished product causing nasty marks and rough edges.
• Poorly trained operators unfamiliar with the intricacies of VMC use can turn even the simplest job into a disaster.
• Poor machine maintenance as it’s essential to maintain VMCs and stick to a strict maintenance program as outlined by the manufacturer.

Every vertical machining centre will come with a regular maintenance program as prescribed by the manufacturer. For a milling machine to provide long, reliable service, it’s important to stick to this, but here are a few things you should do regularly.

• Wipe the whole machine with a clean cloth – sliding surfaces, guide rails, tool holder, drive transmission and lift screw.
• Lubricate the machine according to manufacturer specifications.
• Check and tighten any loosening screws.
• Check belt tightness.
• Check for rust and/or update rust-proofing.