What is the difference between vertical and horizontal machining centers?


First, the vertical (vertical) machining center has a vertical axis of rotation for attaching cutting tools, and the workpiece is machined from above.

When comparing vertical machining centers with other machining centers, the features and advantages include ease of setting, ease of use of jigs, and superior machining accuracy. In addition, since it can be processed in a smaller space than other machining centers, it can be installed even in a small town factory with a reduced installation area.

The vertical machining center has a three-dimensional structure in which the axis of rotation of the cutting tool is vertical, so cutting is performed from the upper surface of the workpiece. Therefore, it is suitable for mold processing that requires a lot of top surface processing and high-mix low-volume production. In addition, vertical machining centers are used in various places such as metal processing of EV batteries in the automobile industry, cutting of lightweight aluminum parts, and mold processing in the electronic component market.


❑ What is a horizontal machining center?

A horizontal machining center has a cutting tool (cutting tool) that is horizontal to the ground, and can cut workpieces horizontally. The features and advantages of the horizontal machining center are that there is no need to manually change the machining surface of the workpiece, so it is possible to achieve high machining accuracy, that it is used when machining large workpieces, and the discharge of chips. Some of them are excellent in quality.

❑ What is the difference between vertical and horizontal machining centers?

[structure]
As mentioned earlier, the vertical machining center has a structure in which the rotating shaft to which the cutting tool is attached is attached in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the horizontal machining center has a structure in which the cutting tool is attached horizontally to the ground. As the name suggests, the difference in structure between the vertical type and the horizontal type results in a difference in the processing direction.

[Processing direction]
First of all, there is the direction in which the workpiece (workpiece) is machined. The vertical type processes the workpiece from above, and the horizontal type processes it horizontally. Of course, the direction in which the workpiece is installed is also different. In the vertical type, the workpiece is placed horizontally, but in the horizontal type, it is installed vertically.

[Processing accuracy]
At our company, the vertical type is superior when compared in terms of high processing accuracy, but the current situation is that there are differences between machine tools. In addition, it is said that the vertical type makes it easier for the machining fluid to reach the machining surface.
However, the advantage of the horizontal type is that chips do not accumulate on the workpiece. With the vertical type, there is a risk that machining waste will accumulate in the machining area and cause machining defects.

[Work setting]
Regarding the setting of workpieces, the vertical type is easier than the horizontal type. In particular, machining centers with low table heights can be set without leaning over, which improves workability.
Another feature of the vertical machining center is that jigs are easier to use.

[Installation area]
A vertical machining center requires less installation space.

[cost]
Vertical machining centers are cheaper than horizontal machining centers due to their simpler structure.

Despite these differences, the vertical machining center is currently more popular due to the impact of the installation area.


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Endo Co.,Ltd. Sales Department
NISHIJIMA Shin
Mobile:+818071657830
Email : shin-nishijima@endo-m.com
Facebook :www.facebook.com/EndoFactory
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