A vertical milling machine used in a CNC machine shop is a specialized machine where the tooling is vertically oriented. How does it operate? What are the advantages of a vertical milling machine, and what are its applications? In this blog, RWD Tool & Machine Ltd., a leading CNC machine shop offering precision machining and metal fabrication services in Vaughan, Ontario, explores these questions in detail.
A vertical milling machine comprises cylindrical cutters that are vertically oriented on a spindle. This makes a vertical milling machine a great choice for plunge cuts and drilling, as well as diesinking processes.
When compared to a horizontal milling machine, a vertical milling machine is much more cost-effective to procure and operate.
They are easy to use and operate as the entire process is clearly visible and monitored. Hence, the tooling and workpiece can be easily monitored and tweaked.
Vertical milling machines are also quite compact. This means that they can perform various tasks like metal fabrication and precision machining in a smaller area, saving valuable space for a CNC machine shop.
The setup and overall operation of a vertical milling machine is quite simple, making it ideal for short runs and making small parts.
Vertical milling machines can be used to manufacture:
Box Type Parts: This includes engine blocks, gearboxes, spindle boxes, and gear pump shells.
Complex Curved Parts: Cams, engine propellers, impellers and mould cavities.
Special Parts: This includes specialty or irregularly shaped parts such as brackets and bases.
In closing, a vertical milling machine is excellent from a cost-effective and operational perspective, making it ideal to produce box and curved parts.
RWD Tool & Machine Ltd. is a reputed CNC machine shop and provider of metal fabrication services in Vaughan. Our services also extend to CNC precision machining. Contact us today for all your metal fabrication, assembly, and precision CNC machining requirements.
The most common types of CNC vertical tools include CNC vertical lathes, CNC vertical machining centers, and 5-axis machines.
Yes, CNC vertical milling machines can fabricate custom shapes and complex three-dimensional parts.