How to choose the right turning and milling compound?

1. Core Prerequisite: Accurately Define Your Own Needs

Before contacting any supplier, the following questions must be clarified internally:

1. Target Part Analysis:

(1) Material: Will you mainly process aluminum alloy, steel, stainless steel, or difficult-to-process materials such as high-temperature alloys and titanium alloys? The material determines the required spindle torque and machine tool rigidity.

(2) Size and Weight: What is the diameter, length, and weight of the largest part? This determines the processing range and load-bearing capacity of the machine tool.

(3) Complexity: Does the part contain features such as eccentric holes, bevels, curved surfaces, and special-shaped grooves? This determines the number of axis linkages and Y-axis travel required.

(4) Accuracy Requirements: What are the key dimensional tolerances, geometric tolerances (such as roundness and concentricity), and surface roughness requirements? This determines the accuracy level of the machine tool.

2. Production Mode and Target:

(1) Batch: Is it small-batch, multi-variety trial production and R&D, or medium-to-large-batch production? This affects the automation configuration.

(2) Efficiency: Is the goal to shorten the total manufacturing cycle of a single part, or to pursue the ultimate equipment utilization rate (OEE) for unmanned production?

(3) Process integration: How many traditional processes (turning, milling, drilling, tapping, boring) do you want to integrate into this equipment?

II. Key technology and configuration selection

Based on your own needs, focus on the following technical parameters:

1. Core motion axis and accuracy

Required functions: Y-axis and C-axis: Ensure that the equipment has a true Y-axis (the turret can move radially), rather than through X/Z axis interpolation simulation. The C-axis (spindle) must have precise indexing and linkage functions, which is the basis for achieving milling.

Accuracy indicators: Focus on positioning accuracy and repeatability.

2. Spindle system: the heartland

(1) Turning spindle:

Power and torque: Processing steel parts and difficult-to-process materials requires high torque (such as ≥200 Nm). High-speed processing of aluminum alloys requires high speed (such as ≥6,000 RPM).

Braking performance: C-axis orientation accuracy and stability during milling are crucial.

(2) Power turret:

Speed and torque: The speed of the power tool determines the milling capacity and surface quality; the torque determines the ability to drill large holes and mill slots.

Drive mode: Direct drive by servo motors usually responds faster, is quieter, and has higher precision than drive by gears or worms.

3. CNC system

System brand: Mainstream systems such as Fanuc, Siemens, and Mitsubishi each have their own advantages. Fanuc is stable and easy to use, while Siemens is powerful in five-axis linkage and digitalization.

III. Final decision: trial cutting and evaluation

"To see if it's a mule or a horse, take it out for a walk." The last step in the selection process must be trial cutting.

Prepare a sample: Bring a representative blank of your own part that contains all key features.

On-site verification: Actually process the part using the target machine tool at the supplier's technical center or factory.

Evaluation Results:

Precision Inspection: Use a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to inspect all critical dimensions of finished parts to ensure they meet requirements.

Efficiency Assessment: Record the entire machining cycle to assess efficiency.

Surface Quality: Inspect the surface finish of milling and turning operations.

Operational Experience: Observe the machine's operating stability, vibration, and noise levels.