How to choose the right milling and turning compound

I. Core Prerequisite: Precisely Define Your Own Needs

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

1. Target Part Analysis:

(1) Material: Is the main material to be processed aluminum alloy, steel, stainless steel, or high-temperature alloys, titanium alloys, and other difficult-to-machine materials? The material determines the required spindle torque and machine tool rigidity.

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

(3) Complexity: Does the part contain features such as eccentric holes, inclined surfaces, curved surfaces, or irregular grooves? This determines the number of axes of linkage and the Y-axis travel required.

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

2. Production Mode and Objectives:

(1) Batch Size: 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) in unmanned production?

(3) Process Integration: How many traditional processes (turning, milling, drilling, tapping, boring) are expected to be integrated into this one machine?

II. Key Technologies and Configuration Selection

Based on our own needs, we focus on the following technical parameters:

1. Core Motion Axes and Precision

Essential Functions: Y-axis and C-axis: Ensure the machine has a true Y-axis (the turret can move radially), rather than simulating it through X/Z axis interpolation. The C-axis (spindle) must have accurate indexing and linkage functions, which is the foundation for milling.

Precision Indicators: Focus on positioning accuracy and repeatability.

2. Spindle System: The Heart of the Machine

(1) Turning Spindle:

Power and Torque: Machining steel and difficult-to-machine materials requires high torque (e.g., ≥200 Nm). High-speed machining of aluminum alloys requires high speeds (e.g., ≥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 milling capability and surface quality; torque determines the ability to drill large holes and mill grooves.

Drive Method: Direct drive by a servo motor is generally faster, quieter, and more precise than drive via gears or worm gears.

3. CNC System

System Brands: Mainstream systems such as Fanuc, Siemens, and Mitsubishi each have their 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

"The proof is in the pudding." The final step in selection must be a trial cut.

Preparing a Sample: Bring a representative blank of your own part containing all key features.

On-site Verification: At the supplier's technical center or factory, actually machine the part using the target machine tool.

Evaluation Results:

Accuracy Inspection: All critical dimensions of the finished parts were inspected using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to ensure they met requirements.

Efficiency Evaluation: The entire machining cycle time was recorded to evaluate efficiency.

Surface Quality: The surface finish of milled and turned parts was checked.

Operating Experience: The machine tool's operational stability, vibration, and noise levels were observed.