How to choose CNC machine tools

1. Determine the 'family' of workpieces

Before purchasing a CNC machine tool, it is necessary to first clarify the machining object of the machine tool, which parts need to be machined, what procedures are required for machining the parts, and classify the objects to be machined. A typical workpiece family can be divided into box type, rotary type, irregular type, plate type, etc. Only by distinguishing the workpiece family can the processing equipment be determined.

2. Planning and Design Process Flow

After determining the workpiece family, it is necessary to sort out and design the process flow. When designing the process flow, a principle should be followed, which is to maximize production efficiency. In addition, it is necessary to explore the reasonable configuration of CNC machine tools and other equipment to design the most reasonable process flow.

3. Determine the specification characteristics of CNC machine tools

The specifications and characteristics of CNC machine tools are determined by the process flow. When determining the specifications and models of CNC machine tools, it is necessary to ensure the maximum utilization of structural functions, and the simpler the structure, the better, while meeting the production functions. There is no need to pursue the richness and diversity of functions to avoid functional waste.

4. Determine the accuracy of CNC machine tools

Numerical control machine tools are classified into simple, fully functional, and ultra precision according to their use, and into ordinary and precision types according to their accuracy. The choice of precision depends on the machining object. For some high-precision workpieces, the machining accuracy of the machine tool is particularly important, and maintaining high precision also requires high stability. Therefore, when choosing high-precision machine tools, attention should also be paid to the operational stability of the machine tool.

5. Choose the CNC system for the CNC machine tool

The numerical control system of CNC machine tools, as an important component of CNC machine tools, will directly affect the price of CNC machine tools. Therefore, when choosing a CNC system, one should not blindly pursue high-level and new systems. The core should be to meet functional requirements and improve the cost-effectiveness of the machine tool. In addition, attention should also be paid to after-sales service, the service life of the system, and so on.

6. ATC selection

ATC is an automatic tool changing equipment for CNC machine tools. The quality of ATC will directly affect the production quality of the machine tool. When choosing ATC, try to choose one with high reliability, pay attention to important indicators such as tool holder model, tool changing time, maximum tool changing weight, and tool magazine capacity, to ensure the reliability of ATC selection.

7. Automatic exchange of workbench and tool holder

The automatic exchange workbench is mainly used for flexible manufacturing units. Whether to add this function depends on the processing needs. In terms of tool holders and cutting tools, the choice depends on the machining process, and the selection still needs to be based on the machining requirements and the reasonable choice of tool holders and cutting tools.