5-axis machining

5-axis machining opens up endless opportunities for the size and shape of parts that can be effectively                       

machined. The term "5-axis" refers to the 5 directions in which the cutting tool can move, namely along the                   

X, Y, and Z linear axes, and rotation on the A and B axes. This allows the cutting tool to approach the                             

workpiece from any direction, enabling all five sides of a part to bemachined in just one setup.

Benefits of 5-Axis Machining

- Enhance efficiency by machining intricate shapes in one go, reducing fixture preparation costs

- Streamline production and save resources with faster turnaround times and increased cash flow

- Achieve greater precision as parts remain stationary during machining

- Benefit from faster cutting speeds and reduced tool  vibration with the use of shorter cutting tools

- Obtain higher-quality parts with improved surface finishes.

Boring & Milling Machining

Boring-Milling machines are a valuable asset to industrial operations due to their ability to increase efficiency and streamline the production process. These machines specialize in enlarging existing holes through the use of a cutting tool or boring head, with the ability to precisely control the diameter of the hole. These machines are versatile, used in construction projects such as digging pits and tunnels, as well as making holes in hard rock surfaces. They come in a variety of sizes, with smaller versions for use on lathes and larger ones for boring mills.

Thanks to the advancements in technology, boring-milling machines now feature computer numerical control (CNC), allowing for greater precision and ease of use. The operator inputs codes, which the machine then uses to complete the drilling process, from positioning the drill in the spindle to turning off the spindle after the operation is complete. This automation eliminates the risk of human error and improves the overall accuracy of the machining process.

Gantry Milling

Gantry milling machines, also known as gantry mills, are large, horizontal milling machines characterized by their door frame structure. These machines have the advantage of being able to use multiple milling cutters simultaneously, resulting in high processing accuracy and efficiency, making them suitable for mass production of large flat or sloped parts.

CNC gantry milling machines also have the capability to process complex surfaces and specialized parts. These machines are known for their rigidity, efficiency, ease of operation, straightforward design, and overall versatility. However, the specific features and capabilities of a gantry milling machine can vary greatly depending on the type, model, and manufacturer, as well as the technology used.

CNC Milling

CNC milling is a specific type of computer numerical control (CNC) machining that combines elements of drilling and cutting to achieve a variety of operations. Unlike drilling, which uses a rotating cutting tool, milling uses a tool that can move along multiple axes to produce various shapes, slots, and holes. The work-piece is also often moved in different directions during milling.

CNC milling machines are the most commonly used type of CNC machines and are categorized by the number of axes they operate on. The axes are designated by letters, with X and Y referring to horizontal movement, Z representing vertical movement, and W referring to diagonal movement across a vertical plane. Most machines have 3 to 5 axes, offering performance along the X, Y, and Z axes. Advanced 5-axis milling machines require CAM programming for optimal performance due to the complex geometries involved. These machines are incredibly useful for producing shapes that would be difficult to achieve with manual methods. Most CNC milling machines also incorporate a device for cutting fluid during the machining process.

CNC machining centers are versatile and can be used to produce a wide range of components. Tooling costs have become more affordable, making CNC machining a viable option for many manufacturing needs. While large production runs requiring simple designs may be better served by other methods, CNC milling centers are ideal for everything from prototyping and short-run production of complex parts to the fabrication of precision components.

Turning

Turning is a type of material removal process in machining that creates rotating parts by removing excess material. This is accomplished using a turning machine, known as a lathe, the workpiece, a fixture, and a cutting tool. The workpiece is first fixed to the fixture, which is then attached to the lathe to allow for high-speed rotation. The cutting tool, which can be a single-point or multi-point tool, is positioned and then fed into the rotating workpiece to remove material in the form of chips to form the desired shape.

Turning is used to produce symmetrical parts with features such as holes, grooves, threads, tapers, varying diameters, and contoured surfaces. It is often used to create small quantities of custom designed parts, such as shafts and fasteners, and is also utilized as a secondary process to refine or add features to previously manufactured parts. The high precision and surface finishes achievable through turning make it ideal for adding rotational elements of accuracy to parts with already established shapes.

Swiss Machining

Swiss Lathes, also referred to as Swiss screw machines, Swiss automatic lathes, or Swiss turning centers, are a type of lathe that have a unique holding mechanism or collet that is tucked behind the guide bushing. This design sets Swiss Lathes apart from traditional lathes and provides a number of advantages.

One of the benefits of Swiss Lathes is the presence of the guide bushing, which offers additional support to the bar-stock material being machined or turned. The guide bushing fits snugly around the material, creating a similar effect as a steady-rest in traditional lathes. This results in more accurate tolerance levels on the finished parts, as turning operations are conducted close to the guide bushing.

Another advantage of Swiss Lathes is their ability to produce small-diameter parts with high precision and accuracy, as well as parts with larger length-to-diameter ratios. The guide bushing helps to reduce chatter in the tools, resulting in smoother turning operations.

In conclusion, Swiss Lathes offer several benefits over traditional lathes, making them well-suited for precision machining and turning operations, particularly with small-diameter parts.

Gear Forming

Special-Purpose Machine Forming

Electric Discharge Machining (EDM)

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a technique used for precision machining in cases where conventional metal removal methods are challenging or not feasible. It's commonly referred to by other names such as spark machining, arc machining and, inaccurately, burning.

The EDM process involves the flow of an electrical current between an electrode and a workpiece, which are separated by a dielectric fluid. The dielectric fluid acts as an insulator until enough voltage is applied to reach its ionization point, transforming it into a conductor. The resulting spark discharge erodes the workpiece to create the desired final shape.