CNC Milling Machines

CNC Knee Mills & Bed Mill - (CNC Retro-fit machines)-These machines are typically either 2 or 3 axis vertical milling machines that may either run manually or by computer control “CNC”and typically do not have a tool changer. They have grown in popularity in recent years due to their user-friendly control and programming.

Vertical Machining Centers -These 3,4 or even 5 axis “VMC” machines are fully automatic and typically include a tool-changer. These fully automatic machines can include pallet shuttles; parts probe inspection, rotary tables and various other options to take full advantage of their ability to run unattended. This is the most common type of CNC mill on the market today, due to its versatility.

Horizontal Machining Centers -These “HMC” machines have a horizontal spindle and a very similar to a vertical machining center, except they give greater machining flexibility on many complex shaped parts. These horizontal spindle machines can do such complex parts as cylinder heads, engine blocks and many other high volume large machining operations. These machines have a wide variety of options such as large capacity tool changers, rotary tables, special flood coolant system and many other high tech features.

Drilling / Tapping Centers - These high-speed “VMC” type machine are specifically designed to Drill & Tap high volume production parts, they can also be used like a machining center for light duty milling. They include most of the same features as a standard machining center only smaller and faster travel speeds.

Horizontal Boring Mills - These large heavy-duty horizontal mills centers that can be either CNC or Manual operation. Typically these machines are used to machine very large parts such as large castings, fixture plates, and other parts too large for a conventional machining center.

Gantry / Double Column Machines -These vertical machines are typically extremely large in size and can handle the most extreme machining applications.

Manual Milling Machines

Knee mills “Bridgeport mill ”-These versatile manual milling machines use several features to provide maximum flexibility for general machining applications. They have several moving axis including, ram, knee, spindle quill, and table. These milling machines are a great starter machine for any metalworking machine shop.  These machines usually have a vertical spindle, but can come with either or both a horizontal and / or vertical spindles.

Planers / Shapers -These old time machines are nearly obsolete, but still serve certain special applications. They utilize a different metal removal principal, instead of using a rotating spindle; they move a single point tool across the part or visa versa in order to remove metal. Typically you might still see these machines cutting keyways or internal splines.