CNC portal milling machine for metal. Cnc gantry milling machines

Not all standard 3-axis milling center layouts are capable of machining long and massive metal workpieces. As a rule, their design does not have enough working space so that the part can be placed and reliably backed up without problems. Especially for such non-standard solutions, milling machining centers with the so-called gantry design were developed. They can easily cope with the processing of workpieces up to 4 meters long and weighing up to 12 tons. Moreover, gantry milling machining centers cope with such tasks faster and better, and sometimes with comparable pricing.

Technical parameters and purpose of gantry CNC machining centers

The portal milling machine for metal has significant design features. The main unit of the machine is a U-shaped structure of two columns, between which a horizontal transverse beam is fixed, on which the spindle unit is attached. The spindle head moves along it, with a cutting tool fixed in it. Moreover, the direction of its movement can be both vertical and horizontal movement, and the rotation and inclination of the angular milling head can be carried out in 3, 4 and even in 5 coordinates. The number of spindle assemblies on one gantry milling machine for metal can reach three: one in this case will be located on the guide beam, and the other two - on the supporting vertical columns holding the guide.

An important distinctive feature of gantry milling machines with CNC is the longitudinal direction of movement of the working table with the workpiece fixed on it. In this case, the table moves in only one direction, while the design of standard CNC milling machines provides for a three-dimensional cross-shaped movement. This limitation is caused by the significant mass of the workpieces being processed: it is not possible to lift and turn such a workpiece in a minimum period of time, especially if its length reaches several or more meters.

In some cases, which is required by the technology of mechanical engineering, preference is given to models with a completely fixed table, where the processing of the workpiece surfaces is carried out due to the movements of the portal itself relative to the table surface. The control of multi-axis machines is carried out by means of a numerical control system (CNC system), which greatly simplifies the operation of the equipment and guarantees a stable processing quality.

A serious task that one has to face when processing heavy and oversized workpieces on gantry-type milling machines is a significant load on the spindle, as well as the need to overcome frictional forces and vibrations in the milling process. The solution to this problem, in addition to the introduction of forced cooling of the main working bodies, is the increased rigidity of the equipment, which is due to the mass of the machine itself as a whole. All this makes the machining center a complex engineering system, which fully justifies its own need for competent service.

Where to buy a gantry CNC milling machine?

The catalog of the KAMI Association presents a wide selection of branded equipment from the world's leading manufacturers, sold on a quality assurance basis. Prices for all models differ in their availability, and the manufacturer's warranty for its duration. You can get additional advice on the selection, operation and maintenance of machines from our technicians, both in a personal conversation and in a telephone conversation.

A gantry CNC milling machine is a high-tech equipment designed to perform tasks such as drilling, relief and surface milling, engraving. To do this, you need to create a drawing in a special editor, load it into the control module of the machine, after which the machine itself will perform all the necessary actions. wood, metal, plastic, stone and some other materials can be processed.

Advantages of CNC machines

CNC gantry machines are capable of quickly performing high-precision milling work, while they do not require the participation of more work force... One operator can service several machines at the same time. Its task, usually, is to fix (remove) the workpiece and start the control program.

The use of a CNC gantry milling machine in production can significantly reduce the time spent on the product manufacturing cycle, in comparison with the same process on conventional equipment, which requires the involvement of qualified personnel.

The purchase of a CNC milling machine is cheaper for the company than purchasing several conventional machines.

The speed of production and its quality will be higher. It will be possible to produce a wider range of products and save on the salaries of qualified personnel, which will make it possible to recoup the funds spent on equipment in a short time.

Varieties and scope

CNC gantry milling machines differ in functionality and scope. Some devices are designed to perform a wide variety of tasks. For example, gantry engraving and milling machines can produce products from various materials: from hard alloys to foam. It can be 2D or 3D processing, with varying degrees of precision and detail. At the same time, milling machines can only be processed.

Gantry CNC machines of industrial type

This is the most expensive and often bulky equipment, which is largely offset by its reliability and functionality. Operation in an industrial environment puts forward a number of requirements for CNC machines. Uninterrupted work on failure for a long time, in conditions of high loads, accuracy, possibility of processing large parts... In addition, such devices are equipped with all possible equipment, such as vacuum tables, water cooling systems for the spindle and tool changers. Industrial CNC equipment control is implemented in the form of separate consoles, on which advanced software is usually installed.

CNC machines for small businesses

This is the next industrial type of gantry machines with numerical control, which does not always mean their lower functionality or performance relative to their older counterparts. They are made according to the same principles and often with the same components.

Differences can be primarily in the size and equipment. The package includes the most necessary, there can be no talk of any carousel systems for changing the cutting tool, unless, of course, the device was purchased for tasks requiring such a function. The operation of the device is often controlled by a computer via the LTP port or using adapters connected to a USB or LAN.

Medium CNC routers are popular in small business, among individual entrepreneurs and in private use. They are used for milling wood and MDF in carpentry or furniture production, the manufacture of monuments (stone engraving), advertising products, stamps. The purchase of large, expensive CNC units for such needs is not justified and will bring losses rather than profits.

Multi-axis CNC machines

For a CNC router, at least three axes are required: two for positioning on a plane and one for moving the spindle with the cutting tool in the vertical direction. This functionality allows the machine to process a part in the so-called 2.5D format. This implies a relief study of the plane, without milling the inner parts of the part.

On a gantry milling machine, the fourth axis is usually a lathe chuck attached to the worktable surface. The workpiece is clamped into it, and processing occurs by rotating the part and moving the spindle along it. This method is often used in the manufacture of balusters for stairs. However, it is erroneous to consider the lathe chuck as the fourth axis, because in most cases it is connected to a controller that previously controlled one of the plane axes (most often X). The rotation of the chuck simulates movement along this axis.

Milling of full-fledged 3D objects is possible if the CNC has 5 axes. Such devices are used to make models, decorative models, sculptures.

There are CNC milling cutters with several (2 or more) spindles. These solutions help speed up the production of the same parts.

Homemade equipment

The project and drawings for such devices are done independently. The design, as a rule, is tried to be done according to the simplest possible scheme. In the manufacture of using improvised means (for example, stepper motors from DVD players). Some of the nodes can be made to order, something can be bought online.

Design features

The portal design of CNC machines implies the presence of an u-shaped portal. Its movement along the work plane provides machining of the part along the Y axis. Along the X axis, the part is machined by moving the spindle along the portal beam.

CNC machines are composed of the following elements:

• Stanina. It is located under the portal, on it there is a working table, as well as guides along which the U-shaped structure moves.
• Portal. Moves over the bed. It contains the working units and mechanisms of the CNC machine tool;
• Stepper motors (servo motors). Mechanisms are set in motion, ensuring the movement of the processing tool along a given axis;
• Guides. Usually rail or tube type. Provide accurate rectilinear movement of the movable units of the machine in a given direction;
• Moving mechanisms. There are two types: a ball-screw pair or a rack-pinion set. The rotation of the stepper motors by means of these mechanisms is converted into the movement of the machine components.
• ... Provides rotation of the cutting tool.
• Control system. For full numerical control of the machine , a separate rack with specially developed software is required. Budget machines can be controlled from a regular PC.

Basic complete set:

1 Machine.
2 Control unit.
3 Digital media with instructions.
4 Connecting cable.
5 Pump for cooling the spindle.
6 Spindle keys.
7 Link to download free 3D models - 2000 pcs.
8 Includes a 6 mm shank collet.
9 Set of clamps for fixing the workpiece

The options below can be set to this machine... The price indicated in the options below is added to the base price of the machine.

The main processing unit of the portal-milling technique is the U-shaped structure, consisting of two vertical columns and a horizontal beam with a fixed spindle. The spindle head moves along it, to which the cutting tool is fixed.

Unlike a conventional milling machine, in a gantry, the spindle head can move in any direction. On different models, from one to three such devices are installed. The part can be machined simultaneously from above and from both sides, which significantly speeds up the milling process.

Unlike conventional three-axis devices, the gantry frame moves in only one direction. This feature is due to the large size and weight of the workpieces being processed. There are models with a fixed table, along which the spindle unit moves with a fixed tool.

Despite the solid dimensions of the workpieces, milling does not take much time. The spindle rotates at 7000-20000 rpm, quickly machining the part.

This technique can withstand loads of up to 2.5 t / m², allowing you to work with workpieces made of any metals and alloys.

Due to its massiveness milling machines portal type perfectly dampen vibration. For additional stability, machine units are filled with a special vibration damping agent. A specially developed cooling system protects the spindle from overheating. Therefore, the equipment has a long service life.

Advantages of gantry CNC machining centers from KMT

• Our company supplies Chinese equipment, the price of which is much lower than European or Japanese models. This reduces the financial burden on the buying company. If necessary, the goods can be leased.
• The technique has a self-diagnostic function - in the event of a malfunction, the machine generates an error message, so that much time is not wasted on troubleshooting.
• The control program has a user-friendly interface that facilitates the work of the service personnel. There is a recording function, so the loaded operations can be saved to be repeated if necessary.
• The offered equipment has high speed work that allows you to quickly make a large batch of parts. Since the equipment is controlled by the program, breakdowns and defects caused by the human factor are practically excluded during operation.
• Service maintenance of the purchased milling equipment will not be a problem. A wide network of centers allows you to quickly purchase a worn out part and replace it in case of breakdown. You can also buy all the necessary consumables there.

Our company will install, debug the purchased portal milling center and train personnel to work on it. In the future, warranty and post-warranty service will be carried out.